Investigations into the blasting incident that took place on the Louisville VA Medical Center construction site on Oct. 4, 2022, are complete. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, and DynoConsult, a third-party consultant retained by the prime contractor Walsh-Turner Joint Venture, each conducted independent investigations to determine the cause of the incident and identify remediation measures for future blasts.

The investigations concluded the incident on Oct. 4, 2022, was the result of an unintended simultaneous detonation of several explosive charges which were designed to detonate on a precisely timed sequence. As a result, rock fragments landed on I-264 and nearby properties.

To safely complete the remaining rock removal at the site, USACE and state regulating officials required the contractor to provide an updated risk remediation plan. The Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement and USACE have reviewed and approved the blast remediation plan. This plan includes increasing the space between charges and the use of a soil overburden along with a layer of blast mats. Traffic will also be stopped on I-264 during each of the remaining blasts. Representatives from the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement will be on-site during the process of drilling, loading, and blasting.

Blasting is anticipated to resume the week of Jan. 23 and progress at the rate of one per day, weather and equipment permitting. Five more blasts are scheduled to complete the blasting work on the project.

Safety remains our number one priority. Ensuring all work on the construction site is performed according to safety guidelines, and local and state laws, is paramount to safeguarding area residents and those working on the site.

Area residents who have further questions are encouraged to contact USACE Louisville District Public Affairs by emailing LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil.