Recurring sinkholes spur Palmyra to pursue temporary fixes while exploring $1 million compaction-grouting option

Public works and the borough manager reported a series of recurring sinkholes in a detention basin and an emergency sewer cleanout on East Pine. Crews plan to camera storm drains and pipes to identify sagging, disconnections or breaks, and to record the condition for further work.

Borough manager Brenda Alpera explained that the basin sits on soft karst geology and that repeated temporary fixes have been necessary. She said a permanent repair using compaction grouting could be substantial: "If you fix it permanently by compaction grouting, you're looking at possibly, you know, close to 1000000 dollars." The borough recalled prior FEMA funding discussions that were constrained by program rules; earlier grant efforts had difficulties because of restrictions on land use after acceptance.

For now, the borough intends to excavate and make temporary fixes, monitor the area, run camera inspections, and investigate engineering firms with compaction-grouting experience. Officials said they would research potential state or federal funding but cautioned that eligibility and restrictions are uncertain. The council discussed the tradeoffs between repeated temporary repairs and the upfront cost of a permanent fix, and asked staff to pursue engineering estimates and funding options.