Section 817.64. Use of explosives; general performance standards

(a) The permittee shall notify, in writing, residents within 1/2 mile of the blasting site and local governments of the proposed times and locations of blasting operations. Such notice of times that blasting is to be conducted may be announced weekly, but in no case less than 24 hours before blasting will occur.

(b) Unscheduled blasts may be conducted only where public or permittee health and safety so requires and for emergency blasting actions. When a permittee conducts an unscheduled surface blast incidental to underground coal mining operations, the permittee, using audible signals, shall notify residents within 1/2 mile of the blasting site and document the reason in accordance with 4VAC25-130-817.68 (p).

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

(d) 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.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-03-19 § 817.64, 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 23, Issue 13, eff. April 4, 2007.

Statutory Authority

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