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Review of Blasting Operations at Denver Brick Company's Golden Mine <br /> While on-site, explosive handling and use is regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health <br /> Administration (MSHA)and the Colorado Department of Labor. <br /> 3.1 Concerns of Property Owners <br /> Most people are concerned when they learn that blasting will occur near their property. People <br /> often perceive that blasting will throw rock everywhere and threaten lives and property.An <br /> understanding of modern blasting technology as explained in the following series of questions <br /> and answers regarding modern blasting methods will dispel these false perceptions. <br /> 3.2 Common Blasting Questions and Answer <br /> Q. Why is blasting necessary? <br /> A. In any kind of construction, quarrying, or mining operation, blasting is generally <br /> considered the quickest and most cost effective method of removing rock. For many <br /> projects, if explosives could not be used, costs would be unreasonably high and the <br /> project might be abandoned. Blasting makes it possible for all of us to have new <br /> highways, transportation systems, and improved utilities. It allows for residential <br /> development to provide housing and commercial development to provide jobs. Blasting <br /> also results in more affordable consumer prices for products that come from rock and <br /> other minerals. <br /> Q. What's to prevent a blaster from going overboard and using more explosives than <br /> absolutely necessary? <br /> A. Mining companies prefer to blast so that vibration levels are well below the government's <br /> mandated or recommended limits.A mine cannot stay in business without a strong <br /> concern for public safety and a strict adherence to governmental regulations. <br /> Furthermore, most blasting projects develop contract specifications that further assure <br /> that the contractor can not use excessive amounts of explosives. <br /> Q. How much vibration will I feel if my house or business is near the blast site? <br /> A. Normal household or office activity like heavy footsteps or a slamming door will generally <br /> produce higher vibration readings on a seismograph than a nearby blasting operation <br /> will.You should be aware, however, that the human body does detect extremely low <br /> levels of motion.You may feel vibration from the blast and hear some noise. <br /> Occasionally, the airblast may rattle doors and windows. These vibration and noise <br /> levels are normally as harmless as those generated by routine, day to day activity <br /> around your home or office. <br /> 17 <br />