Mine Blowout in South Central Leslie County

On the Herald Leader website there is an Associated Press report of a mine blowout on Robinson Creek, near the town of Chappell. However, I believe they mean Robin Branch rather than Robinson Creek.

The following are clips from the AP article:

According to Paul Rothman, a spokesman for the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the water was flowing directly out of the mine, owned by Bledsoe Coal Corp., and into Robinson Creek, at approximately 10,000 gallons per minute.

Mr. Rothman called that amount of water "a fairly significant release ... a fairly large amount."

According to Mr. Rothman, samples of the water have been taken to be tested, but at this time they do not believe "there is a water quality issue at this time."

"There's no homes in danger," said Chappell resident Bill Lewis, who spoke to The Associated Press by telephone, saying he lived downstream from the blowout but was not asked to leave. "No big deal at all."

An old, inactive slurry impoundment and a fresh water impoundment are located over portions of the old mine, and it is unclear whether they are leaking into the old mine or whether there is any relationship between them and the blowout, Rothman said.

A mine blowout typically occurs in an unused mine when water collects at low points and pressure builds up, Rothman said. The water will come through the surface of an area that has eroded over time, he said.