New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 8 - COAL MINING
Part 20 - PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS
Section 19.8.20.2029 - USE OF EXPLOSIVES: PRE-BLASTING SURVEY

A. At least 30 days before initiation of blasting, the operator shall notify, in writing, all residents or owners of dwellings or other structures located within 1/2 mile of the permit area how to request a preblasting survey.

B. A resident or owner of a dwelling or structure with 1/2 mile of any part of the permit area may request a preblasting survey. This request shall be made, in writing, directly to the operator or to the director, who shall promptly notify the operator. The operator shall promptly conduct a preblasting survey of the dwelling or structure and promptly prepare a written report of the survey. An updated survey of any additions, modifications, or renovations shall be performed by the operator if requested by the resident or owner.

C. The operator shall determine the condition of the dwelling or structure and shall document any preblasting damage and other physical factors that could reasonably be affected by the blasting. Structures such as pipelines, cables, transmission lines, and cisterns, wells, and other water systems warrant special attention; however, the assessment of these structures may be limited to surface conditions and other readily available data.

D. The written report of the survey shall be signed by the person who conducted the survey. Copies of the report shall be promptly provided to the director and to the person requesting the survey. If the person requesting the survey disagrees with the contents and/or recommendations contained therein, he may submit to both the operator and the director a detailed description of the specific areas of disagreement.

E. Any surveys requested more than 10 days before the planned initiation of blasting shall be completed by the operator before the initiation of blasting.