FURTHER SEISMIC WORK ORDERED UNDER BELMONT.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

Although there is evidence of an earthquake fault underneath the embattled Belmont Learning Center, a preliminary study found that the seismic problem is no greater than what already exists downtown, officials said Monday.

Superintendent Roy Romer said geotechnical disturbances were found about 700 feet deep during tests that used vibrations to map the ground underneath.

The Los Angeles Unified School District has ordered further studies. Trenches will be dug in the next four to six weeks to expose the earth strata.

Romer said he is confident Belmont can be made safe through additional seismic reinforcements.

``We can fix the problem,'' he said. ``We are trying to get a better description of it so we know how to fix it best.''