Still more...

It's around 4:30 am and Chill Chain Logistics/CB Freezers has been making a continuous, non-stop noise for the last 45+ minutes.

And again....

Once again CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics has parked a truck and left it running in front of the building.

I've been up for over an hour and it's 3am.

Other Areas

It seems that Quinte West does have a bylaw in place for the loading and unloading of vehicles. See page 6, #11. The issue here is the designation 'other areas' which includes areas well populated by private residences. Perhaps, rather than allowing free reign (except for Sundays and holidays), the city could extend the time allowance from 9pm - 7am to 11pm - 7am in these areas as Guelph (see page 5) has done.

Almost a week...

We've managed almost a full week of relative quiet on the East side of the plant. The reefers have been moved to the West lot and, for me at least, it has made a world of difference. I'm not sure how those in the west are faring. CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics is still making quite the racket when loading/unloading trucks between 2 and 4 in the morning, but overall things have improved for us.

So, what now?

Some commenter's seem to think that earplugs are the answer but my neighbours (as well as my husband and myself) feel that dealing with the bylaw exemption is a more appropriate action. Asking the residents here to wear earplugs is like asking people to wear a gas masks so that industry can continue to pollute. It's not a solution.

Most city noise by-laws prohibit excessive noise between anywhere from 6-11 pm of one day to 7-9 am of the next day. Dealing specifically with the loading and unloading of vehicles. the city of Ottawa noise by-law prohibits "deliveries from a motor vehicle between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. causing disruptive noise. " We'd like to see Quinte West to adopt a similar noise by-law.

The people here are not unreasonable. No one is asking for CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics to be shut down, we simply want them to respect their neighbours.

More Quiet!

No noise last night! I'm so, so happy. I'm hoping that all of our neighbours have had the same quiet we've had. It sure would be nice if this became the normal state of our neighbourhood.

A bit of quiet.

I've heard through the grapevine that the city was to meet with the Willard's, owners of CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics, about our noise issue. I'm glad to know that the ball is slowly rolling and that at the very least the issue is not being completely ignored by the city any longer.

Things have been a bit better over the past two evenings. Thursday morning at around 3 or 4 am there was a lot of noise and banging coming from across the street but at least the reefers had not been left on all night. When I got home yesterday after picking the kiddo up we could hear the rumbling as we came up from the waterfront path behind our house which continued, uninterrupted, for about two hours. There was a bit of noise last night too but it's been a great improvement over what we've been through the past two months. I hope things have improved for our neighbours as well and that this marks the beginning of change.

Noise and diesel

After midnight in the wee hours of Tuesday morning a truck pulled into the lot at CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics and left a reefer running into the morning hours. It's clear that some of the units are louder than others and this one was a doozy. My door was vibrating. The noise was incredible. I emailed the city again at 2:30 in the morning.

Yesterday I received an email from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In his response he told me that he has spoken with the city, my MP, my MPP, ministry of the environment staff and has forwarded my concerns to the Minister of the Environment.

It really doesn't seem fair or right that such great steps need to be taken in order for this issue to be dealt with. The people here are not unreasonable. The effected people I have spoken with are not asking for CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics to be shut down, they just want a bit of peace and quiet through the night.

Something I haven't really touched on are the effects of the diesel emissions.

"Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) are refrigeration systems powered by diesel internal combustion engines designed to refrigerate or heat perishable products ... significant numbers of these engines congregate at distribution centers, truck stops, and other facilities, resulting in the potential for health risks to those that live and work nearby." http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm

"1.6.3. Chronic (Long-Term Exposure) Carcinogenic Effects
This assessment concludes that DE is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans by inhalation” and that this hazard applies to environmental exposures. This conclusion is based on the totality of evidence from human, animal, and other supporting studies. There is considerable evidence demonstrating an association between DE exposure and increased lung cancer risk among workers in varied occupations where diesel engines historically have been used."
US Environmental Protection Agency, Health Assessment Document for Diesel Engine Exhaust

Health Impact of Diesel Particulate Matter:
Inflammation of lung tissue, Asthma attacks, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Premature births, Stroke, High blood pressure, Atherosclerosis, Heart attack, Premature Death
http://www.cleanairsys.com/emissions/particulates/index.htm

Fortunately there are solutions. The following article comments on the new breed of refrigeration units that not only are better for the environment but also run much more quietly than diesel, and are more cost effective to operate.
http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/environmental-law-air-quality-regulation/5503445-1.html

A chorus of noise

There are four trailers parked in the lot this morning. They've been running all weekend, cycling on and off, on and off. I'm not sure if some of the units are worse than the others or if there are moments when more than one is running at the same time. The noise can change from an annoying hum to an unbearable 'stuck in a snowbank' type of noise.

