Seismologists Measure Effects of Donovan Blasts

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Updated: 10:10 a.m.

Seismologists from the Explosives and Blasting Branch of the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement are measuring the magnitude of blasts felt in a neighborhood near a plant that disposes of military ordinance in Nortonville. Donovan Commercial Industries and Double Arrow Explosive Services are located 40 minutes north of Fort Campbell  and dispose of military ordinance and temper railroad tracks.  

Jeff Harkin lives two miles from the Donovan and says the regulatory agency that set up seismographs in his neighborhood expects to have results at the end of January. But, Harkin says Donovan has cut back on the large, frequent explosions since the seismographs have been installed. He says the company could dispose of the explosives in a less disruptive way.

"There is some process where they could actually burn this stuff off, but it would be more expensive," Harkin says. " So what they’re doing is just exploding it which of course is the cheapest way for them and the most profitable. But it is really serious harassment for me and my neighbors."

Harkin and his neighbors are worried about property damage and a decrease in their property value.  Donovan has not returned calls concerning the complaints.