DEP takes action after ‘mine subsidence’ in Luzerne County

LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Work is continuing at this hour to fill a ‘mine subsidence’ in Toby Creek in Luzerne Borough. The void led to concerns that it could impact nearby homes and businesses.

28/22 News was overlooking Toby Creek as workers from the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have been filling a large mine void that opened early Sunday morning and workers say they are wrapped up for the day.

This is a video taken this afternoon around 2:00 p.m. as DEP workers were filling what appeared to be a hole in a mound of dirt in Toby Creek.

Mine subsidence evacuates homes in Luzerne County

This is where they have been plugging the original void that drained Toby Creek. This drone video was taken Sunday as the water was draining into the mine void. You can see the workers using heavy equipment to fill that original void.

The concern was the water could cause problems possibly other subsidence in this area. The I-Team spoke with DEP spokesperson Colleen Connolly about whether there is concern that the mine void in Luzerne Borough could cause problems in other communities. Since no one knows where the water traveled underground between Sunday and Monday.

“At approximately 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, the DEP was notified of a mine subsidence at a private residence along Hughes Street in Swoyersville in Luzerne. DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation staff immediately responded and determined the whole was about 10 feet deep. Staff then utilized material and equipment to begin filling the hole. It is unclear at this time if the subsidence is related to the subsidence in the Borough of Luzerne on Toby Creek.

Separately, at approximately 1:30 this afternoon, crews working the subsidence along Toby Creek in Luzerne Borough discovered a tension crack among the material being used to fill the subsidence. The crack was approximately 6 feet wide. Crews immediately removed the equipment from the creek and assessed the situation. It was determined to continue filling the hole with stone, the hole was plugged up within an hour. Water is still flowing along the creek channel. The subsidence has been filled. Work has ceased at the site and DEP crews will be back tomorrow to inspect.

Well, there’s always a concern we’re mindful of that. This area is on top of old abandoned mines as is the valley. The dep will monitor that if anyone sees anything unusual call the dep and let us know so we can come out to investigate,” said Colleen Connelly, a DEP spokesperson.

Connolly urges people in the region to consider buying mine subsidence insurance. Most homeowner’s policies do not cover damage caused by mine subsidence.

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