FRASER, Mich. – A natural gas line was struck by workers Tuesday morning at a sinkhole in Fraser, forcing DPW workers to leave the site on 15 Mile Road just east of Hayes Road.
Consumers Energy said there was a leak from a 2-inch pipe. It has since been repaired. The gas main was shut down as they made repairs.
The sinkhole began forming over the weekend, seriously damaging at least one home, putting two others at risk and forcing the evacuation of 19 more in the neighborhood. Public officials also are concerned about sewage backups in the area.
DETAILS: What we know about the Fraser sinkhole
Officials said the sinking began after a large intercept sewer line likely collapsed. Fraser declared a state of emergency and closed 15 Mile Road between Hayes and Utica to investigate the sinkhole.
Update: Sewage no longer pumping into Clinton River. Pumps will stay off barring rain. It's foul here though #local4 pic.twitter.com/MaqQICWPn4
— Nick Monacelli (@nickmonacelli) December 27, 2016
City officials say it's an 11-foot diameter sewer line buried 45 feet below the surface. It serves thousands of people in Macomb County. (A city letter declaring a state of emergency says 55 feet deep, but officials said during a public meeting it's 45 feet deep.)
Officials said homes will be evacuated for at least 2-3 weeks. Power and water has been cut off to the homes. Authorities are developing plans to allow people to remove items, but homeowners cannot access their properties now. An official said during a public meeting on Monday that they expect to stabilize the ground and restore public utilities within 2 weeks.
UPDATE: Sewage no longer being pumped into Clinton River
Aerial views of the 15 Mile Road sinkhole from Dec. 24, 2016
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