Vibrations in a neighborhood: A case-study in applied geography

Abstract

In 1981, residents of Trois-Rivières-Ouest (Québec) who lived near the Kruger pulp and paper mill began to complain that strong vibrations were damaging their homes. A study sponsored by the local university led to the identification of three destinct sectors with regard to the vibrations. These were found to be due to a combination of factors including automobile, rail and maritime traffic, with the most significant source of vibrations being the Kruger plant itself. Using the data collected in the study, residents presented a convincing case to both city hall and the Kruger company, and were thus able to obtain a satisfactory solution to their problems.