An Act Concerning Blasting near Residential Areas

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill, as emergency legislation, proposes to amend the current law concerning blasting and the use of explosives to break up or otherwise aid in the extraction or removal of a rock or other consolidated natural formation near residential areas.

Specifically, the bill proposes to change the peak particle velocity standards in urban compact areas to protect residential housing developments from excessive continuous blasting. Further, the bill proposes to require a natural buffer between gravel pits and residential areas.