This article outlines the requirements that need to be met for any and all blasting operations within the City Limits of Granite Shoals, and also describes the minimum qualifications of personnel performing or supervising blasting operations.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Aggregates
means any commonly recognized construction material originating from a quarry or pit by the disturbance of the surface, including dirt, soil, rock asphalt, clay, granite, gravel, gypsum, marble, sand, shale, stone, caliche, limestone, dolomite, rock, riprap, or other non-mineral substance.
Airblast
means an airborne shock wave resulting from the detonation of explosives and which may or may not be audible.
Blaster
means an entity or individual conducting blasting operations or the individual who is performing or providing substantial supervision of blasting operations, as the context of the discussion requires.
Blasting
means 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, and/or construction.
Blasting operations
means drilling and site preparation for blasting, and detonation itself.
Decibel
means the unit of sound pressure commonly used to measure airblast from explosives.
Explosives
means any substance, chemical compound, mixture, or device by whose decomposition or combustion gas is generated with such rapidity that it can be used for blasting.
Fire code official
means the fire chief for the City of Granite Shoals, or anyone operating under the direction of the Fire Chief of the City of Granite Shoals.
Quarry
means a site where aggregates are being or have been removed or extracted from the earth to form the pit, including the entire excavation, stripped areas, haulage ramps, the land immediately adjacent thereto upon which the plant processing the raw materials is located, exclusive of any land owned or leased by the responsible party not being currently used in the production of aggregates.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct blasting within the City of Granite Shoals or within 5,000 feet of the city limit unless the blaster has in their possession a valid, current blasting permit issued by the City of Granite Shoals, Texas.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
To obtain a blasting permit, the applicant must make written application to the fire code official. All applications for a blasting permit shall include the following information:
(1) 
Name, address, contact phone numbers, and email address of the applicant.
(2) 
Name of property owner.
(3) 
General contractor.
(4) 
Site plan of area to be blasted, including any existing structures, infrastructure, and wells.
(5) 
Type and quantity of explosives and blasting agents to be used.
(6) 
Location and means of transportation and storage of all explosives and blasting agents.
(7) 
Approximate Length of time of blasting operations.
(8) 
Blasting plan of all blasts to be performed under the permit, which shall show the location of shots relative to nearby structures and wells, type of explosive or other blasting agent used, number of holes, pounds per hole, depth of hole, total pounds per shot, maximum number per delay, the estimated number of cubic yards of material to be removed by blasting, the estimate of the number of blasts required to remove the specified amount of material, and the proposed date(s) and time(s) of use. In addition, blast plans shall address the planned means and methods of achieving the blasting standards set forth in section 18-115 of this chapter.
(9) 
Written proof of a corporate surety bond or a public liability policy in the amount of $5,000,000.00 for the purpose of payment of any and all damages to persons or property which are caused by, or arise from the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon any judicial judgments results. Government entities shall be exempt from this requirement.
(10) 
Permit fee established by City of Granite Shoals City Council.
(11) 
The fire code official may require additional conditions for the approval of a permit application if necessary, in the fire code official’s professional opinion, to adequately protect the public health and safety. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, reducing allowable particle velocities, additional monitoring, increased insurance protection, hours of operation, type and amount of explosives used and engineered blasting plans.
(12) 
In the event the fire code official identifies any deficiencies in the permit application, the blaster shall remedy such deficiencies provide additional information related to the specific blast area as required by the fire code official before the permit will be approved and granted.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
The fire code official shall review applications once submitted. If the fire code official determines that the permit application is complete and the proposed blasting activity will comply with all the applicable provisions of this article then the fire code official may grant a blasting permit.
(b) 
The fire code official is authorized to limit the quantity of explosives or explosive materials permitted at any given location. No persons, possessing a permit for storage of explosives at any place, shall keep or store an amount greater than authorized in such permit. Only the kind of explosive specified in the issued permit shall be kept or stored.
