August 26, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

Minister announces results of investigation into fly rock incident on July 3, 
1998 at City Sand and Gravel in Paradise.

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today the results of the investigation into the blasting incident at City Sand and Gravel Limited, Paradise which resulted in damage to homes in the area. Minister Langdon announced that throughout the course of the investigation, department representatives met with the blaster in charge, company officials and local residents.

The results of the investigation revealed that there were no violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. What it did indicate, however, was that the blasting operations could have been conducted in a different manner, considering the proximity of the residential area. In that regard, the minister has directed the company to cease all production blasting until they have had a professional engineer design a blasting procedure that would minimize the potential for flyrock in the surrounding area. Minister Langdon has also notified the company that they must also review, in consultation with the municipality, their system of public notification prior to a blast.

"We have been assured by City Sand and Gravel Limited that safety is paramount and that they will fully cooperate to ensure to the greatest extent, the safety of their workers and the public," stated Minister Langdon.

Minister Langdon wants to assure the residents of the Jane Heights area, that until the revised blasting procedure and warning protocols have been approved in consultation with his department, the operator will not be conducting any further production blasting.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1998 08 26                       3:35 p.m.