Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Chapter 130 - COAL SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION REGULATIONS
Part 816 - Permanent Program Performance Standards-Surface Mining Activities
Section 4VAC25-130-816.62 - Use of explosives; preblasting survey

(a) At least 30 days before initiation of blasting, the permittee 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 within 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 permittee or to the division, who shall promptly notify the permittee. The permittee 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 permittee if requested by the resident or owner. The request for an updated survey shall be in writing and describe the additions, modifications, or renovations which are to be surveyed.

(c) The permittee 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 division 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 permittee and the division 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 permittee before the initiation of blasting. Any surveys requested after permit approval but less than 10 days before the planned initiation of blasting shall be completed by the permittee within 30 days of the request, except that reasonable time extensions may be approved by the division.