Mar 8, 2017 2 min read

MT. MORRIS – Crews are close to reopening a section of Big Shannon Run Road in Perry Township more than a week after a mudslide closed the road near Mt. Morris after severe storms swept through the area.

The March 1 mudslide that brought layers of sediment and trees across the state roadway apparently was caused by grading around a natural gas well site elevated on a ridge above the road, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Valerie Petersen said.

Petersen said the grading caused an area near the well to hold rainwater before releasing and bringing down part of the hillside.

“The way they had designed part of the pad, it held water and created a back pressure slide,” Petersen said.

Petersen said the drilling company involved, Tug Hill Operating, is in charge of the cleanup and hired crews to remove the mud and trees. A sign located at 392 Big Shannon Run Road near the mudslide identified the well site as J Yorio #1 pad.

PennDOT worked with the company to set up road closure signs and designate alternative routes for motorists, Petersen said. She expected the road to reopen to traffic Friday, depending on the weather.

A phone call to Tug Hill’s office in Southpointe was not returned Wednesday afternoon.

One worker with a chainsaw could be seen Wednesday cutting down fallen trees while another worker operated an excavator to shovel out buckets loads of mud and debris.

Lila Ayersman, who serves as Perry Township’s secretary and treasurer, said the closure has been a minor inconvenience, but most people are understanding.

“We received a few complaints, but people understand (they’re) trying to get it cleaned up as quickly as possible and so it doesn’t come down again,” Ayersman said. “It’s a little inconvenient, but they want to make sure it’s safe when they repair it.”

A state Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman expected to be able to release more information on the slide Thursday.