Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 16.2.3. Map of Centralia Borough, Pennsylvania illustrating the location of the origin of the Centralia mine
fire. From Chaiken et al. 1983, p. 24. For ease of determining locations at the Centralia site, a grid was added to the
maps (Figures 16.2.3 to 16.2.5). The location of the origin (N0,E0W) outside the fire zone was arbitrary. Grid lines
were added at 1000 ft intervals to the east and north of the origin.
it would cause, the isolation trench was replaced with a flushed barrier (Chaiken et al., 1983). Attempts to control
the fire between 1962 and 1978 (Figure 16.2.4.) cost over US$3 million and were unsuccessful.
In 1977, the SMCRA was passed. Under SMCRA, the Bureau
s anthracite office was transferred to the OSM,
which now had responsibility for safety and environmental problems related to past mining. In 1979, OSM and the
Bureau entered into an interagency agreement in which the Bureau would gather data on the Centralia fire and
evaluate possible alternatives for extinguishing it. In a report submitted to OSM in 1980 (Chaiken et al., 1980), the
Bureau evaluated options including excavation, inundation methods, such as flooding and hydraulic flushing. It
also considered a water curtain barrier, underground mining, Burnout Control, and relocation of the community.
The four excavation options were considered the technically most feasible. Although complete excavation of the
fire zone had the greatest probability of success, it had a high estimated cost (US$84 million) and would require the
destruction of a significant portion of the town (Figure 16.2.5.). While lower in cost, the partial excavation options
would leave a fire zone in close proximity to residences and would also involve the destruction of most of the town.
The Bureau was concerned primarily with technical factors in various control options, but it emphasized in its
report that socioeconomic factors must also be considered (Chaiken et al., 1983).
'
In 1984, Congress allocated US$42 million for the relocation of the residents of Centralia. Most of the residents
accepted the buyout offers, but some refused to move. (Dekok, 1986). The Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned
Mine Reclamation now considers the site extremely dangerous due to the presence of toxic gases and the potential
for sudden ground collapse. Burning for almost 50 years, the fire continues to spread, and as yet, no viable plan has
been developed to extinguish it.
