Lou Barletta's Statement On Contract For Jeansville Mine Fire

Rep. Barletta (right) and Sen. Yudichak read “The Night Before Christmas”

to children in the SHINE program at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Wilkes-Barre in November.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding the awarding of a contract by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to Hazleton Shaft Corporation to isolate and extinguish the Jeansville mine fire. The mine fire has been burning for decades near the village of Tresckow in Banks Township in Carbon County. Barletta has pressed federal, state, and local authorities for a solution to the ongoing public safety hazard. Barletta convened a meeting with DEP and local officials in September to exchange information about the problem.

According to DEP, the $9.3 million contract “involves digging two isolation trenches to contain the fire and stop it from spreading. The project will involve the excavation of approximately 2.6 million cubic yards of material to isolate the fire on the south side. A water supply for the fire will be obtained by connecting to a line owned by the Hazleton City Authority and from a well to the mine pool which lies below the area.”

Barletta’s statement is as follows:

“This is welcome news and a good first step in solving a problem that has been plaguing the community for far too many years. I am proud of the cooperation I have witnessed among people from all levels of government, the private sector, and the community. The Jeansville mine fire will not be extinguished overnight, but today we have begun the work to get it done.”