More shaking going on

BY BRIAN WARGO

Wednesday, June 7, 2006 | 8:34 a.m.

For the second time in six months, construction blasting has damaged Henderson properties, rattling residents' nerves and increasing the political pressure to curtail the explosions.

The blast at 3 p.m. Monday in Lake Las Vegas, the exclusive resort community that is home to movie stars, professional athletes, power brokers and other celebrities such as Celine Dion, so far has produced reports of only two broken windows, one at a home and one at a business.

But several residents plan to bring in experts to survey their homes for damage from the blast, which could be felt several miles away.

"We thought a plane was landing on our roof. It was a huge shock," said Craig Kelling, who operates a jet ski and boat rental business on East Lake Mead Parkway, near the blast site west of the Falls Golf Club.

Henderson issued a stop-work order Tuesday to Donner Drilling & Blasting, pending an investigation. The order applies only to Donner's blasting in Lake Las Vegas, not any work elsewhere in Henderson by the company or by Sanders Construction.

But some residents are calling for a moratorium on blasting throughout Henderson while city offi cials mull changes in an ordinance adopted in November. The following month, a blast mishap by Sanders in the Canyons development prompted more than 130 residents to submit claims for damage.

"It would seem to me that until they know what is going on, they should put on a moratorium," said Sun City MacDonald Ranch resident Tony Cutropia, who is part of a group leading the charge for a new ordinance limiting the intensity of the blasts that prepare hillsides for home construction.

"This is another reason to stop this."

Donner Drilling owner Dave Donner apologized and took responsibility for the mishap, calling it unacceptable. He stressed that he is taking steps to prevent a repeat. He said he fired two laborers, who were on their first day on the job Monday, and reorganized his operation to ensure there is a separate supervisor for drilling and blasting.

Donner said it appears that the crew accidentally loaded a rock in one of the blast holes filled with the explosive ammonia nitrate. That prevented the explosive material from being covered by soil loaded in the hole and created an air gap. When the explosive was detonated, instead of the force going downward to break rocks, it triggered an air blast, officials said.

Donner said he is optimistic the city will allow him to resume blasting in the next couple of days and downplayed the signifi cance of the incident.

"We are not talking about 100 homes with broken windows," Donner said. "We are talking two broken windows. There was less damage caused (Monday by blasting) than by golf balls."

Lake Las Vegas residents, though, said they were stunned by the intensity of Monday's blast and will have their homes inspected for damage.

Sun Hogan said she was on a ladder painting a friend's bathroom when she had to steady the ladder to keep from falling.

"I thought it was an earthquake, it was so strong," Hogan said. "I thought the second story was going to implode."

The developer of Lake Las Vegas released a statement that the company is assessing what caused the accident and looking into any aftereffects.

That promise was not very soothing to James Sabalos, a former federal prosecutor who owns three homes in the resort community.

"There have been too many incidents in Henderson with homes damaged that they need to look at the city's regulations and oversight," said Sabalos, who was not home at the time of the blast. "This is about the city of Henderson placing economic growth ahead of public safety."

Henderson residents have complained about blasting for more than a year, blaming it for cracks and other damage to their homes. A city consultant, however, attributed the cracking in question to the weather.

Council members said they are sympathetic to residents' concerns and will seek staff guidance on how the ordinance can be improved to make blasting safer.

Councilman Jack Clark suggested it may be time for the city to hire its own inspector to monitor the work and bill blasting companies.

"I don't know what the solution is, if it's a total ban or coming up with something that works. We need to take another look at this. I hate to think there could be a serious mistake that injures someone."

Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers said more safeguards, such as requiring blasting company employees to have more training in dealing with explosives, are needed to prevent further accidents.

"When done correctly, blasting is a better alternative than mechanical jack hammers that pound the ground the entire day," she said.

Councilman Andy Hafen said he will wait for the staff recommendation before deciding what direction the city should take. He said residents have not called to complain about the latest blast.

"I am not sure how grave these accidents are," Hafen said. "Mistakes are going to happen. If it's too major, our ordinance can take care of it by revoking permits."

Monday's blast broke a window at Laker Plaza, a gas station and bait shop near Lake Las Vegas, where equipment recorded 148 decibels - well above the 120 decibels allowed by the city. The decibel level was likely higher because the equipment stops measuring at 148 decibels, officials said.

Store clerk Tommy Garvin said the owner is concerned that the blasting might rupture gasoline tanks and lines. The city, however, reported a seismic meter measured movement at Laker Plaza at 0.04 inches per second, substantially below the city's standard of 0.5 inches per second.

Brian Wargo can be reached at 259-4011 or at wargo@lasvegassun.com.