(c) 
The following requirements shall apply to each permit issued:
(1) 
The blasting permit shall remain valid for the duration of the job, not to exceed six months, (which period may be extended only with the written approval of the fire code official), or until the certificate of insurance expires, whichever comes first.
(2) 
The permit shall not be assigned or transferred.
(3) 
The permit shall not be issued to any person under the age of 21 years of age.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
Blast induced particle velocities shall not exceed 1.7 inches per second measured at the nearest adjacent occupied structure(s). Air over-pressures (blast pressures) shall not exceed 120 decibels at the nearest adjacent occupied structure(s). The fire official shall be the sole judge in determining whether any structure is or is not an occupied structure for the purposes of this requirement.
(b) 
There shall be no blasting within 100 feet of any structure or building without prior written approval of the fire code official.
(c) 
Regardless of the distance to nearby facilities, buildings or other structures, the blasting operation shall be carried out in such a manner that will not cause debris damage or damage from air blasts over pressure or ground vibration.
(d) 
The blaster shall conduct seismic monitoring of all blasts. Blast monitors such as seismic blast recording machines, are required for all blasting operations for which a permit is issued by the City of Granite Shoals unless specifically exempted by the fire official.
(e) 
At the blaster’s expense, a monitoring technician is required. Monitoring technicians shall be trained in proper placement of monitor sensors and proper placement of monitor sensors and proper functioning of the instrument to be used.
(f) 
Approved blasting machines shall be used. All other equipment is prohibited.
(g) 
Minimum proposed pre-blast notification range and method for each blast. Minimum pre-blast notification requirements include 24-hour written notice using a standard flyer to all residents of occupied structures within 500 feet and to all utility companies within 300 feet of blasting activities.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
An accurate blasting log shall be prepared and maintained for each blast fired, and a true and complete copy of this log shall be kept by the blaster for a period of not less than five years and furnished to the fire code official within three working days of a request. The log shall include the following information:
(1) 
The full company name and contact information of the person who is responsible for the operations listed in the blasting permit.
(2) 
The blasting permit.
(3) 
The names, contact information, and qualifications of all persons who serve as the immediate supervisor(s) of each individual blast operation.
(4) 
All relevant technical data for each individual blast, including but not limited to: the specific location, time, date, explosives used, connection details, trigger devices and methods, charge depths, drilling depths and hole sizes, filler material, blast mats, padding, and any other safety measures used for each individual blast.
(5) 
All relevant information from the blast monitor, including technical data, measurements, conclusions, and recommendations.
(6) 
All comments, citations and/or instructions received from city officials related to the overall blasting operations or to individual blasts.
(7) 
The blasting log shall be kept at the project site and be made immediately available for review by the owner, engineer, or city officials.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall file with the fire code official of the City of Granite Shoals a cooperate surety bond in the principal amount of $5,000,000.00 or a public liability insurance policy for the same amount, for the purpose of payment of any and all damages to persons or property which arise from, or are caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon which any judicial judgment results. Government entities shall be exempted from this bond requirement.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Persons in charge of magazines and/or blasting, shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which impair sensory motor skills, shall be at least 21 years of age, and shall demonstrate knowledge of all safety precautions related to storage, handling or use of explosives and explosive materials, and shall be able to demonstrate and/or document the minimum qualifications listed in this specification. Specifically each person who proposes to act as a blaster within the City of Granite Shoals shall meet and be able to demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications listed below:
(1) 
A blaster shall be able to understand and give written and oral orders.
(2) 
A blaster shall be in good physical and emotional condition and not be under the influence of intoxicants such as alcohol of sensory altering drugs.
(3) 
Blaster shall be qualified, by reason of training, knowledge, or experience, in the field of transporting, storing, handling, and use of explosives, and have a working knowledge of state and local laws and regulations which pertain to explosives.
(4) 
A blaster shall be required to furnish satisfactory evidence of competency in handling explosives and performing in a safe manner the type of blasting that will be required.
