This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.
Palmyra Borough Council heard a comprehensive borough-wide geophysical study and stormwater model that showed how water flows through the area and how the borough could make improvements to prevent future sinkholes.
Bill Seaton with ARM Group presented the findings to the council and answered questions during council’s Aug. 27 meeting.
Read More: Palmyra poised to further address sinkhole issue with new study
The report used more than 20 miles of geophysical data to construct a 3D model of the subsurface. It looked into groundwater flow, sinkhole development and stormwater management.
Seaton said a main factor in preventing sinkholes is managing stormwater runoff. When water slows down and sits below ground, it creates an environment for a sinkhole to form. Instead, he said, infrastructure should focus on moving the stormwater toward creeks, ponds or quarries.
The report highlighted several “areas of concern” throughout the borough where weak rock coupled with sitting water could give way to sinkholes. These areas were largely on Palmyra’s eastern side and have mostly been addressed by drilling injection wells, which pull water underground and send it toward waterways.
However, Seaton said the parking lot at Palmyra Area Middle School can still be improved. There are multiple deep injection wells in front of the building, but the one under the parking lot is relatively shallow and doesn’t pump water deep enough.
Borough manager Roger Powl said the injection well along Locust Street is about 75 feet deep when it should be at least 150 feet deep.
“We need to work with the school district on getting rid of this one on Locust Street because that’s a problem,” he said. “That’s the last one — the other ones have all been improved.”
Seaton also recommended annual evaluations on underground pipes. He said water leaking underground could lead to sinkholes in areas previously thought to be fixed.
Powl said these annual inspections aren’t currently happening but they will now be considered.
This report and the expert recommendations are just the most recent step in helping with Palmyra’s sinkhole problem, which is not uncommon throughout the region.
“It’s gotten a lot less over the years since we’ve been taking care of the problems,” Powl said.
The council also briefly discussed the two refuse and recycling bids they said they plan to vote on during its next meeting. The two companies to bid were Waste Management and Casella.
Powl said the bids’ quarterly rates increased by about 15%, but compared to nearby towns, it was “not as bad” as he thought it would be.
Council President Beth Shearer said council members should review the submitted bids and be ready to vote at the next meeting. The group must make a decision by Oct. 1 so the chosen contract can start in November.
Council also unanimously voted for the borough’s Trick-Or-Treat Night to be held on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. This is consistent with the county-wide plan.
Borough council will meet next on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
Questions about this story? Suggestions for a future LebTown article? Reach our newsroom using this contact form and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
Free news isn’t cheap. If you value the journalism LebTown provides to the community, then help us make it sustainable by becoming a champion of local news. You can unlock additional coverage for the community by supporting our work with a one-time contribution, or joining as a monthly or annual member. You can cancel anytime.
