SENDRA members have been invited by Laing O’Rourke, the construction company that is building the new Westgate center, for a short discussion about environmental monitoring.

The meeting took place on the 11th of March (2016) at the site offices. There were the Project Liaison Officer, the Sustainability Manager and two members of SENDRA.

SENDRA explained that there were concerns about possible worsening of noise, vibration and air quality due to the presence of the constructions. Laing O’Rourke representatives showed how the site is being constantly monitored thanks to two electronic equipments. Details about noise levels, dust and vibrations were discussed. All the figures and graphs shown by Lang O’Rourke proved that the measurements were below the fixed thresholds. The data was shown as daily or weekly averages, which do not exclude the possibility that occasional peaks get over the thresholds. SENDRA members were assured that, when peaks are detected, an alarm is produced so that corrective measures can be taken.

In conclusion, SENDRA members were satisfied by the levels of dust, noise and vibration being shown and were reassured by the monitoring measurements being put in place. Laing O’Rourke promised to publish regular updates about the measurements and to mention if any “exceptional” event might produce spikes and what actions are taken to keep them under control.