A small hole on a Kentucky farm has turned into a methane safety concern for one homeowner and his family.
Steve Deutsch told WFIE/14 News that he first noticed the hole leaking on his 50-acre Henderson County property in November, then again in January.
The problem returned in mid-June, and Deutsch said he later learned the hole was releasing methane.
For families who own land in old coal-mining areas, a small opening in a field can become a serious property hazard when gas, permits, specialized repair work, and abandoned mine records are involved.
The Homeowner Says the Methane Is Coming From an Abandoned Mine
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Deutsch told WFIE that the methane comes from an abandoned coal mine in the area and said the operation left in 2012.
He said there are many capped holes like it around the area.
Deutsch said the gas is his main concern because he does not want anyone near the hole with anything that could spark. He also said he has called emergency management, county officials, and state mining officials while trying to find a fix.
The Fix Could Be Expensive
Deutsch’s sister, Sharon Bumb, told WFIE that several companies did not want to take on the work.
She said the family could be looking at a repair starting around $50,000.
Bumb also said Deutsch cannot simply repair the hole himself because of permits and the volatility of the gas. The wrong repair around methane could make the situation more dangerous instead of solving it.
Venting the Hole Is One Option Being Discussed
Deutsch said he was presented with the possibility of venting the hole, but he worries about the gas damaging nearby grass and foliage.
He also said he does not believe the hole was capped correctly the first time.
Deutsch told WFIE he wants the hole capped according to the rules, whether that requires bentonite, concrete, or another method approved by regulators.
Abandoned Mine Methane Can Become a Property Hazard
The Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands says its work focuses on protecting the public from health and safety problems caused by past mining.
A federal Office of Surface Mining methane guidance manual says methane accumulation in or near homes from abandoned mines can pose a safety risk and warrants action.
The same guidance says fugitive methane should not be allowed to accumulate to explosive levels in wells or structures.
Homeowners Should Not Treat This Like a DIY Repair
Methane is colorless and highly flammable, and gas mixed with air can become explosive.
Anyone who suspects methane is coming from a hole, well, vent, mine opening, or other ground feature should keep flames, smoking, vehicles, electrical equipment, and other ignition sources away from the area.
Deutsch told WFIE the state has been helping him find people who may be able to help. Homeowners in similar situations should contact local emergency officials, state mining regulators, or the Kentucky Abandoned Mine Lands emergency hotline instead of attempting to cap, dig, vent, or test the opening themselves.