Township of Marple, PA Article IV Blasting Operations

§ 129-12 Permit required.

From and after the effective date of this chapter it shall be unlawful for any person to carry on any blasting operations in the Township of Marple without first having obtained a permit signed by the Township Manager and Inspector of Blasting.

§ 129-13 Application for permit.

The form of application for a permit to carry on blasting operations will be signed by the Township Manager and the Inspector of Blasting. Such applications shall state:

A. The name and address of the person who is to do or direct the blasting, evidence of his license and a sworn, notarized copy of his resume of experience.

B. The name and address of the owner of the property on which the blasting is to take place.

C. The purpose of the blasting.

D. The exact location of the blasting and the distance of the blasting from the nearest highway, railroad, dwelling and other buildings.

E. The type of explosives and the maximum charge to be exploded at any one time.

F. The date or dates and the time or times when the blasting operations shall take place, except that where such operations are more or less regularly engaged in, the Inspector of Blasting shall designate a schedule of the dates and times when such operations shall take place.

G. Any other pertinent information required by the Township Inspector of Blasting.

§ 129-14 Applicant for permit.

An application for a permit to carry on blasting operations may be made by the owner of the property on which such operations are to be conducted or by the superintendent, foreman or person who is to do or direct the blasting if the written consent of the owner is endorsed on the application. The applicant shall be fully qualified under this chapter and all sections of the blaster licensing requirements of Chapter 210, Reference 42-1B(2)a, and fully compliant with Section 842, Unlawful Acts of A.T.F.P.5400.7, Ref. 42-1B(5).

§ 129-15 Permit fees; Inspector of Blasting.

The permit fee as set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners shall be for a blasting permit which will expire 180 days after issuance, plus the cost of inspection as hereinafter provided. Any person more or less regularly engaged in quarrying operations may apply for an extended permit for a period not exceeding 12 months. The permit fee for such permit shall be as set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners for each calendar month or part thereof covered by the permit. The Inspector of Blasting shall regulate, inspect and supervise blasting operations in a particular location and reasonable charges of the township for the services of such Inspector while there on duty shall be paid by the applicant as an additional permit fee. Persons holding blasting permits issued by the township shall during working hours admit the Inspector of Blasting and comply with his instructions with reference to blasting operations and transportation of explosives within Marple Township.

§ 129-16 Operations.

A. Conduct of operations.

(1) The superintendent, foreman or person in charge of every blasting operation shall post in a conspicuous place in proximity to the operation the name or names of persons whom he has designated as blasters, after having satisfied himself of their previous blasting experience and competency. NOTE: The storage of explosives in Marple Township is strictly prohibited.

(2) All blasting operations shall be conducted without endangering the health, safety and welfare of persons and the safety of private and public property. Such operations shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Inspector of Blasting and shall be carried on in accordance with Chapter 211, Storage, Handling and the Use of Explosives, issued by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Reference 42-1B(2)b.

B. Planning for blasting; preoperation phase. Prior to blasting operations, the Township Inspector of Blasting shall, on a fully reimbursable basis by the blasting company or his employer, perform the following:

(1) The company shall perform preblasting surveys of all buildings within 2,000 feet of the intended blast and structures, both public and private, within 500 feet. This survey shall be performed prior to any explosive detonations. The surveys shall include, but are not limited to, photographs, videotapes, evaluation reports, qualified evaluation and definition of existing structural cracks and preexisting settlement. Rock out-cropping and other surface or visible flaws in the vicinity shall be noted and thoroughly described.

(2) Notify owners of buildings and structures of the intent to survey the premises and request a date and time from the owner when access will be permitted. Provide for a response denying access in the notification. Deliver written requests for access by certified mail, return receipt requested, including a self-addressed stamped postcard for the owner's reply. If no reply is received, attempt to contact the person by phone and record the owner's response.

(a) When access is permitted, survey the structures and dwellings to accomplish the following:

[1] Determine the physical condition of each structure.

[2] Document existing damage and other factors inside and outside which could be affected by blasting.

[3] Access the condition of appurtenances such as pipes, cables, transmission lines, wells and other water systems for human, animal or agricultural purposes.

