
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 3, 1995                   TAG: 9501030117
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: APPALACHIA                                 LENGTH: Short

GEOLOGISTS STUDY GAS-BLAST AREA

In an effort to decide how to control an old water well, state and coal company geologists are compiling information on the area where leaking methane caused an explosion.

Gas belching from the old well continued to burn Monday.

Options include plugging the well or setting up a vent system to withdraw the gas from underground, said Willie Howlett, a hazardous-materials field director for the state Department of Emergency Services.

Geologists from the state Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Westmoreland Coal Co. who have surveyed the area in the past are to report this week, Howlett said.

Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor methane levels in the area around the clock. Howlett said there was no significant change Monday in the levels.

The well exploded Dec. 25, flattening a garage. No one was injured.

Gov. George Allen declared a state of emergency Friday for the town, allowing state officials to suspend normal purchasing rules to buy whatever they needed to work at the site, and directing state agencies to help local officials.

- Associated Press

by CNB