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MSHA News Release: [09/10/2002]
Contact Name: Amy
Louviere
Phone Number: (202) 693-9423
Quecreek Investigation Onsite
Phase Nears Completion
NEW STANTON, Pa. –
Federal and state investigators have inspected the area where nine miners
recently were trapped for 77 hours in the Quecreek Mine, Somerset County, Pa.,
and examined a breach between the Quecreek Mine and what is believed to be the
abandoned Saxman Mine. Investigators have completed mapping the mine for
pertinent information, damage and high water levels, except for one section of
the mine where water continues to block access.
“The investigation is proceeding well, and investigators will
carefully review all the information collected before drawing conclusions,
” said David D. Lauriski, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and
health.
Investigators found the breakthrough was 4 feet high and 6 feet
wide.
In addition, Lauriski said:
· Water continues to be pumped from the mine to clear access to
all areas of the mine;
· Interviews with the majority of Quecreek personnel as well as
the engineers who developed the mine maps have been completed;
· MSHA investigators have found an additional old map of the
Saxman Mine, which held the millions of gallons of water that spilled into
Quecreek #1. The agency is seeking further information on the Saxman Mine (also
known as Harrison No. 2).
“It appears to be a map of a portion of the Saxman Mine which is
not the same as the map that was in the possession of the Quecreek mine
operator,” said Lauriski. “We’re not sure how accurate this map
is and we’re not sure of its scale. The investigators are studying it
closely and comparing it with the actual underground workings.”
The map was found by MSHA investigators at the Windber Coal Heritage
Center museum in Windber, Pa.
MSHA also has conducted a risk assessment of mines throughout the
country to determine potential for similar breakthroughs and is working with
mine operators to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect against
these incidents. The agency is presently developing an agenda for a symposium
on prevention of inundations that will be scheduled next month, Lauriski
said.
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