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A decision made (17/04/2007) regarding: Granite Products - Revised blasting times.

Subject:	Granite Products – Revised blasting times
Decision Reference:	MD-HA-2007-0031	Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report (oral or written):		Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?		Report File ref:		HAD/DPT 12/1
Written Report – Title:	written	Written report – Author:		Heidi Sydor Executive Officer
Decision(s): The Minister approved the revised blasting times proposed for Granite Products.
Reason(s) for decision: In December 2006, Granite Products requested that consideration be given to an easing of the current blasting restrictions, by extending the single blasting time. Occasionally, the current restrictions can create their own difficulties; particularly should a problem occur when making ready to blast. The current deadline can put the shot firers under undue time pressure while they investigate the problem, which does not contribute to the overall safety of the operation. It has been proposed that Granite Products be allowed to blast at either 10.00 hrs or 13.00 hrs. Additionally, the Explosives Officer has recommended that an additional 30 minute safety ‘buffer zone’ be built in to each blasting time. This would ease the time pressure, allowing for any minor problems to be addressed without the need for haste on the part of the shot firers. The quarry maintains high levels of safety, as stipulated by Health and Safety guidelines. Blasting does not occur near the main valley road but rather at a distance of 200/250 metres from the public road, and protection is further provided by some 10/15 metres of solid rock between blasting and local properties. Relationships between the quarry and neighbouring residents are good.
Resource Implications: There are no financial implications to this amendment
Action required: The Executive Officer, Home Affairs, to notify the Explosives Licensing Officer of the decision
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision: 17 April 2007

Granite Products - Revised blasting times.

Briefing note re Granite Products; proposal to revise blasting times

Background:

In 1971, following blasting at Granite Products, St Peter’s Valley, a resident took legal action to have quarrying stopped as a result of ‘rock throw’ into their garden. The matter was eventually resolved with an agreement limiting times at which blasting operations could be carried out. This directs that:

‘Primary blasting operations shall take place only between the hours of 07.00hrs and 09.00hrs or at such times as may be agreed with the Defence Committee’

This restriction has caused difficulties, particularly in the winter months when loading, laying of firing lines and connecting detonators all had to be done in dark or half light. In March 1991 an application was made to vary these blasting times to 10.00 and 13.00 hrs and, in order to ensure the safety of members of the public in the vicinity, Granite Products has since been permitted by the Committee to schedule primary blasting only at 10 a.m. on any weekday with the issue of appropriate notice.

When making their application in December 2006 to renew their annual explosives licences, Granite Products requested that consideration be given to an easing of the current restrictions, by extending the single blasting time. Occasionally, the current restrictions can create their own difficulties, particularly should a problem occur when making ready to blast. The current deadline can put the shot firers under undue time pressure while they investigate the problem, which does not contribute to the overall safety of the operation.

After discussions between the Quarry management and the Explosives Licensing Officer, it has been proposed that Granite Products be allowed to blast at either 10.00 hrs or 13.00 hrs. Additionally, the Explosives Officer has recommended that an additional 30 minute safety ‘buffer zone’ be built in to each blasting time. This would ease the time pressure, allowing for any minor problems to be addressed without the need for haste on the part of the shot firers.

The quarry maintains high levels of safety, as stipulated by Health and Safety guidelines. Blasting does not occur near the main valley road but rather at a distance of 200/250 metres from the public road, and protection is further provided by some 10/15 metres of solid rock between blasting and local properties. Relationships between the quarry and neighbouring residents are good.

Consultation:

Feedback on the proposed changes has been sought from local residents, the Chief Police Officer and Jersey Water.

Responses were received from the Police and Jersey Water, who raised no objection to the proposal. No responses were received from local residents.

Recommendation:

The Minister is recommended to allow blasting at either 10.00 hrs or at

13.00 hrs, with an additional 30 minute safety ‘buffer zone’ be built in to each blasting time.