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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Dear Surface Property Owner,

     
    If you live in a longwall mining area (PDF) Greene and Washington counties, DEP's Surface Subsidence Agents are available to help answer your questions about your rights as a surface property owner before, during and after mining.
     
    Pennsylvania is the first state in the nation to dedicate staff for the sole purpose of helping surface property owners with subsidence damage. Our agents will advise you of your rights under the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act and assist you in settling damage claims.
     
    We can help you deal with the coal company to ensure any damage or water loss (Link No Longer Available) you experience is corrected promptly and that temporary water supplies are brought in right away.
     
    We can also help you file a formal claim for damage or water loss to protect your rights and ensure that damages are resolved.
     
    Please get in touch with your Agent via e-mail or through our toll-free number at 800-922-1678. There is a lot of information on this webpage to help you understand your rights and protections under the law, including a fact sheet (PDF) on water supply replacement and subsidence damage repair.
     
    Your suggestions on how we can improve our Surface Subsidence Agent Program are always welcome.
     
    We recognize having your property undermined can be a traumatic experience. But our Surface Subsidence Agents are here to help.