What is the point of leaving these refrigerated diesel trailers running all weekend long? With better planning couldn't this situation be circumvented? None of us can think of a good reason that the reefers should be parked and left running for days on end. This is not a one time annoyance, this is a continual problem that not only affects the people in this neighbourhood but is detrimental to the environment.

One thing that has stuck in my head through this ordeal is that when I have made complaints directly to CB Freezers they always divert the issue to 'the trucking company', A.K.A. Chill Chain Logistics. It was always said in a manner that would make one believe that they are completely separate entities. A little search this morning shows that not only are CB Freezers and Chill Chain Logistics run from the same address but contact information for both lead to Willard Consulting and Mr. Scott Willard.

Of specific interest on the Willard Consulting web site is this page.

The rollover for Canadian Blast Freezers lists "new plant acquisition" as the #1 point in their consultation case study. If they are talking about acquiring the plant located at 80 Carrying Place Road I'd say that they failed rather miserably in their acquisition considering the negative impact that their actions have had on the residents here. If they are talking about the acquisition of 'Midtown Meats' (a processing plant that recently suffered a fire in a near by town, the processing will be moved to CB in the near future) I'd say that this clearly demonstrates that not only do they not care about the current situation but that they have no issue with making the situation even worse.

I've heard many, many times that CB is concerned about their neighbours. The websites for CB Freezers, Chill Chain Logistics and Willard Consulting promote the fact that they are service driven, and quality conscious. As someone very personally affected by these companies I'd sooner eat my shoe than swallow a word of what they are dishing up.

Up and out of bed.

It boggles my mind that this is still continuing.

Just shy of 4:30 a.m. and the noise was so bad that I was woken up and got out of bed.

It's one thing to wake up from a deep sleep, get annoyed, bury your head under a pillow and make an attempt at returning to sleep. It's another sort to be awoken by such a noise that you don't even bother to try to shut it out. I figured I might as well stumble down the stairs and start the day.

I came across an article yesterday that was published in the Simcoe Reformer. A couple was bothered by the noise coming from a local commercial property and went to the Ontario Municipal Board about it. The board said that the "county's handling of this matter has been half-hearted and ineffectual... there is no evidence the county is taking steps to ensure that noise ... isn't inconveniencing the neighbours." Sounds familiar.

It's been two weeks since CB Freezers put a letter in my mailbox saying that the reefers were going to be placed in the East lot, for one week, due to paving. Those things are still there, as they were long before, and where they will likely remain. I'm hoping and praying that those damned things aren't left running all weekend long again, but I won't hold my breath.

Another voice and more noise

My husband commented tonight that this has probably been the quietest week we've had in a month and a half despite the fact that we are still being woken up most nights (including last night at around 12, 1 and 3 am). Starting at around 9 pm this evening the reefers parked at the front bay have been rumbling away on and off. This is where they are the worst for us. I can feel my front door vibrate from the noise.

I've asked another neighbour to write a few words about their experience living with CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics in their neighbourhood. Here's what he has to say...

I don't know how you do it! Living directly across from that monster called CB Freezers. I live to the west of CB, down at the water (which is quite a bit further away from them then you are) and I still find the noise emanating from the reefers exceedingly loud.....almost unbearable at night! The noise travels down my way and keeps me awake at night, affecting my and my family's quality of life in a major way....sleep deprivation! As you are fully aware, sleep deprivation is a horrible thing, making it nearly impossible to function properly through-out the day....especially when you have young children, like me. I'm also very concerned about the diesel exhaust fumes being released from the reefers night and day, and how it will affect my child's health in the future.

When I moved here a couple of years ago, I too investigated CB Freezers and was absolutely astonished to find out that they are exempt from the noise by-law. I was equally as astonished to find out that CB Freezers cared so little about the very real concerns of it's direct neighbours....brushing them off with the...."we can do what ever we want" attitude.

All of my surrounding neighbours are directly affected by CB in a negative manner ...some more than others, but there is one thing for sure. Everybody in the area is aware of CB's presence, especially in the middle of the night when they are at their absolute loudest. I find it difficult to understand why they have to leave their reefers running for days on end, when with a little better planning, they could load/unload the truck and drive it away to it's destination....immediately. Why do they have to leave it parked there running overnight, or over the weekend when they are fully aware that their neighbours as so affected by the noise? Something has to be done with CB Freezers....because they make terrible neighbours......and they don't seem to care about that fact.

