Mine subsidence issue at Canonsburg home declared ‘emergency'

CANONSBURG, Pa. — More than one million homes in western Pennsylvania sit on top of abandoned mines, and that makes subsidence a real risk for homeowners.

A woman and her children were forced out of their home in Canonsburg last week. The foundation of the home was sinking, and the walls and ceilings were cracked. The home was temporarily condemned.

Caution tape and orange fencing surround the home on Bluff Street. The family had to move out quickly.

“It's just one heck of a mess in there. They shut ‘em down and said, ‘You have to move. It’s unlivable,’” said Jim Chemento, a neighbor.

Chemento told Channel 11 his neighbor did not have mine subsidence insurance.

Department of Environmental Protection personnel and the department's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation were notified of the subsidence event on Feb. 6.

DEP’s Community Relations Coordinator Lauren Fraley told Channel 11 News on Tuesday that BAMR contacted the homeowner and did a site assessment on Feb. 7, ultimately declaring the site an "emergency."

BAMR was on site last Friday for exploratory work and work began Monday, Fraley said. She said stabilization will consist of drilling and pumping in grout to fill the mine cavity.

For information on mine subsidence and mine subsidence insurance,

Cox Media Group