(5) 
A blaster shall be knowledgeable and competent in the use of each blasting method used.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Loading explosives or blasting agents shall be performed using the minimum standards and procedures listed below:
(1) 
Procedures that permit safe and efficient loading shall be established before loading is started.
(2) 
All drill holes shall be sufficiently large enough to admit freely the insertion of the cartridges of explosives.
(3) 
Tamping shall be done only with wood rods or plastic tamping poles without exposed metal parts, but non-sparking metal connectors may be used for jointed poles. Violent or aggressive tamping shall be avoided. The primer shall never be tamped.
(4) 
No holes shall be loaded except those to be fired in the next round of blasting. After loading, all remaining explosives and detonators shall be immediately returned to an authorized magazine.
(5) 
Drilling shall not be started until all remaining butts of old holes are examined for unexploded charges, and if any are found, they shall be re-fired before work proceeds.
(6) 
No persons shall be allowed to deepen/re-drill drill holes which contained explosives or blasting agents.
(7) 
No explosives or blasting agents shall be left unattended at the blast site.
(8) 
Machines and all tools not used for loading explosives into bore holes shall be removed from the immediate location of holes before explosives are delivered. Equipment shall not be operated within 50 feet of loaded holes.
(9) 
No activity of any nature other than that which is required for loading holes with explosives shall be permitted in the blast area.
(10) 
Power lines and portable electric cables for equipment being used shall be kept a safe distance from explosive or blasting agents loaded into drill holes. Cables in the proximity of the blast area shall be de-energized and locked out by the blaster.
(11) 
Holes shall be checked prior to loading to determine depth and conditions. Where a hole has been loaded with explosives but the explosives have failed to detonate, there shall be no drilling within 50 feet of the hole.
(12) 
When loading a long line of holes with more than one loading crew, the crews shall be separated by practical distance consistent with efficient operation and supervision of crews.
(13) 
No explosive shall be loaded or used underground in the presence of combustible gasses or combustible dusts.
(14) 
No explosives other than Fume Class 1, as set forth by the makers of explosives, shall be used; however, explosives complying with the requirements of Fume Class 2 and Fume Class 3 may be used if adequate ventilation has been provided.
(15) 
All blast holes in open work shall be stemmed to the collar or to a point which will confine the charge.
(16) 
Warning signs, indicating a blast area, shall be maintained at all approaches to the blast area. The warning sign lettering shall not be less than four inches in height on a contrasting background color.
(17) 
A bore hole shall never be sprung when it is adjacent to or near a hole that is loaded. Flashlight batteries shall not be used for springing holes.
(18) 
Drill holes which have not been sprung or chambered, and which are not water filled, shall be allowed to cool before explosives are loaded.
(19) 
No loaded holes shall be left unattended or unprotected.
(20) 
The blaster shall keep an accurate, up to date record of explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies used in the blast and shall keep an accurate running inventory of all explosives and blasting agents stored on the operation.
(21) 
When loading blasting agents pneumatically over electric blasting caps, semi-conductive delivery hose shall be used and the equipment shall be bonded and grounded.
(22) 
Transporting explosives or blasting agents shall be performed using the minimum standards and procedures listed below:
a. 
Motor vehicles or conveyances transporting explosives shall be driven by, and be in the charge of, a licensed driver who is physically and emotionally fit. He shall be familiar with local, state and federal regulations governing the transportation of explosives. The driver will have a valid and clear commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement or equivalent certification to transport explosive materials.
b. 
No person shall smoke, carry any flame producing devise, possess firearms or loaded cartridges while near a motor vehicle or conveyance transporting explosives.
c. 
Explosives, blasting agents, and blasting supplies shall not be transported with other materials or cargos. Blasting caps (including electric) shall not be transported in the same cargo space with other explosives.
d. 
Vehicles or conveyances used for transporting explosives shall be rated to carry the weight load, and in good mechanical and physical order.
e. 