(b) Submit a written report on each structure that is surveyed. Include in the report any diagrams or photographs of rooms or structures indicating size and locations of cracks or separations in foundations, walls, ceilings, floors, etc. Reports, photographs, videotapes shall be prepared covering the entire blasting area and furnished to the township. All records which are developed shall be duplicated and a copy furnished to the township, in a hard copy format.

(3) A site where test blasting is to be conducted, in accordance with the blasting plan, shall be selected. The following information, minimally, shall be established at the test site:

(a) Test blasting shall be conducted at the selected location consistent with the Blasting Plan. Establish the relationship of the scaled distance concept with respect to peak particle velocity to control ground vibration. The safe limits determined for peak particle velocity and overpressure (air blast) for test blasting shall be the limits for production blasting.

(b) The blasting plan, which is finally derived from the data developed in Subsection B(2) shall include the following:

[1] Diameter of holes.

[2] Depth of holes.

[3] Center line to center line spacing of holes.

[4] Weight of explosives per delay period of 8 ms or greater.

[5] Decking if applicable.

[6] Height of top stemming.

[7] The maximum pounds of explosives per ms delay of 8 ms or greater calculated in accordance with Section 211.2(21), Chapter 211, or by previous blasting experience.

[8] Do not exceed the limits for peak particle velocity as stated below: The peak particle velocity shall not exceed 0.50 inches per second. Specific waiver of this limit may be granted only by the Commissioners of Marple Township upon rigorous, detailed justification of waiver by the applicant.

[9] Public alert and warning system.

[10] Specific location of seismic instruments (mandatory in all four directions).

[11] Anticipated blasting schedule, indicating days of week and time of day.

[12] Maximum peak particle velocity (limited to 0.50 in./second on any single component monitored at each seismograph location), when recorded on three mutually perpendicular directions, longitudinal, traverse and vertical.

[13] Maximum sound pressure level (air overpressure) is limited to 120 dB. Record simultaneously with particle velocity.

[14] Planned use of blasting mats.

[15] The plan shall cover radially oriented instrumentation for maximized data.

[16] Additional information as needed and appropriate. If blasting is to be performed near any waters within or on the boundaries of the commonwealth, submit to the Engineer evidence of written notification to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. The township has the authority to request a revised blasting plan for any reason.

(c) Complete seismographic data shall be furnished to the township.

C. Operations - blasting phase.

(1) At least 30 days prior to any blasting either in the test section or working section, submit a plan to the Blasting Consultant for review. After bedrock is exposed in the excavation, measure the attitude of naturally occurring fractures in the rock and utilize the data to plan the blasting procedure. Do not begin blasting in the test section until the blasting plan has been reviewed by the Engineer for general compliance; do not proceed until concurrence is given in writing.

(2) Conduct all blasting operations in compliance with Pennsylvania Code Chapters 210 and 211 or with any of the referenced documents in § 129-2, whichever is most limiting.

(3) Have the seismic survey company monitor and record the vibration and noise levels of each blast during test and production blasting operations in accordance with the blasting records per Chapters 210 and 211.

(4) Monitor and record the vibration and noise levels of each blast with instruments located no farther from the blast than the nearest structures or buildings. Furnish a hard copy of the data. Certify all recorded analyses.

(5) Use seismic instruments capable of monitoring ground vibrations on three mutually perpendicular components. Monitor air overpressure simultaneously with ground vibrations. Use instruments that are in accordance with Chapter 211.

D. Blasting for utility installation or utility addition. All blasting for the installation of utilities such as water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, underground electric service, gas service lines, gas transmission lines, stormwater drainage, but specifically not including cable television service, shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) All contractors blasting or planning to blast must comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania Act 172, House Bill 1735, entitled "Underground Utility Line Protection." This notification must be made 30 days in advance to the utilities concerned. Fifteen days or more prior to the utility blasting, the contractor must notify the Township Manager, in writing, of the time notified, the person notified and the utility identification number.

(2) The contractor must have utility personnel physically at the site when blasting where electric underground service or pressure lines could be affected.

(3) Section 129-17 is fully applicable to blasting for utility installation.

