The Washington Department of Labor & Industries has also cited and fined North Idaho Drilling Inc. of St. Maries, Idaho, for willful and serious violations for a June 2019 blasting incident that put workers at the public at risk. The Idaho-based drilling company has lost its license to perform similar work in Washington.

A crew from the drilling contractor was performing a blasting operation on North Grant Street in Spokane, WA on June 21, 2019. The blast was not planned or conducted properly, and it resulted in rocks being thrown as far as 490 feet from the site in all directions. Some of the rocks hit buildings, some fell on the street and some hit vehicles. No one was hurt but several people had to run for cover.

They received citations for 11 violations, including three willful/serious and five serious, as well as repeat and willful general violations. The employer has been cited by L&I at least two other times for similar hazardous situations. They are facing penalties of $92,144 and has had their license revoked to conduct blasting operations in the state.

The blaster also used more explosives than needed which resulted in rocks being thrown from the site. Blast mats were not used properly to contain the explosion. The rocks thrown were large enough to cause serious injuries or even death and some did cause property damage.

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