On February 24, Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Columbia) said the Conyngham coal bank fire located in Wilburton Number Two in Columbia County remains active, but the operator and owner have made significant progress according to the Department of Environment Protection.

“My office has been working alongside DEP to address the concerns of the community and will continue to do so until the fire is extinguished,” said Sen. Culver. “I commend the DEP, the EPA, the mine owner and the lessee for working in a cooperative manner to bring this situation to a conclusion.”

A public meeting in June was organized by Sen. Culver in response to resident concerns, including impacts on air quality. 

After listening to public feedback, the DEP requested the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency install air quality monitors to detect levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and particulates.  

The monitors were placed in two locations in Wilburton Number Two in July.  The monitors sent real-time data to the EPA, the DEP, the state Department of Health, and Columbia County Emergency Management Agency.

“The DEP has informed my office that the EPA has removed its air monitoring equipment at this time due to the documented improvements in air quality in Wilburton Number Two,” said Sen. Culver.  “It is encouraging to see the data reflect the progress being made on extinguishing the fire.  DEP will continue their frequent site inspections, and I understand the EPA is prepared to redeploy the monitoring equipment if further air quality concerns arise as the fire suppression efforts continue.”

DEP has shared with Sen. Culver that while there have been occasional instances of elevated readings, the monitors have generally not reported levels high enough to necessitate immediate resident notification. 

These readings have demonstrated a significant overall decline since data collection began in July, coinciding with ongoing fire suppression efforts.

“While we would all like to have the fire extinguished already, we have seen progress, and I am hopeful through this collaborative effort, we will continue to see improvements and ultimately, an end to this unfortunate incident,” said Sen. Culver

DEP is advising residents with immediate health or safety concerns to call 911. Residents with non-emergency concerns are encouraged to call DEP at 570-621-3118.

Information from Department of Health and DEP regarding the fire is available on Senator Culver’s website.

Click Here for Sen. Culver’s announcement.

[Posted: February 24, 2025]

3/3/2025