WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- A security guard in a silver pickup truck parked about a quarter-mile from the Osterhout's property.
"It's kind of scary that they're this close," John Osterhout said.
At least three security guards were seen blocking multiple entrances into Pond Creek Mine near Johnston City days after state officials reported a slope-slide situation at the mine's retention pond.
The Illinois Department of Resources received an alert last Friday and are working with Mach Mining LLC to stabilize it. IDNR says failure to stabilize it could bring potential flooding if the pond berm slides through.
It's unclear how the work is progressing or how long it will take, leaving Osterhout worried.
"They need to at least let everybody know that there's a danger or they wouldn't have blocked it off," Osterhout said.
Upset at the lack of communication from IDNR and the mine, Osterhout believes staying silent only heightens the concern.
"If it's dangerous or if it's leaking methane or anything like that, what is the danger of that? And of course methane is pretty explosive," Osterhout said.
The mine is offering hotel rooms to residents who are uncomfortable staying in the area while work is being done. Osterhout's daughter and three grandchildren haven't had anyone contact them or offer them a room.
Osterhout says they're wondering whether they should stay or go.
"She's thinking about the family that she has that lives here and they would like to know what they have to do before it gets too late," Osterhout said.
News 3 reached out to IDNR and Foresight Energy, Mach Mining's parent company, for comment but haven't heard back.
