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September 12, 2016 - 8:00 PM
LAKE COUNTRY - Blasting without following the rules outlined in the new Lake Country blasting bylaw can result in a $500 fine.
Lake Country council has adopted a blasting bylaw that defines blasting regulations in the district, according to a media release.
The need for this bylaw came from an absence of blasting regulations and the presence problem blasters. Individuals have been taking part in blasting activities without proper consideration of the effects, says the District of Lake Country.
“Following significant cases of blasting in the community in urban and rural locations, residents in impacted areas voiced their concerns,” director of community services Mark Koch said in the release.
The new bylaw takes elements from ten different communities, including Peachland, West Kelowna, Penticton, Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford and West Vancouver. The distinct characteristics of Lake Country were taken into consideration when drafting this bylaw.
“Blasting can allow for the creation of new areas of development but must be monitored by engineers, blasters, regulators, and project supervisors in order to maintain the stability of the earth where they are excavating,” director of engineering and environmental services Michael Mercer said in the release. “If not supervised and regulated, complaints of vibrations and instability of pre-existing foundations of structures on neighbouring properties occur.”
Blasting permits can be issued for up to 90 days. Blasting activities will be restricted between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Violation penalties can reach up to $10,000 upon conviction.
Individuals taking part in blasting must also post operations publicly and inform neighbours.
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