Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart D - Environmental Health and Safety
Article IV - Occupational Health and Safety
Chapter 211 - STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE OF EXPLOSIVES
Subchapter I - SEISMIC EXPLORATION
Section 211.194 - General requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation

(1) All explosives loaded into boreholes shall either be detonated or removed from the borehole after the maximum number of days specified in the applicable blasting activity permit.

(2) Explosives charges may not be placed closer than 300 feet from any building or other structure designated by the Department unless authorized by the Department.

(3) All detonators used in seismic exploration operations must employ the best technology available for security and functionality under the conditions into which the detonators are loaded.

(4) Explosives may not be placed on areas permitted for mining activities under Chapter 77 or 86 (relating to noncoal mining; and surface and underground coal mining: general) without prior Department approval. To obtain Department approval to place explosives on area permitted for mining activities, the permit applicant shall provide information including all of the following:

(5) The permittee is responsible for the security of all charges in the ground to prevent the charges from being detonated, removed or otherwise tampered with. The permittee shall secure all explosives charges in accordance with the approved blasting activity permit.

(6) For all incidents where explosives are loaded into boreholes and have had their functionality compromised by loading, handling or manufacturing defects, the permittee shall remove the explosives from the borehole or destroy them in place.

(7) The permittee may not allow explosives charges to remain in the ground for more than 1 year.