Sinkhole in W. Earl reopens By Carla Di Fonzo Intelligencer Journal Lancaster, PA
Published: Oct 18, 2006 1:51 AM EST
Sylvan Fisher, the township roadmaster, said the six sinkholes covered an area of about 60 to 75 feet, with some as deep as 30 feet.
For about three days, residents were offered fresh water from a supply truck parked on South State Street, in addition to the use of showers at West Earl Township Fire Hall on School Lane.
Schreffler said residents don’t have to worry about having their water shut off — yet.
“We’re not sure what’s going on in the sinkhole, whether there’s a water break of the serious kind or not,” she said. “But so far, no one’s having to go without water, and we’re hoping it stays that way.”
Sinkholes are common in areas with a karst landscape, which means the soil contains large quantities of limestone. Sinkholes occur when the soil collapses internally for a variety of reasons that can include water line breaks or a sewer collapse.
“We’re in the initial stages of figuring out the problem,” Schreffler said. “This time we’re going to make repairs and hopefully make them stick.”