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

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
						Section 211.153(e) and
						(f) (relating to general requirements for
						handling explosives) is not applicable to the handling and use of explosives
						for seismic exploration operations.
(b) Except as specified in subsection (a), in
						addition to the requirements of Subchapter F (relating to blasting activities),
						all of the following provisions apply to the handling and use of explosives on
						seismic exploration operations:
(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:
(i) Demonstration of authorization to place
						explosives charges and to conduct activities on the site.
(ii) A plan to ensure the safety and security
						of explosives charges on the mining permit from loading through detonation of
						the charges.
(iii) A map detailing
						the specific location of where charges are to be placed on the mining permit
						area.
(iv) If the MSHA-required
						training is necessary, how and when that training will be obtained and who will
						obtain the training. The permittee shall provide written documentation of the
						training to the Department prior to entry onto the mining permit.
(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.