MORE INFORMATION REGARDING SINKHOLE FOUND IN RIVERWALK PARK

Frederick, Md. --- Please be advised a sinkhole was located in Riverwalk Park, off Schifferstadt Boulevard. City staff is adhering to strict emergency procedures established before test pumping began in Well 3. Please see updated sinkhole informational timeline below.

In accordance with the City’s Well #4 permit, and in good faith effort to keep the public informed, we are releasing the following information.

· 09/18/04 am: Appearance of sinkhole

· 09/18/04 am: City was notified of appearance of sinkhole by contractor

· Sinkhole occurred in the vicinity of Well 3 near the storm run off swale

· Approximate size is 10 feet in diameter by 6 to 8 feet deep

· A second smaller sinkhole was also reported measuring 4 feet in diameter

(Depth is unknown at this time since it contains water)

· The Mayor visited the site

· A safety fence was erected to secure the affected area

· MDE and EPA were notified

· 09/20/04 am: MDE/EPA Inspection of the site to occur.

· Monitoring of the site continues on a daily basis.

The City must report the possible occurrence of a subsidence or collapse sinkhole to MDE; maintaining a record of the time and date of the occurrence, the dimension of the possible sinkhole, and the surveyed and plotted location of the possible sinkhole. The City must then coordinate an investigation to determine if the sinkhole is related to permitted activity or the well-testing activity. These efforts are all currently underway.

The City cannot fill or repair said sinkhole until it has investigated. However, the City does remain in control of filling the probable sinkhole if a clear and immediate risk to the public safety does arise. The sinkhole information maintained by the City is transmitted to MDE on a yearly and as needed reporting basis. The City has agreed to repair certain sinkhole damages within the zone of influence (ZOI) for well 4, within the permit issued by the State. Preliminarily, this possible sinkhole occurrence appears to have occurred within the ZOI for well 4.