Kennewick imposes new permit restrictions for blasting

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Kennewick City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to put new rules in place for any company involved in blasting within city limits.

The emergency interim ordinance was adopted to address concerns from residents in the Canyon Lakes area who say the city and a contractor clearing out basalt to make way for a new road, did not do a good job of letting homeowners know what was happening, and that blasting is damaging their homes.

The new interim ordinance, which went into effect immediately, requires any applicant looking to conduct blasting activity submit materials requested within the new code.

"They will have to prepare a blasting plan, transportation plan-- and that has to do with the transportation of the explosives themselves, to and from the site-- a traffic control plan, as well as a pre-blast notification plan, that includes pre and post blasting inspections for properties within a certain distance," said City Attorney Lisa Beaton. "I think that's the key component here, is how far out should they have gone to provide notice to property owners and offer that pre-blast survey, and then to go back afterwards and review whether or not damage occurred."

The emergency interim regulations also require a bond and proof of insurance.

The short-term ordinance can remain in effect for six months, and city staff say it's not intended to address all the concerns of council and the impacted residents. The city is required to hold a public hearing within 60 days of the ordinance's passage, and can put a permanent ordinance in place.

The interim ordinance comes after weeks of complaints from residents, which led to a call for an emergency moratorium on blasting activity. At the February 25, 2020 council workshop meeting, council called a special meeting to consider the moratorium, but decided instead to wait until the March 3rd meeting to allow staff time to put together a more comprehensive compromise that allows the contractor to continue working, while also addressing the concerns of residents.

The Kennewick Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for reviewing the permit, which could take up to 14 days once the permit application is submitted.