(CUC) — On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation issued a notification regarding a sinkhole that formed at the Sadog Tasi Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Since the initial report, CUC and contracted engineering teams have conducted a preliminary condition assessment using unmanned aerial vehicles and determined that the depression formed at the Sadog Tasi site was not the result of a geological sinkhole, but was caused by the structural collapse of a portion of a World War II era underground water storage tank.
The metal tank with concrete roof is approximately 130 feet in diameter and is filled with 3 million gallons of clear water. A partial roof collapse occurred near the center of the tank which resulted in soil entering into the underground structure. While the cause of the roof failure is still under investigation, it is known that an earthquake impacted the region hours before the collapse.
CUC has temporarily relocated all affected staff to alternative operating areas as a result of the incident to ensure their safety and continues to provide uninterrupted power, water and wastewater services to its customers. The Sadog Tasi Wastewater Treatment process systems have not been impacted by the event and the facility has maintained uninterrupted operations.
Structural and geotechnical engineering specialists will be conducting additional assessments to develop interim and permanent remediation action plans while ensuring the safety of CUC customers and staff.
This is a developing situation. Corrections and updates to this event will be issued as new information becomes available.
