Blasting For New Waltham High School To Last Until Late Summer

WALTHAM, MA — On Wednesday, after several people called the city to complain and others took to the internet to ask if others felt an earthquake or possible blasting, the city sent out an alert to remind people that since the middle of January, construction crews have begun blasting at the site of the new Waltham High School.

"This is to inform everyone that construction activities have begun on the new Waltham High School at 554 Lexington Street," a reverse 911 call and emergency alert email said. "About a week ago blasting operations were initiated. Generally, there will be two blasts every day, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The exact times are published weekly and posted to the project website."

The project website indicates blasting on Feb. 3 will take place between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., but does not indicate the next time blasting will happen.

The city also said those who want to be notified directly just prior to every blast can contact 603-647-0299 and be added to the text or call list. Note: This number has been updated. The previous number did not work.

"We anticipate that blasting operations will continue until late Summer 2021," the city said.

For years, the superintendent's office has been beating the drum about a need for an upgrade to the high school in order to accommodate increased enrollment and upgrade from deteriorating building conditions. After contentious back and forth about the ideal location, the city eventually agreed to acquire the property of the Stigmatine's, a religious order close to the current high school.

Crews broke ground on the site of the $375 million new high school in September.

The city's environmental impact report to the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency in mid-August included potential environmental concerns from the public. Several people asked questions about the blasting.

In response, the city said the actual noise from blasting during drilling was similar to typical construction site noise, with occasional louder, but very short duration peaks at the immediate moment of blast shot ignition.

"Technical provisions for controlled blasting will require the contractor to comply with the rules and regulations of the commonwealth," the city responded. "On site rock crushing will be mitigated with earth berms or other sound barriers."

Previously: Blasting To Start In January For New Waltham High School

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.