Another voice.

Some people feel that I should not be complaining because I chose to move here. Some people seem to think that I am alone in my attempts to affect change. I've asked a long time resident to share her personal experience.

For 26 years I have lived next to CB Freezers formerly the FBI Juice plant. Never has there been a problem until CB Freezers came to town. Since 2007 I have been at odds with the City of Quinte West regarding the noise we have had to deal with.

I remember distinctly that it was the long weekend in May and I was looking forward to working outside all weekend. After about an hour of listening to the drone of the trucks I gave up and decided that instead of listening to the birds sing and having a peaceful time with nature, I was slowly losing my mind.

This continued regardless of the number of times we contacted the city. I have met with the Mayor, The CEO , actually I am on my second CEO, the Fire Chief, he's retired as well now, and the owner of CB Freezers. Apparently business can run rampant in the fair city and there is nothing we can do about it. We as residents however cannot make the same type of noise.

The heat in the summer and the running of the reefers cannot possibly be good for our health. But suck it up things don't seem to be changing. WE have contacted every area of government and the pat answer is a referral to someone else. There has been an audio/visual presentation made to council and still we don't seem to be able to get anything done.

My neighbour of 20 years finally sold their home and moved on. They were under no obligation so someone moves in and discovers the noise problem. Another neighbour further down the road in front of the plant sold their home after spending a couple of years redoing the entire house only to move on because they couldn't enjoy the yard and gardens because of the noise.

Lack of sleep is getting to all of us. White noise should not be allowed. Isn't that how they drove people crazy in Waco Texas? It's working.

Quinte West Love

I've said it before but apparently it's time to say it again: I love Quinte. I was totally excited about moving here because it's one of my most favourite places on earth. I love showing off the natural beauty of this place to visitors, and experiencing all that Quinte has to offer with my family. It's a great place filled with some of the best people I've had the good fortune to meet anywhere. Quinte West is a lovely place to be...

My problem is with Quinte West noise bylaw exemption #11, the resulting excess noise and the failure of city officials to protect Quinte West residents.

This is an issue residents have been battling for over 2 years. This is not something I imagined, invented or initiated. I have seen the complaints made by my neighbours dating as far back as June 2007.

Some people think that I'm just a petty city girl making a mountain out of a molehill, some that I'm trying to stand in the way of industry and jobs because of a little noise, and others see me as someone who is bitter about a bum real estate deal. The reality is that I'm just trying to make positive changes in a community I love, somewhere I now call home.

P.S. Apparently CB does have a certificate of approval... for what exactly I do not know but I'm going to try to find out.

WHO

I got an email from the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau yesterday. The gentleman who replied to my query said...

"You say that you have contacted everyone possible so I assume that you have contacted the noise bylaw authority for your municipality but, for some reason, you report that the issue is not being resolved."

I have replied to let him know that our municipality has exempted industrial and commercial properties from noise bylaws.

He directed me to the World Health Organization Noise Guidelines and Nighttime Noise Guideline Levels. You can check out the document here: http://www.euro.who.int/document/e92845.pdf

I've sent the document to our mayor.

There are a great deal of health related issues that can be directly linked to excessive night time noise.

“40 to 55 dB Adverse health effects are observed among the exposed population. Many people have to adapt their lives to cope with the noise at night. Vulnerable groups are more severely affected.

Above 55 dB The situation is considered increasingly dangerous for public health. Adverse health effects occur frequently, a sizeable proportion of the population is highly annoyed and sleep-disturbed. There is evidence that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases.”

The noise on my front stoop has regularly been above 70 dB at 2 a.m.

I took a reading inside my home of 57-63 dB last week after 1:30 a.m.

Sunday morning

Up at 6 am this morning after another restless night. I couldnt' take the noise any longer.

It's like having a contruction vehicle turning on and off, all night and day, for days on end. Why are those things left running day after day? I just don't get it.

There is some question as to if CB should have to obtain an Approval for Discharge. I have no idea why they would not considering this similar establishment did... Sterling Packers

How has something as simple as sleep turned into a complicated issue?

'for the remainder of this week.'

