Section 1817.64  Use of Explosives: General Performance Standards

a)         The operator shall notify, in writing, residents within 1/2 mile of the blasting site, the Department, and local governments of the proposed times and locations of blasting operations.  Such notice of times that blasting is to be conducted may be announced weekly, but in no case less than 24 hours before blasting will occur.

b)         Unscheduled blasting may be conducted only where public or operator health and safety so require.  When an operator conducts an unscheduled blast, the operator, using audible warning signals, shall notify residents within 1/2 mile of the blasting site and document the reason(s) for the unscheduled blast in accordance subsection 1817.68(a)(17).

c)         All blasting shall be conducted between sunrise and sunset unless nighttime blasting is approved by the Department based upon a showing by the operator that the public will be protected from adverse noise and other impacts.  Protection from adverse noise may include alternatives to the audible warning requirement specified in Section 1817.66(b).  The Department may specify more restrictive time periods for blasting.

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 4252, effective March 6, 2002)