1982 Press Photo Chris Arnold cutting slits in pipe for a well in Graysville, AL

Workers from a Sylacauga firm Tuesday began drilling wells in Graysville which officials hope will vent methane gas now leaking from abandoned coal mines. The slits being cut by Chris Arnold will go 700 feet into the ground. The wells will to allow the gas to escape in controlled manner, rather than seeping from the cracks in the ground. Project monitor Don Moore said the first vent should be completed by the end of this week. The project is costing $47,000, which is being paid by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Photo measures 10 x 8 inches. Photo is dated 4-8-1982.

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