Section 816.64. Use of explosives; blasting schedule

(a) General requirements.

(1) The permittee shall conduct blasting operations at times approved by the division and announced in the blasting schedule. The division may limit the area covered, timing, and sequence of blasting as listed in the schedule, if such limitations are necessary and reasonable in order to protect the public health and safety or welfare.

(2) All blasting shall be conducted during daylight hours. The division may specify more restrictive time periods for blasting.

(3) Unscheduled blasts may be conducted only where public or permittee health and safety so require and for emergency blasting actions. When a permittee conducts an unscheduled blast, the permittee, using audible signals, shall notify residents within 1/2 mile of the blasting site and document the reason for the unscheduled blast in accordance with 4VAC25-130-816.68(p).

(4) Seismic monitoring shall be conducted when blasting operations on coal surface mining operations are conducted within 1,000 feet of a private dwelling or other occupied building.

(b) Blasting schedule publication and distribution.

(1) The permittee shall publish the blasting schedule in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality of the blasting site at least 10 days, but not more than 30 days, before beginning a blasting program.

(2) The permittee shall distribute copies of the schedule to local governments and public utilities and to each local residence within 1/2 mile of the proposed blasting site described in the schedule.

(3) The permittee shall republish and redistribute the schedule at least every 12 months and revise and republish the schedule at least 10 days, but not more than 30 days, before blasting whenever the area covered by the schedule changes or actual time periods for blasting significantly differ from the prior announcement.

(c) Blasting schedule contents. The blasting schedule shall contain, at a minimum-

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the permittee;

(2) Identification of the specific areas in which blasting will take place;

(3) Dates and time periods when explosives are to be detonated;

(4) Methods to be used to control access to the blasting area; and

(5) Type and patterns of audible warning and all-clear signals to be used before and after blasting.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-03-19 § 816.64, eff. December 15, 1981; amended, eff. June 28, 1982; October 28, 1982; December 14, 1982; October 11, 1983; December 27, 1983; May 8, 1984; June 22, 1984; August 2, 1984; October 16, 1985; January 7, 1987; July 22, 1987; November 25, 1987; October 12, 1988; December 26, 1990; July 1, 1991; July 17, 1991; November 20, 1991; July 7, 1992; May 5, 1993; October 19, 1994; Volume 22, Issue 24, eff. September 6, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-230 and 45.1-242 of the Code of Virginia.