This chapter describes the general regulation and enforcement
of blasting operations within the Town limits.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
AIRBLAST
An airborne shock wave resulting from the detonation of explosives.
The movement of overburden or the release of expanding gas into the
air from the detonation of explosives may cause airblast. Airblast
may or may not be audible.
APPLICANT
The person responsible for managing and/or conducting of
a blasting operation.
BLASTING
Any activity entailing the use of explosives for the purpose
of producing an explosion to demolish structures or to fragment rock
for mining, quarrying, excavation, or construction. Related terms
are as defined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 495;
Explosive Materials Code.
BLASTING OPERATION
Includes all blasting anticipated to be undertaken during
the completion of a contract or a series of contracts, for demolition,
excavation, construction, and development. A blasting operation includes
all work involving the preparation, drilling, loading and detonation
of the explosive charge.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Includes the Town's duly appointed Code Enforcement
Officer, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, and any assigned designee
of the Code Enforcement Officer.
DECIBEL
The unit of sound pressure commonly used to measure airblast
for an explosion.
EMERGENCY
A sudden or unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent
danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of,
or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services.
EXPLOSIVES
Any substance, chemical compound, or mechanical mixture that
is commonly used for the purpose of producing an explosion for blasting.
Initiating devices such as detonators, detonating cords, etc., are
also included in this definition.
FLYROCK
Rock that is propelled through the air or along the ground
as a result of the detonation of an explosive.
GROUND VIBRATION
The shaking of ground caused by the blast wave emanating
from the detonation of an explosive.
HERTZ
A term used to express the frequency of ground vibrations
and airblast. One hertz is equal to one cycle per second.
INDEPENDENT FIRM
A bona fide person approved by the Code Enforcement Officer
which is not affiliated with the applicant but is contracted to impartially
render services. In order to qualify as an independent firm, such
firm shall verify the following:
A.
The person holds commercial general liability, workers'
compensation, and auto liability insurance.
B.
The person and/or its principal has a minimum of three years'
experience in the use and theory of seismology, as well as structural
engineering as it relates to vibratory energies.
PARTICLE VELOCITY
A measure of ground vibration that describes the velocity
at which a particle of ground vibrates when excited by a force producing
ground motion such as an earthquake or an explosion. Particle velocity
is measured in inches per second.
SEISMOGRAPH
An instrument that measures and records earthborn vibration
induced by the detonation of explosives. The instrument produces a
printout of ground motion frequency, acceleration, particle velocity
and amplitude which may be recorded directly or produce a record from
which any of these parameters may be calculated.
This section applies to all blasting operations related to demolition,
excavation, construction, and development within the Town limits.
Emergency blasting operations are not subject to this section.
Where the Code Enforcement Officer has denied a blasting permit
under this section, the applicant may appeal the denial to the Board
of Appeals within 30 days of the Code Enforcement Officer's decision.
The Code Enforcement Officer and/or the Fire Chief may prescribe
any reasonable conditions or requirements deemed necessary to minimize
adverse effects upon the neighborhood or community.
Any material misstatement or omission of information required by this section or the violation of this section or any condition of a permit granted under this section constitutes a violation of this chapter and will be assessed a penalty under Title 1, Chapter
1.3.