Pocono News Section

Subsidence Threatening Natural Gas Line

Subsidence Threatening Natural Gas Line - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 5:36PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 @05:36pm EST
A mine subsidence in Hazle Township started Wednesday morning is slowing to a stop, but is threatening a natural gas line.

Families from both homes were picking up what they could Thursday afternoon. They'll have to wait until the Office of Surface Mining says it's safe to move back in.

Luzerne County Emergency Management says contractors could start filling the subsidence as early as Monday. Right now, Route 940 is shut down here at smith road, and U-G-I crews are on scene, preparing for the worst.

Luzerne County Emergency Management Director Stephen Bekanich says, "The chief concern with the gasline is that of it become compromised, it will basically take out gas services for about 10,000 customers."

Luzerne County EMA says the subsidence appears to be slowing to a stop. The Office of Surface Mining and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency were both checking out the damage. All while a neighborhood hopes the ground won't sink any more.

PennDOT says Route 940will stay closed until further notice. It was closed as a precaution, so vibrations from passing vehicles wouldn't make the subsidence any worse.