Opinion Columns and More

Pages

Thursday, June 28, 2012

'Boom' sounds still a mystery in Copper

Many residents of Copper from Kiva to Circle XX have been contacting the Copper Gazette regarding the sonic boom and/or explosion sounds they hear and feel almost daily between 12-1 in the afternoon.

After contacting Tuolumne County regarding possible explosive permits and active mining operations, it was stated that there are currently no active mining operations in Tuolumne County. George Reed does hold a permit for blasting at their Tabletop location, yet a spokesperson for George Reed stated that no afternoon explosions were run at that facility, furthermore any explosions at the facility occurred at two to three weeks intervals and between 9 and 10 am.

 

In Calaveras County, after speaking to no less than 4 departments, it was gleaned that there are permitted operating mines within Calaveras County and that those mines were to contact the planning department and inform them of dates and times of blasting. Hogan Quarry does follow this rule. It is not known if any of the other mines currently update their status on explosion dates and times. There is a caviat to a mining permit, if a mine operation is not moving enough material to need a mining permit they can apply for a hold and use permit for dynamite.

The booms are also not attributed to the Mythbusters experimenting at Carson Hill, following protocol, a Sheriff Office press release always accompanies a Mythbusters explosion, detailing time-frame and nature of event. 

The Gazette apologizes for not being able to pinpoint the location or culprit of the booms, but will continue to work on this. Thank you for your patience and support.

No comments:

Post a Comment