GA HB1501

Replaces the previous single 2 inches per second maximum peak particle velocity limit with a tiered system: 1.25 in/sec for 0-300 feet, 1.00 in/sec for 301-5,000 feet, and 0.75 in/sec for 5,001 feet and beyond from the blasting site.

Establishes a new 140-decibel airblast limit at any dwelling, public building, school, church, or commercial or institutional building not owned by or waived by the property owner.

Requires blasters operating in congested areas to take special precautions to control fragment throw, provide ample warning signals before firing, and notify all structures in the area when the standard table of distance (scaled distance less than 50) is exceeded.

Shifts seismograph instrumentation approval authority from compliance with U.S. Bureau of Mines design criteria to devices expressly approved by the Commissioner.

Requires blasting firms to offer free preblast surveys in writing at least 72 hours before operations to owners or occupants of buildings within 300 feet of any blast hole when the standard table of distance is exceeded, documenting all structural and cosmetic flaws.