Thursday night didn't seem too bad for noise however my neighbours across the road told me that they could hear it at 2:30 in the morning. The units are currently parked in the rear of the lot so it's not as bad as it was when they were parked at the very front of the building. We can still hear it inside our home. This only lessens the noise... it does not stop it.

Last night was another story. We've had guests staying the past couple of days and they definitely noticed the noise last night. It's awful that this is even something we need to consider when inviting people to our home. Thank god the reefers weren't in front of the building. It would have been a sleepless night for many.

I was hoping that today would mark the last day of noise for us for couple of days. The letter from CB on Monday had stated that the reefers and trailers would be relocated for the remainder of the week... it didn't mention them staying all weekend long again. It was foolish of me to even think that they would give us some peace this weekend.

And another...

There's really not much more to say about it today.

On, off, on, off, on, off ....

Awake, asleep, awake, asleep, awake, asleep ....

All night, almost every single night.

Will someone please put a stop to this?

A bad night.

Last night was terrible.

I stayed in the back bedroom and was still bothered to no end.

My husband, who has slept through an explosion and requires shouting and shoving to be woken up, was woken up continually last night and into the morning.

He said the kiddo woke up and crawled into bed with him (I stayed in the guest room) and that every single time the noise increased from CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics that our son would flail around and become very agitated.

I really don't care what excuse CB Freezers is gives for the noise they are making, they are disrupting the sleep of my child, in his own home, with the windows closed!

By-law Exemption

When I tell people that Quinte West has exempted industrial and commercial properties from all noise by-laws in the manufacturing, processing and assembly of goods and products they are in disbelief.

Here is the by-law...

http://www.city.quintewest.on.ca/services/bylaws/noise_bylaw08-127.pdf

The noise by-law exemptions are on page 7. Check out number 11.



No matter how loud. No matter what time of day... there is nothing Quinte West will do for us.

I wish I was making this up.

I'm up

3:30am and I've already been woken up a few times this evening.

It's not as bad as it was last week when the noise was eminating from directly across from my driveway. They've placed the trucks at the rear of the lot this time around. It was still enough to wake me up. I can't imagine that it doesn't bother the people to the side, although they do have trees separating them.

My kiddo has seemingly gone unscathed through all of this. Tonight I fell asleep beside him after reading his bedtime story and I realized that every time that damned noise goes off he starts to squirm in his sleep. While he may not be outright woken up this is definately having an effect on him.

A thought did strike me when I was woken up this morning. Despite the totally ridiculous noise by-law exemption for commercial and industrial properties, there are Quinte businesses listed on the Environmental Registry. I wondered if any had applied for a Certificate of Approval for Air & Noise. Yes, there are several. CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics is not one of them.

A certificate of approval basically grants a business permission to put emissions into the environment. The Environmental Registry lets the public know what is going on in their community and gives them the opptortunity to make comments and provide feedback. You can check out their searchable database here.

Why do some Quinte businesses have to apply for a Certificate of Approval for noise emissions and not CB Freezers?

CB Freezers processes (or will process, I have no idea what goes on over there) meat at their Quinte location, a search of the registry yeilds the following results...

Prince Foods

Quality Meat Packers Limited

508818 Ontario Limited

Domingo Meat Packers

Why do these businesses appear on the registry but not CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics?

Seriously?

I've just had a message delivered to my mailbox informing me that CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics will be moving the reefer units to the 'east lot' for the remainder of the week because they are paving.

Thank the gods I got sleep this weekend because this is going to be one hell of a week.

So much for sleep...

And so the noise begins again and will likely play in the background to our Sunday roast dinner.

P.S. It's now 7:00 pm, dinner eaten in peace and the truck that was being moved to the front of the building is no longer there... sweet! :)

Another Quiet Night!

Woo hoo! I'm feeling like a million bucks because I've now had two full nights of sleep. But what's this...

7:20 am on a Sunday and there is a stream of contruction equipment heading into the lot of CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics.

It's now just after 9am and they've been going strong for quite a while.

Funny because our by-laws prohibit construction on Sundays.

I'm not about to become one of those people who call the police at every opportunity. I know the police have better things to do... plus I'm not sure they would do anything anyway. The bylaw officer has the day off so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

In other news...

Since my real estate agent was unaware of the totally ridiculous lack of by-law protection for the people of Quinte West, I've decided to inform all real estate agents and real estate organizations in Quinte West about the noise by-law. Anyone buying near a property zoned as commercial or industrial has the right to know that they are completely unprotected by Quinte West noise by-laws. No one should ever have to say "I didn't know."