HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33

(By Delegates Douglas, Collins, Angotti, Azinger, Butcher, Caputo, Everson, Flanigan, Hatfield, Kuhn, Manchin, Marshall, Modesitt, Overington, Perdue, Prunty, J. Smith, L. Smith, Stalnaker, Tucker, Varner, H. K. White and Willison)



Requesting the joint committee on government and finance to continue to study the effects of blasting, including activities in industries other than surface coal mining and reclamation, on the environment and on property of the citizens of the state of West Virginia.

Whereas, The Legislature and the citizens of West Virginia are charged with prudent stewardship of the state's natural resources; and

Whereas, The effects of blasting, including activities in industries other than surface coal mining and reclamation, have not been ascertained with specificity; and

Whereas, The Legislature needs accurate information regarding blasting, including activities in industries other than surface coal mining and reclamation, in order to make informed decisions regarding legislation affecting our natural resources, our environment and property of the citizens of the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby requested to continue to study the effects of blasting, including activities in industries other than surface coal mining and reclamation, on the environment and on property of the citizens of the State of West Virginia, with specific emphasis on the following areas of inquiry:

(a) What are the effects of blasting on dwellings, water wells and other protected structures; and

(b) How state laws correspond to current blasting technology and its effect on the environment, and whether the laws should be updated; and

(c) Whether current law adequately controls the time and frequency with which blasting is permitted; and

(d) How state agencies have responded to concerns of citizens living near blasting sites and how the resolution of complaints may be improved; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2000, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on government and finance.