North Fayette supervisors are split over a plan to remove coal from the botanic garden site in Settlers Cabin Park.

Supervisors James Mangan and John Meyers voted June 23 to approve the conditional use application. Chairman Jim Morosetti voted no.

Many residents of the Holly Hill neighborhood have opposed the plan, concerned their homes could be damaged by the use of explosives during the coal mining process.

"I voted 'no' because I live right next to Holly Hill, so I sympathize with them," Mr. Morosetti said. "Sometimes you have to vote the way you feel."

The approval allows the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania's contractors to mine and haul coal from about 164 acres roughly bordered by Gamble, Noblestown and Pinkerton Run roads.

Supervisors limited the work hours to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

They also required pre-blasting condition reports, and repair of any resulting damage, of public infrastructure located within 2,500 feet of the blasting area. Infrastructure includes township-owned roads and sewers, as well as waterlines owned by the Western Allegheny County Municipal Authority.

In a letter to homeowners posted on the township Web site, horticultural society president John Mazur said blasting would help remove abandoned coal mines that are polluting the water needed to irrigate the 452-acre botanic garden.

He said the mine reclamation project would eliminate the sources of acid discharge and help clean up the Robinson Run and Chartiers Creek watersheds.

Damage to nearby homes is unlikely, according to a question-and-answer sheet prepared by contractor Mashuda Corp., of Cranberry, and Seismic Surveys Inc., of Gibsonia.

"Blasting vibration levels allowed and anticipated on this project will not contribute to mine subsidence," the letter states.

All homeowners within a half mile of the blast site will be offered pre-blast surveys of their property, and Mashuda Corp. is fully insured for any damages that may occur, the letter says.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for approving the blasting permits.