Every state in the US has a unique set of statutes governing real estate transactions. It is imperative for real estate professionals to be informed about special risks associated with individual regions of the country. For example, more than two-thirds of Pennsylvania's 67 counties have rich coal deposits underground. And, two centuries of mining activity to bring that precious resource to the surface has resulted in large tunnels and voids that may collapse, causing the surface to subside. These cavern like structures also collect water, from heavy rainfall and snow melt gradually filling abandoned mine workings, which under some conditions, may erupt through the Earth's surface, damaging buildings directly above, or near, the rupture point.
There are several different types of subsidence including: mine drainage from water collection, sinkhole, which typically occur when mines are in proximity to the surface and trough subsidence that appears above a failed shaft pillar or some external pressure that forces a pillar into a soft mine floor or ceiling. All of these depressions, cave-ins and eruptions may cause substantial damage to above-ground structures.
Today, more than one million homes are standing above abandoned mines. State law requires sellers to provide written notice to potential buyers about risks in areas …show more content…
This coverage is typically not included in standard homeowner's insurance policies. Buying coverage is voluntary, but with premium costs relatively low, it is a wise decision to purchase a policy if you are buying a home or a piece of land with improvements in an at-risk area. The Pennsylvania Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund, established in 1961, offers coverage for only 55 cents per $1000 of coverage. You can find out if any home is built above an abandoned mine by visiting
There are several different types of subsidence including: mine drainage from water collection, sinkhole, which typically occur when mines are in proximity to the surface and trough subsidence that appears above a failed shaft pillar or some external pressure that forces a pillar into a soft mine floor or ceiling. All of these depressions, cave-ins and eruptions may cause substantial damage to above-ground structures.
Today, more than one million homes are standing above abandoned mines. State law requires sellers to provide written notice to potential buyers about risks in areas …show more content…
This coverage is typically not included in standard homeowner's insurance policies. Buying coverage is voluntary, but with premium costs relatively low, it is a wise decision to purchase a policy if you are buying a home or a piece of land with improvements in an at-risk area. The Pennsylvania Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund, established in 1961, offers coverage for only 55 cents per $1000 of coverage. You can find out if any home is built above an abandoned mine by visiting