WTRF Special Report: West Virginia neighborhood reports home damage from longwall mining

CAMERON, W.Va. (WTRF) — Don Stern says he’s watching his home disintegrate in real time.

Between brick separation in the side of his garage and hairline cracks in the walls, the former coal miner says he’s ready to move out of his home.

It’s most visible inside of his garage, where he reports the door is slowly being wedged shut.

He says the damage can be pinpointed to an ongoing, earth-shifting activity: longwall mining from St. Clairsville-based American Consolidated Natural Resources.

“I’ve got a lot of heavy equipment that you got to get out of there before that door jams. I don’t want to have to cut my own door out.”

Don Stern, Green Valley Rd. Homeowner

And his home is far from an exception.

Along Green Valley Road in Cameron, neighbors gathered at Stern’s home to share similar stories of crumbling foundations and separated pavement.

The Department of Energy describes longwall mining as an efficient technique in which a shearing machine cuts coal along a coalbed panel, after which the roof collapses.

This collapse causes land disturbances called subsidence, and often leads to drops of several feet along the surface.

Neighbor Lee Anderson says he’s lived in his home for 40 years but just recently had to use a crowbar to get his front door open.

“I can’t get a door open or shut inside my house, my molding’s falling off the walls. They said ‘Don’t touch it until the adjusters and all that get done.’ In the meantime, I’m worried about it bending the frame.”

Lee Anderson, Green Valley Rd. Homeowner

Former delegate Dave Evans has put together a packet of reports from Marshall County residents, alleging water loss, destruction of property and minimal or no compensation from ACNR.

Stern walked us through his home, saying he’s been unable to find a buyer after finding new damage nearly every day.

“I have a crack just over there that you can put your hand in. I’ve got cracks in my drywall.”

Don Stern, Green Valley Rd. Homeowner

After what they call nearly a year of sinking land, the neighborhood says it’s looking for two outcomes: a fair settlement for their property and better regulation of mining from the state.

Several residents tell 7News they’re worried what will happen as they wait for responses to their claims…and if they can feel safe inside their own property in the meantime.

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