We encourage anyone in the Fayette City area, and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, to contact DEP about past mining operations near their homes. Mine subsidence occurs when the walls and ceilings of old underground mines settle or collapse. Subsidence causes millions of dollars in structural damage every year in Pennsylvania, but is not covered by standard homeowners' insurance policies. In Pennsylvania, the Mine Subsidence Insurance Board, through DEP, administers a nonprofit insurance program to protect homeowners. Pennsylvania established the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program in 1961 to provide a reliable source of insurance against losses caused by underground coal and clay mines.
Policies are also available for non-residential structures.