ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is attempting to remove contaminated dirt from north county in their Coldwater Creek Remediation Project, but for one homeowner, it’s doing more harm than good.
Romy Baker says the heavy machinery being used in the project has caused water to flow under not only his foundation but his neighbors as well. This has led to his house allegedly rising six inches, throwing everything out of alignment.
“The problem that we’re having is what you call heaving,” Baker said. “Heaving is a process where water has settled in from the house under the bottom of the concrete… the concrete never goes down; it can only swell more, which means if it swells more, it will mess up the total foundation and the framing of the house.”
Baker said he’s reached out to officials and the Army Corps of Engineers but hasn’t received any help dealing with the problem.
So far, he has spent $34,000 trying to fix the problem.
“It’s an inconvenience,” he said. “How can something be your forever home and you don’t know if it’s going to be there…I didn’t buy a house to have to live this way.”
The Army Corps of Engineers sent the following statement to FOX 2:
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Formerly Utilized Sites Remediation Program (FUSRAP) is aware of the homeowner’s claim regarding damage to his home’s foundation, and we take such concerns seriously. The safety and well-being of the community are a top priority for the USACE, and we are committed to addressing any potential issues promptly and thoroughly.
“We contacted Mr. Baker and let him know that we are initiating an investigation into the matter to determine the cause and extent of the damage. Our team will work closely with Mr. Baker to assess the situation, gather relevant information, and conduct a thorough examination of the site in question.
“It is important to note that our excavation activities are carried out with the utmost care, following industry standards and environmental regulations. We will also be cooperating with relevant authorities and experts to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.”
In the meantime, Baker continues to see new damage throughout his home, as his floor and walls are uneven.
“It’s very troubling,” Romy’s wife, Stephanie, said. “We want it fixed—no one wants an unleveled home.”
