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Blast concerns prompt Henrico permit changes

Posted at 6:37 PM, May 16, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-16 18:37:28-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- Using dynamite at a construction site is not out of the ordinary, but some people working nearby were taken by surprise on Tuesday afternoon.

Since that initial blast, the ones that have followed have been more subdued. However, folks are still buzzing about Tuesday's blast and curious to know why they weren't told ahead of time.

Henrico County officials said the company doing the blasting has followed everything as outlined in their permit, which included notifying Henrico County Communications and the fire marshal before and after each blast.

However, since nearby buildings were more than 300 feet away, the company was not required to notify them or put up signage.

Additionally, Henrico fire officials said the company did notify area businesses, but admitted that some employees were never told.

As a result, the county said the permitting process will see a change. Since the Boston bombings are fresh on the minds of many, all new permits will include posting warning signs about blasting in the area.