Fuel oil discovery slows creek project
By Larry Deklinski, The News-Item, Shamokin, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Bucanelli said the oil has been in the ground for quite some time; however, UGI, which has a pipeline and property in the vicinity, took the initiative to address it.
"UGI stepped up and took responsibility; however, there is no negligence on their part," Bucanelli said. "They already hired a team to clean it up."
Although the discovery set the project back a few
steps, Bucanelli said snags in projects of this magnitude often occur and can't be predicted.
The project includes building on-site or installing pre-cast channel walls for nearly a mile, building new bridges at North Walnut and North Chestnut streets, and constructing an open pool and levy system that will break the flow of the water near the Silver Bowl stadium at the west end of the borough. The targeted completion date is
"We have been delayed a little bit, but progress is not far off track," Bucanelli said. "Right now, the contractor has completed the lower end, near the stadium."
Will lower insurance
The new channel is intended to increase water capacity, which should keep nearly 100 houses along
Along with preventing flooding, Bucanelli said the new channel will redefine the flood zone, which is anticipated to lower -- or eliminate altogether -- flood insurance costs for area property owners.
According to
"If you are 18 inches above the elevation, you can get flood insurance for a couple hundred dollars a year," Bucanelli said. "Insurance rates go up astronomically if you are below base flood elevation."
A homeowner can be charged as much as
"None of those homeowners (living along Shamokin Creek) would be able to sell their properties because the flood insurance would cost more than the house. It could wipe out a significant portion of the tax base," Bucanelli said. "The key is how the project is going to save a big portion of the borough."
Bucanelli said the area will be reassessed by
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