When explosives are transported by a vehicle with an open body, a Class II magazine or original manufacture’s container shall be securely mounted on the bed to contain the cargo.
f. 
All vehicles used for the transportation of explosives shall have tight floors and any exposed spark-producing metal on the inside of the body shall be covered with wood or other non-sparking materials, to prevent contact with containers of explosives.
g. 
Every motor vehicle or conveyance used for transporting explosives shall be marked with the appropriate DOT placards on both sides, front and rear.
h. 
Each vehicle used for transportation of explosives shall be equipped with a fully charged fire extinguisher with current inspection tags. A Underwriters Laboratory approved extinguisher of no less than 10-ABC rating will meet the minimum requirement. The driver shall be trained in the use of the extinguisher. The fire extinguisher location shall be identified on the outside of the truck.
i. 
Motor vehicles or conveyances carrying explosives, blasting agents, or blasting supplies, shall not be taken inside a garage or shop for repairs or servicing.
j. 
No motor vehicle or conveyance transporting explosives shall be left unattended.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
The fire code official is authorized to require operations permitted under this chapter or other provision of the city’s adopted fire code to be supervised at any time by the fire code official in order to determine compliance with all safety regulations.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
Prior to establishing a new explosive storage or manufacturing site, including a temporary job site, the blaster shall notify the following officials:
Law Enforcement–Granite Shoals Police:
Office (830) 598-4818
 
Dispatch (830) 693-3611
Fire Department–Granite Shoals Fire Department
Office (830) 596-8110
These officials shall be notified 48 hours in advance between the hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday, not including Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. The blaster will notify type, quantity and location of explosive materials on site.
(b) 
Minimum proposed pre-blast notification range and method for each blast. Minimum pre-blast notification requirements include 24-hour written notice using a standard flyer to all residents of occupied structures within 500 feet and to all utility companies within 300 feet of blasting activities.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Blasting operations shall be performed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacture of the explosives being used.
(1) 
No Smoking shall be permitted within 50 feet of any locations where explosives are being handled or used.
(2) 
No blasting operations shall be conducted in a manner contrary to the instructions of the manufacture of the explosive materials being used.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Blasting shall be conducted at least 100 feet from any structure, railway, roadway, highway, utility or other installation, precautions shall be taken by the blaster to minimize earth vibrations and air blast effects. Blasting mats or other protective means shall be used to prevent fragments from being thrown.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Surface-blasting operations shall only be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the fire code official. Blasting shall not be conducted during city-observed holidays. Further, it is the responsibility of the blaster to time blasting so as to maximize safety to persons and their property, including but not limited to, conducting operations at non-peak traffic times. Blasting operations may be temporarily suspended at the order of the fire code official for reasons of public health or safety.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Whenever blasting is being conducted in the vicinity of utility lines or right-of-ways, the blaster shall notify the appropriate representatives of the utilities at least 24 hours in advance of blasting, specifying the location and intended time of such blasting. Verbal notices shall be confirmed with written notice.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
In an emergency situation, the time limit shall not apply when approved. All blasting operations shall be preceded by a pre-blast notification in writing to the owners or managers of all affected premises. The minimum range of pre-blast notification shall be as required by the permit, the blaster’s discretion, the pre-blast notification range may be expanded.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Precautions shall be taken to prevent accidental discharge of electric detonators from currents included by radar and radio transmitters, lighting adjacent power lines, dust, water (snow or ice) or other sources of extraneous electricity.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
During the time holes are being loaded or are loaded with explosive materials, blasting agents or detonators, only authorized persons engaged in drilling and loading operations or otherwise authorized to enter the site shall be allowed at the blast site. The blast site shall be guarded or barricaded and posted. Blast site security shall be maintained until after the post-blast inspection has been completed.
