Multiple agencies and authorities, including the City of Powell River and WorkSafeBC, responded to an unpermitted blasting incident that occurred in Wildwood on May 4.
“The city received several enquiries regarding the unpermitted blast that took place on a private property adjacent to Lund highway in Wildwood,” stated engineering services manager Nagi Rizk. “Neither the blasting contractor nor the owner of the land notified the city of their intentions to conduct the blast and the city was unaware of this blasting prior to it taking place.”
Powell River Fire Rescue received a call about an unknown explosion at 0 Lund Street in the Wildwood area at 1:50 pm, the release stated. Upon arrival, Engine 42 was met by a passerby and a neighbour, who both stated that there was a very large explosion, followed by a dust cloud. The fire department determined it was an isolated incident, there was no hazard, and cleared the scene, according to the release. The matter was then passed on to city staff to investigate further.
City of Powell River bylaw enforcement arrived on the scene at 2:45 pm. The blasting contractor was not there, but workers directed the officer to the location of the blast. The project manager was contacted and confirmed there was blasting being done on the site, according to the release.
Two permits are required to conduct blasting within the municipality, one from the city and the other from WorkSafeBC. The contractor must also hold a valid blasting licence from the Workers' Compensation Board. There are multiple compliance and notification violations to city bylaws 958 and 966, which regulate blasting within the city, according to the release.
According to the city’s planning service, no development or building permits have been submitted or issued for the property in question.
