LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Latest Rheem sinkhole update


Cordoned off area of sinkhole Photos Vera Kochan

The current Rheem Boulevard/Center Street land movement which occurred during the last week of March, on private property, has undergone a video inspection. The town's concern was any possible impacts on a storm drain system that runs underneath the intersection where a remaining approximately 500-foot, 96-inch in circumference, corrugated metal pipe carries water from Laguna Creek.

The surface damage is roughly 10 feet long by 3 feet wide, while the actual hole stands at 5 feet by 2 feet and is located roughly 75-feet across the street from the 2016 sinkhole.

Moraga's Public Works Director Edric Kwan said the video inspection revealed the area is in bad shape and needs immediate attention. However, PG&E along with the East Bay Municipal Utility District confirmed to the town that the damage did not involve their utilities. In referring to the shopping center, Kwan stated, "What happens next will affect a lot of people. Timing is truly of the essence. If that pipe were to collapse, it's a game changer."

Kwan admitted that no one knows the cause of the failure at this point. However, along with experts, he will advise the property owner what steps need to be taken to rectify the situation.