EPA AND CITY STAFF TO TEST SINKHOLE WEDNESDAY

Frederick, Md. ---Please be advised City staff, under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff, will dye-test the sinkhole this Wednesday, September 22nd at 10:00 a.m. This dye-test will include pumping several thousand gallons of non-toxic dyed-water into the throat of the sinkhole to test the water direction. This will allow City staff, EPA officials and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) staff to make further determinations relating to the specific cause for the recent sinkhole.

This sinkhole, located in Riverwalk Park off Schifferstadt Boulevard, is near the riverbed near the sinkhole that appeared in December 2002. According to City staff, sinkholes of this nature are more likely to appear near riverbeds and streams.

In addition, City staff and EPA officials recognized stress marks in the soil around the sinkhole and have erected a safety fence around the affected area. The sinkhole continues to be monitored.

For more information, please contact Sandy Webb, CIP Water Now Team Attorney, The City of Frederick at 301-629-6253 or swebb@cityoffrederick.com.