Just when a sinkhole issue in Coplay Creek near Hokendauqua Park & Playground seemed to have stabilized, a second sinkhole farther downstream has developed.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. informed The Press Aug. 11 of the new development off Lehigh and Sixth streets, near the new bridge Pennsylvania Department of Transportation replaced two years ago. The sinkhole depth was estimated at several feet.

“PennDOT was notified,” Hozza said, contending the issue is that department’s responsibility.

Coplay Creek runs into Whitehall Township from North Whitehall Township and across public and private properties in the township, before spilling into the Lehigh River off Lehigh Street in Darktown.

Two summer employees discovered the sinkhole while cutting weeds along the banks of the creek and reported it to a Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority employee. There was a storm before the sinkhole was discovered.

CWSA conducted an inspection of the site since it has pipes underground in the area.

“The water table was up before the storm,” Hozza said regarding the depth of the creek’s flowing water.

During the weekend, the creek was shallow and clear. The mayor said water at times is pumped into the creek from two quarries.

The initial sinkhole measuring 7 feet in depth was found weeks ago in the creek bed at the private Tate Meadows, located behind the township public works building. The water at the time came from a void under the creek, spilling into an open field. The void was filled and overflowed back into the creek and continued downstream.

Coplay Creek usually has a flow of 6 to 12 inches. The excessive heat over the past two weeks also is a factor.