AUGUSTA -- A proposed new blasting ordinance seems to have silenced controversy that erupted between pit owners and local residents over the last several years.

Councilors have discussed the new ordinance at two meetings thus far, and no critics have surfaced to voice concerns either time.

Councilors conducted a first reading — of two — at their meeting Monday. No votes are taken on first readings of ordinances in Augusta.

Mayor Roger Katz anticipates a vote at the council’s next business meeting, scheduled for July 21.

Pit owners and residents who expressed concern about the impact of commercial blasting on their homes served as members of the committee that wrote the new ordinance.

“I’m here to support the document the committee has worked so hard, over the last year-and-a-half, to put together,” said Roland Maheux, who lives in the Grandview neighborhood close to the gravel and quarry operation owned by McGee Properties LLC.

“I think it’s going to be a strong ordinance,” Maheux said. “Hopefully it will be administered the way it should be administered. Congratulations. It’s a great document for all.”

Maheux and other Grandview neighbors were vocal in expressing concerns about the impact of blasting on their homes. A lawsuit between Steven McGee Construction, which is based in West Gardiner and owns two pits in Augusta, and an association of Grandview neighbors was settled in 2006.

McGee sued the residents and the Grandview Neighborhood Group in spring 2005, claiming the residents defamed him and harmed his business by making false statements to city officials that he was operating illegally.

The new ordinance requires at least some notification of blasting before it may occur.

The type of notification and approval varies depending on the size of the blast. Significant blasting would generally need to be approved by the Planning Board. Minor blasts could be approved by the code enforcement officer. But all would require some notification.

The ordinance limits most blasting to between sunrise and sunset, or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., whichever is greater, and only on weekdays. No blasting is allowed on legal holidays.

Blasting limits in commercial quarries will be set as part of the Planning Board approval process for each individual quarry operation. City staff can approve blasting of any type in cases of emergencies.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com