Water From Mine Nearly Washes Ky. Fire Station Away

March 07--HATFIELD, Ky. -- "It looks like Niagara Falls," said a passerby who stopped to take a look at the millions of gallons of water rushing out of an old abandoned mine that laid dormant since 1963, situated directly across from the Hatfield Volunteer Fire Department at Hatfield, on Rt. 468 in Pike County.

"You wouldn't believe this if you didn't see it for yourself," said the bystander.

According to information received on scene from HVFD Captain Cecil Beckett, a portion of the mountain surrounding the old mine works blew out at approximately 4 p.m. yesterday, leading to the enormous waterfall effect of mine water gushing across the roadway, across the lot situated directly beside the fire department building, and into Big Creek.

"The water has such force behind it that it has already buckled the roadway," said Beckett. "The lot here that is now underwater belongs to the fire department. We have mowed it and kept it dressed nicely through the years.

"Now, it looks like it's part of Big Creek."

Beckett pointed out a metal pipe that is visible on the property, and said that the marker is located where the septic system for the fire department was located, before the flooding swept it away.

"If it wasn't for volunteers from Sidney Coal (Alpha Natural Resources) that came and brought equipment and built up the dirt where it would prevent the water from flowing directly into the front of the fire department, we would have suffered some major damage to our building and equipment," said Beckett.

"We really appreciate what they did for us. They're to be commended for their efforts."

Hazmat officials on scene said they were told the mines was in the old Thacker seam of coal, and was reportedly closed in 1963. At this time, there is no way of knowing how much water remains within the works, but one official commented that the last time he seen a similar circumstance such as this, the water gushed from the opening for 3-4 days straight.

"We've got several members of the Kentucky State Highway Department here, and we're expecting officials with the Department of Abandoned Mines to be here no later than tomorrow," Beckett said. "We're just thankful that there were no homes in the direct path of the water, because there's a very good chance there would have been fatalities."

A pungent odor of sulfur could easily be detected in the air around the roaring waters, and HVFD Chief Lawrence Dingess said that the smell was almost immediate following the explosion and the onset of water.

"We contacted the Kermit and Naugatuck water plants to make them aware of the large amount of mine water that has entered Big Creek, which then flows into the Tug River," said the chief. "There's no way of knowing at this time what contaminants are in the water and we'd rather be safe than sorry.

"Safe drinking water isn't something any of us take for granted."

Mingo County Emergency Services Director Jarrod Fletcher informed the Daily News that he had spoken with both Mingo PSD and the Kermit Water Department officials and instructed them to shut off their pumps, and said they would be using the reserve water tanks for the next couple of days rather than pumping.

"We will test the water in Tug River in 2-3 days before we begin pumping again, if the mine water is still flowing into the creek," said Fletcher. "We'll be monitoring this situation closely and will keep the public informed of any precautions they may need to take."

Members of the HVFD planned to man their station around the clock to keep a close eye on the water situation, and will also monitor the levels of the Big Creek waters should a chance of flooding occur.

"As of now, we don't see any emanate cause for alarm for residents along Rt. 468, but should that change, we will do everything we can to inform the public as soon as we become aware that there could potentially be problems," said Beckett.

Beckett reminds those who have to travel in the area that they must pursue alternative routes until the water ceases to flow.

"The road is impassable, and we're not sure how long that will continue to be the case until we see the true extent of the damage."

If anyone has questions or concerns about the mine works blow out and the road conditions in the immediate area, contact the Pike County Road Department at 606-432-6230, Pikeville Post 9 of the Kentucky State Police at 606-433-7711 or the Hatfield Fire Department at 606-237-0015.

The Daily News will be following up on this situation with the Department of Abandoned Mines and Reclamation.

Copyright 2012 - Williamson Daily News, W.Va.