COLUMBUS, OHThe Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) began conducting exploratory drilling this week in a neighborhood of Barberton to define the limit of an unmapped abandoned underground coal mine in the area. The effort, designated as the Barberton Mine Stabilization Project, will also determine the potential for subsidence activity in the community.
ODNRs Division of Mineral Resources Management (DMRM) will conduct the drilling in an area bordered by Hagey Drive on the north, 31st Street SW on the east, Harden Drive and Alcorn Drive on the south, and Taylor Road on the west.
Problems in the area stem from the former A. F. Barteges abandoned underground coal mine that ceased operations in the late 1870s. Such mines were often not mapped, or were mapped incompletely. ODNRs work will help determine the extent and condition of the abandoned underground coal mine in this neighborhood, allowing the department to develop recommendations to reduce the risk of damage from any future subsidence activity.
Due to the age of the mine, local geological and groundwater conditions and recent development in the area, the potential exists for subsurface movement. ODNR will use the information gathered to assess that potential and keep local public officials and private citizens abreast of the presence of underground workings.
Questions or comments regarding this project may be directed to Jim Gue with the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management office in Salem at (330) 222-1527 or Derek Collins with ODNR Abandoned Mine Lands Program in Columbus at (614) 265-1038.