Pasco County officials confirmed Thursday that the sinkhole that swallowed two homes late last week is no longer growing.
There were concerns about the hole after ground near the now 235-feet wide sinkhole gave way, allowing more ground along the edge to give way into the hole.
Kevin Guthrie, Pasco's Assistant County Administrator for Public Safety, said the hole is not growing but three nearby homeowners have been put on standby to evacuate just in case.
"Let me reiterate, the sinkhole is not growing," Guthrie said. "We have been in contact with the homeowners. They know what we're looking for. They're ready to go if we need to but at this point and time I do not perceive that happening.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Health will begin well testing during the next few days.
Neighborhood homeowners interested in having well water tested will have county testing fees waived if conducted by July 28.
As for the hole cleanup, county officials are verifying the stabilization of the surrounding area and are in the final stages of securing bids from contractors to do debris removal at the sinkhole site.
The cleanup work could take months at a cost of $750,000 to $2 million, depending on the methods used, according to Guthrie.