Patsy Blasting Case

Reviewing a blast operation as a potential cause of residential blast damage.

2010
Pennsylvania
Kentucky Resources Council

The Kentucky Resources Council (KRC) requested RESPEC to assess the potential that a surface coal mining operation was causing blast damage to a residence. The property owners noticed cracking in the masonry and broken windows, and they alleged that the damage was caused by a nearby surface mine.

The case was reviewed by the local regulatory agency before RESPEC became involved. RESPEC evaluated the preblast survey of the residence, blasting records of the mining operation, conclusions of the local regulatory authority, and timeline of events. Based on the investigation, RESPEC concluded that the blasts conducted at the local mine were in compliance with Pennsylvania state regulations and did not cause structural damage to the residence.