E. Post-blasting reports and PADEP Ref. 42-1B(2)b. Prepare a record of each blast to include all information required by Section 211.46 of Chapter 211. Prepare seismograph analyses and noise level reports of each blast. Make records available for inspection within 10 days following a given blast. Submit a copy of the certified records to the township within 14 days after blasting. Have field records of blasting activities available for inspection on the job site. Furnish all records as defined in § 129-19, Records to be kept.

§ 129-17 Prohibited conduct; additional safeguards; violations.

A. It shall be unlawful to use in any blasting operation a quantity of explosive greater than necessary properly to start or free the rock. Blasting Engineer or Inspector shall have authority to prescribe the maximum quantity of explosives to be used in any blasting. He may also, if he deems it advisable, require the use of a strong, woven matting of rope or wire at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter as a protective covering to be placed over blasts on the perpendicular face of a rock. The Inspector or Engineer is also authorized to require any person carrying on blasting to station flagmen on any highway or highways which in any way may be affected thereby, so as to give proper warning to the traveling public. Failure to place flagmen on the highways when required by the Inspector or Engineer shall constitute a violation of the provisions of this chapter. He may stop the blasting if an apparent dangerous condition exists and permit work to resume when the condition is corrected. He shall furnish a letter to the Blasting Superintendent if the operation is to be stopped, stating the specific reason(s).

B. Misfires and misfiring procedures.

(1) If a misfire is found, the blaster shall provide the proper safeguards for excluding all personnel from the blast area. Misfires shall be reported to the supervisor immediately.

(2) No other work shall be done other than that necessary to remove the hazard. Only those persons necessary to do this work shall remain at the blast site.

(3) No attempt shall be made to extract explosive materials from a misfired hole. A new primer shall be inserted and the hole shall be reblasted. Exception: If reblasting presents a hazard, the explosive materials may be washed out with water or, where the misfire is under water, blown out with air.

(4) If there are any misfires using cap and fuse, all personnel shall stay out of the blast site for at least one hour.

(5) If there are any misfires using other nonelectric detonators (i.e., other than cap and fuse) or using electric detonators, all personnel shall stay out of the blast site for at least 30 minutes.

(6) Misfires shall be handled under the direction of the person in charge of the blasting operation.

(7) All wires shall be carefully traced and search made for unexploded charges.

(8) No drilling, digging or picking shall be permitted until all misfires have been detonated or until the authority having jurisdiction approves the resumption of work.

(9) All misfire disposals and procedures shall be under 100% inspection controls.

§ 129-18 Hours and days for blasting.

Blasting operations shall be conducted only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except that if and when daylight saving time is in effect, the hours may be 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No blasting shall be done on Sunday or legal holidays.

§ 129-19 Records to be kept.

A record of each blast shall be kept. All records shall be retained at least until the end of the calendar year next following the year in which the record is made and shall be furnished on a weekly basis to the Township Inspector of Blasting and shall issue a receipt with the following minimum data:

A. Name of company or contractor.

B. Location, date and time of blast.

C. Name, signature and license number of blaster in charge.

D. Type of material blasted.

E. Number of holes, burden and spacing.

F. Diameter and depth of holes.

G. Types of explosives used.

H. Total amount of explosives used.

I. Maximum amount of explosives per delay period of eight milliseconds or greater.

J. Method of firing and type of circuit.

K. Direction and distance in feet to nearest dwelling house, public building, school, church, commercial or institutional building neither owned nor leased by the person conducting the blasting.

L. Scaled distance, Ds.

M. Weather conditions.

N. Direction of wind.

O. Height or length of stemming.

P. Were mats used?

Q. Type of delay electric blasting caps used and delay periods used.

R. The person taking the seismograph reading shall accurately indicate exact location of seismograph is used and shall also show the distance of seismograph from blast.

S. Seismograph records, where required:

(1) Name and signature of person operating seismograph.

(2) Name of person analyzing the seismograph record.

T. Maximum number of holes per delay period of eight milliseconds or greater.

U. Peak particle velocity.

V. Peak air overpressure.

W. Disposal method and disposal location of the hazardous material.

X. Any other information required by the township.