DEP taking steps to fix Luzerne mine subsidence
LUZERNE BOROUGH, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) took new steps Sunday in fixing what’s been a weeks-long mine subsidence.
In Luzerne Borough, a mine void opened up last Sunday in a section of Toby Creek.
28/22 News Reporter Gianna Galli went checked things out Sunday and spoke with people in the area about the latest improvements.
Although 28/22 News weren’t able to directly access the location where those new improvements took place Sunday, DEP officials say they have added more concrete and installed a cofferdam to help prevent the water flow from going into the mine subsidence.
On Sunday, one week since a mine void opened up in Toby Creek right behind Luzerne Lumber, DEP officials continued to take steps to fix the issue.
In a statement released early Sunday, officials say they installed a cofferdam to prevent the flow of water into an area that needs to be dried out.
“That water was just a pre-curser to what could happen,” said Larksville resident Chuck Pavlick.
But one resident who lives near Luzerne Borough isn’t quite sure.
Ever since the mine subsidences occurred in both Luzerne Borough and Swoyersville a week ago, there’s been bright brown bubbling water popping up across Luzerne County.
The question many are asking is: Is it all connected?
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“I believe it is. This whole valley is all mines. They mined it before we were around and I think sooner or later all those mines are going to open up somewhere they have nowhere to go,” Pavlick explained.
Officials also say crews added 80 more cubic yards of concrete into the subsidence which is topped with more clay and rocks.
Another resident near the area who didn’t want to appear on camera told 28/22 News he already has mine subsidence insurance, just in case.
Pavlick on the other hand isn’t greatly concerned, but feels this isn’t the end.
“What they’re doing I guess is exactly what should be done. I mean they have the guys there filling it with rock and concrete going in there but I don’t think it’s going to stop, the water is going to still go down and it’s still going to open up more sinkholes or it’s going to bubble up,” Pavlick stated.
Officials expect the settling of the installed materials to continue and will monitor the situation over the next couple of days.
If you happen to experience or notice any mine subsidence near you, contact 28/22 News.
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