In 2007, the controversial subsidence project entailed multi-ton compaction techniques to collapse abandoned mine cavities and resulted in a protracted dispute between homeowners and the Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Division.

After the compacting program, residents of the community in the state’s southwest reportedly pointed to cracked walls, driveways, sinkholes under property and broken natural gas lines which started seeping into homes.

Wyoming’s Star-Tribune yesterday said 12 residents “grudgingly agreed” to financial settlements with the state.

Though the state offered “several thousand dollars” to each effected family in 2010 and a few homeowners settled for undisclosed payments last January, charges had persisted for compensation claims totalling about $US6 million.

Compensation negotiation community leader and resident Beck Kelley was quoted by the Star-Tribune in April saying the mediation sessions were “basically a dictatorship” and a “lowball” offer was “pennies”.

In a subdued voice, Kelley told the newspaper she accepted a settlement from the state but under the agreement wasn’t allowed to give her thoughts on it.

“I think you can tell by my tone of voice how I feel about it,” she reportedly said.

The last outstanding property to be negotiated was an apartment complex that had begun to sink due to the subsidence activities, its owner said.

No mediation date has been set to address the building owner’s claims.