(a) The operator shall notify, in writing, residents within 1⁄2 mile of the blasting site and local governments of the proposed times and locations of blasting operations. Such notice of times that blasting is to be conducted may be announced weekly, but in no case less than 24 hours before blasting will occur.

(b) Unscheduled blasts may be conducted only where public or operator health and safety so requires and for emergency blasting actions. When an operator conducts an unscheduled surface blast incidental to underground coal mining operations, the operator, using audible signals, shall notify residents within 1⁄2 mile of the blasting site and document the reason in accordance with § 817.68(p).

(c) All blasting shall be conducted between sunrise and sunset unless nighttime blasting is approved by the regulatory authority based upon a showing by the operator that the public will be protected from adverse noise and other impacts. The regulatory authority may specify more restrictive time periods for blasting.