Impacts of Quarry Blasting on Water Sustainability: Assessment of Social Acceptability in the Municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay

Quarry blasting is perceived as a risk to groundwater sustainability by rural communities in Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines. The Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation (IRDC) has conducted blasting operations since 2013 across three quarry sites. As many residents rely on deep wells, often shared by multiple households, concerns arise over potential groundwater depletion and contamination linked to these activities. The problem of water sustainability can be addressed through a preliminary assessment to evaluate the extent of the negative effects of blasting activities on the deep well groundwater levels near the quarry sites as perceived by the community. Survey tools and spatial analysis methods using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) and GeoDa were used to assess local concerns. Results show that 51.6% of respondents observed no change or decline in their groundwater levels during blasting. Still, 38.5% perceived negative impacts, with 48.4% linking effects to blasting vibrations. Despite these concerns, spatial analyses—including z-tests, Moran’s I, and regression—revealed no significant clustering or correlation between well proximity to the quarry and perceived water level changes. While there appears to be no measurable impact of blasting on groundwater levels, shared wells remain points of vulnerability. The reported presence of unusual substances like worms and sand, believed by locals to be caused by blasting, underscores the need for deeper investigation. These findings highlight the importance of considering water sustainability and equitable access in environmental management, particularly where communal groundwater sources are involved. Further research into hydrogeological variation, well construction, and seasonal patterns is essential to fully understand and safeguard water resources in quarry-affected areas.