DOT - Creek Liner will Only Move Sinkholes

In an article by Arlene Martinez of the Morning Call (read it here) it is noted that the creek liner that was going to be used to prevent sinkholes will not be installed by PA Dept. of Transportation (PADOT) because it is believed the liner will only move the sinkholes elsewhere.

This was based on a meeting on Wednesday in Stockertown with PADOT officials.

The article also notes that:

Hundreds of sinkholes have sprung up in the area, but at a quickening pace since 1999. The area is so prone to sinkholes that two Route 33 bridges in Palmer Township had to be rebuilt in early 2004 — causing a traffic nightmare with thousands of vehicles diverted through Nazareth — and the bridges needed repairs only months later.

It goes on to say:

Experts have said a combination of factors have worked to make the area one of the most unusual and troublesome in the state — among them, the presence nearby of Hercules Cement Co.'s 300-foot-deep quarry.

Groundwater must be pumped from a quarry. That water usually makes its way downstream. But in a phenomenon that partially puzzles researchers, of the groundwater that leaves the quarry, at least half returns to the quarry, state officials estimate.

The sinkhole issue and liner were also discussed in this post.

Other posts related to sinkholes are located in the article index.