§8-17-252. Inspection where reasonable belief of violation; notification; citation; civil action for relief.

(a) Whenever the office or local issuing authority has reason to believe that any person has engaged in, or is engaging in, or is about to engage in, any practice or activity that is prohibited by this article, the office or issuing authority shall conduct an inspection of the blasting operations and may order the permittee to monitor blast effects, with seismographic readings, unless the same information is available to the office or issuing authority as a result of a previous inspection.

(b) When, on the basis of an inspection by the office or issuing authority or seismic monitoring, it is determined by the office or issuing authority that any person is in violation of any requirements of this article, and the violation creates an imminent danger to the health, or safety of the public, or private property, the local issuing authority shall immediately notify the office of the violation. The office may immediately order a cessation of the blasting operation. The order shall remain in effect until the office determines that the condition, practice, or violation has been abated.

(c) When it is determined by the office that any person is in violation of any requirement of this article, and the violations can be reasonably expected to create a danger to the health or safety of the public or private property, the office may issue a citation to the person in violation. If, upon expiration of the period of time as originally fixed in the citation, the abatement of the violation has not been accomplished, the office may order a cessation of the blasting operation. Those orders shall remain in effect until modified, vacated, or terminated by the office or a competent court of law.

(d) Citations and orders issued under this section shall set forth with specific explanation the nature of the violation and the corrective action required. The citation or order shall be served or delivered promptly to the person in violation of this article.

(e) The office may institute a civil action for relief including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or any other appropriate relief in the circuit court for the county in which the blasting operation is located, whenever that person:

(1) Violates, fails, or refuses to comply with any reasonable order issued by the office under this article.

(2) Interferes with, hinders, or delays the office in carrying out this article.

(3) Refuses to permit entry to or inspection of the blasting operation by an authorized representative of the office.

(4) Refuses to furnish pertinent information required by the office under this article that is deemed necessary to implement this article. The court shall have jurisdiction to provide relief as may be appropriate.

(Acts 1993, No. 93-713, p. 1391, §13.)