Subchapter I. SEISMIC EXPLORATION
Sec.
211.191. Scope.
211.192. Permits.
211.193. Blasting records.
211.194. General requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter I issued under sections 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 510-17 and 510-20); section 4.2 of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 1396.4b); section 11(e) of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P.S. § 3311(e)); sections 7 and 11 of the act of July 1, 1937 (P.L. 2681, No. 537) (73 P.S. § § 157 and 161); sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 10, 1957 (P.L. 685, No. 362) (73 P.S. § § 166 and 167); Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1981 (71 P.S. § 751-35); section 2(f) of the act of May 18, 1937 (P.L. 654, No. 174) (43 P.S. § 25-2(f)); and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975 (71 P.S. § 751-22).
Source The provisions of this Subchapter I adopted June 22, 2018, effective June 23, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3711.
§ 211.191. Scope.
This subchapter applies to seismic exploration activities which employ explosives. Unless otherwise specified, Subchapters A—H apply to persons engaging in seismic exploration activities using explosives.
§ 211.192. Permits.
In addition to the requirements in Subchapter C (relating to permits), an application for a blasting activity permit for seismic exploration must include all of the following:
(1) A detailed plan describing how explosives loaded in the ground will be kept under the control of the permittee, secured against being compromised, detonated, unearthed or otherwise tampered with.
(2) The maximum time, in days, that explosives will be allowed to remain in the borehole from loading until detonation.
(3) A map clearly delineating all of the areas where the placement of explosives charges is planned and the footprint of any mining permits where mining, reclamation or water treatment are occurring, or may occur, within 500 feet of where the placement of explosives charges is planned.
(4) Detailed information, including data sheets and warranty information, on the explosives products to be used.
§ 211.193. Blasting records.
In addition to the requirements of § 211.133 (relating to blast reports), blast reports on seismic exploration operations must contain, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) The time and date the explosives were loaded into holes.
(2) The blaster-in-charge who supervised or loaded the charges, or both.
(3) The specific location of the loading of the charges, expressed in latitude and longitude.
(4) The blaster-in-charge who detonated the charges.
(5) The time and date the charges were detonated.
§ 211.194. General requirements for handling explosives on a seismic exploration operation.
(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.
APPENDIX A. [Reserved]
Source The provisions of this Appendix A reserved July 13, 2001, effective July 14, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 3751. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (243499) to (243502).
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