Persons authorized to prepare explosive charges or to conduct blasting operations shall use every reasonable precaution, including but not limited to warning signals, flags, barricades, mats, or other equally effective means to ensure the safety of the public and workers.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Holes drilled for loading of explosive charges shall be made and loaded to conform with the most current version of NFPA 495.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
After loading for a blast is completed and before firing, excess explosive materials shall be removed from the area and returned to the proper storage facilities.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
The initial blasts shall be by means conforming to the provisions of the most current version of NFPA 495.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
The blaster shall supervise the connecting of the blast holes and the connection of the load line to the power source or initiation point. Connections shall be made progressively from the blast hole back to the initiation point. Blasting lead lines shall remain shunted (shorted) and shall not be connected to the blasting machine or other source of current until the blast it to be fired.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
No blast shall be fired until the blaster has made certain that all surplus explosive materials are in a safe place in accordance with the adopted city fire code, all persons and equipment are in a safe distance or under sufficient cover and that adequate warning signal has been given.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
After the blast, the following procedures shall be observed:
(1) 
No person shall return to the blast area until allowed to do so by the blaster in charge.
(2) 
The blaster shall allow sufficient time for smoke and fumes to dissipate and for any dust to settle before returning to or approaching the blast area.
(3) 
The blaster shall inspect the entire blast area for misfires before allowing other personnel to return to the blast area.
(4) 
The blaster is responsible for clearing or cleaning any affected roadways of debris.
(5) 
The blaster is responsible for immediate notification of any visible damage caused by the explosion to any affected utility, or property owner that sustained damage.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
Where a misfire is suspected, all initiating circuits shall be traced and a search made for unexploded charges. Where a misfire is found, the blaster shall provide proper safeguards for excluding all personnel from the blast area.
Misfires shall be handled under the direction of the person in charge of the blasting operation in accordance with the most current version of NFPA 495.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
Citizens having complaints or claims of damage arising from blasting operations within the City of Granite Shoals or its extraterritorial jurisdiction may report those complaints to the office of the city manager. If the city manager receives a written citizen complaint(s) regarding blasting operations he shall notify both the blaster and the fire code official of the nature of the complaint(s).
(b) 
Blasters operating under a blasting permit issued by the City of Granite Shoals shall establish a system to receive and track citizen complaints regarding blasting operations conducted under the issued permit. The blaster shall provide a written report of any citizen complaints arising out of permitted blasting operations to the city manager within three days of receiving the complaint.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
The City of Granite Shoals, through the city fire code official or other appropriate officials, or representatives, reserves the right to inspect, monitor, review, and otherwise evaluate the results of the blasting operation(s) on an ongoing basis using any reasonable methods, means, and schedules. If in the opinion of the fire code official, the observed results of the blasting operations indicate any possible threat to public health or safety or property damage, the fire code official may cancel the existing blasting permit and require the blaster to request and apply for a new blasting permit that contains adequate revisions fully addressing the fire code official’s concerns.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
The fire code official shall develop a process for issuing an annual blasting permit to blasters operating on a year-round, continuous basis within the City of Granite Shoals or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Blasters issued an annual blasting permit under this provision are subject to all of the restrictions and standards of this chapter; however, the fire code official may, in his discretion, develop additional requirements and/or modified reporting requirements as appropriate for an annual permit.
Business that require blasting on a regular basis such as mines or quarries may obtain an annual blasting permit. Such businesses will be subject to annual fire inspections, and must meet at a minimum, the current adopted local fire codes, state and federal regulations in regards to storage and use of explosives. These businesses will also supply the fire department official any and all required reports, (e.g. Tier Two Reports) for onsite storage.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)
(a) 
If a city fire code official finds there is a violation of the city adopted fire code or the city blasting ordinance, the fire code official is authorized to prepare written notice of any and all violations and may issue a stop work order until the violations have been corrected.
(b) 
The city shall have the power to administer and enforce the provisions of this article as may be required by governing law. Any person violating any provision of this article is subject to suit for injunctive relief as well as prosecution for criminal violations. Any violation of this article is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(c) 
Any person found to be violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine as provided by section 1-10 of this Code.
(Ordinance 637, sec. II, adopted 11/18/14)