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Some Findlay residents are concerned their wells and streams could be damaged when a developer begins blasting land to remove coal buried 25 to 60 feet deep.

"We're afraid the blasting will divert the streams from our wells," resident Merrill Kosco said. "That's our biggest worry."

The Allegheny County Airport Authority is preparing land off Clinton Road for the $11 million Clinton Industrial Park, which will cover 87 acres and offer large-scale distribution and warehouse facilities.

Officials said blasting will occur on 40 acres in a controlled and delayed manner, meaning the coal will be blasted in 50- by-100 foot patches. Residents within a 1,500-foot radius of each blast will feel vibrations.

Supervisors Chairman Tom Gallant could not say how many homes are within that area, but said the nearest home is between an eighth- and a quarter-mile away. He said many people overreact when they hear about plans for blasting.

"Their first thought is what they've seen happening in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said. "I don't think all that much is going to be affected."

Dave Harrison, an explosives engineer with Dr. Walter & Associates Vibration & Sound Consultants, said the blasting will not affect wells or streams.

"If the blast vibrations do not cause any structural damage to the homes, it will not do anything to the wells. Wells and streams are less susceptible since they are underground. The vibrations from the blasting will only travel along the surface," he said.

Gallant said the contractor will be responsible for any damages. According to Bill Shuss, explosives inspector from the Department of Environmental Protection, a contractor would be required to have a $1 million insurance policy before work could begin.

Randy Forister, the airport authority's environmental development director, said that if something does happen, the authority will take the blame. Harrison added that the contractor assumes responsibility as well.

"These homeowners can opt for a pre-blast survey. So if there is any damage, you'll have proof," Harrison said.

The authority could have chosen to remove the coal by digging, but blasting saves $1.5 million and shortens the work time. Harrison said digging up the coal would take as long as a year while blasting will take 50 to 60 days.

Forister said a bid will be awarded next month, with blasting expected to start by the end of June.

Daniel Casciato is a freelance writer. Staff writer Brian C. Rittmeyer contributed to this article.

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