Blasting to Take Place at Night to Avoid Kindergarten Disruption

With blasting activities scheduled to take place in the area near Early Years Kindergarten on Route 111, Windham is working with the blasting company to find a proactive scheduling solution that benefits the town and the kids at the facility.

According to Town Administrator Dave Sullivan, blasting operations will soon take place on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule is a way to avoid disrupting the kindergarten but to also stay away from weekends.

Sullivan said that during those evenings, a fire detail will be present. Assistant Fire Chief Ed Morgan will also be present during most days to make sure proper safety measures are taking place.

"The one thing with the blasting (is) when this does happen, I'm here Monday through Friday and more than willing to go up during the day and watch, oversee, make sure they are doing the right stuff," said Morgan.

Morgan said he has been working with Maine Drilling and Blasting for the past few weeks.

Sullivan said that the state came to the Board of Selectmen several years ago to discuss blasting activities.

"They have been working with our fire department to try to comply with the town's regulations as best as possible," said Sullivan. "They have done a very good job with that."

Morgan said that by the ordinance and by blasting rules and regulations, residents within 500 feet have to be notified and offered a pre-blast survey.

But Morgan said nobody is trying to sweep the issue under the rug, and he agreed with a request made by Chairman Phil LoChiatto that residents on the other side of Route 111 down around Cobbett's Pond should also be notified.

At most, Sullivan said that one blast per night will take place. Questions can be directed to the Windham Fire Department.