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(USGovernment-News.Com, July 25, 2013 ) White Lake, MI – White Lake residents have health concerns about sewage in the ditches in front of their homes. Research by one homeowner has revealed the cause of the problem to be a high water table in the neighborhood. According to Jim Runestad, County Commissioner for the area, the problem has existed since the homes were built in the 1970’s. One homeowner has been complaining about the problem for the last 5 years and she finally turned to Runestad who told her that the developers should have never been given permits to build on swampland with a high water table.
Further research revealed that the neighborhood was developed for low-income housing for people on welfare, which is likely the reason for such low standards of service from the government. “They may think this is good enough for less fortunate people, but I don’t agree,” said Susan Downey, homeowner in the area. “Besides, that is not the case today. Most of the people I have spoken to in the neighborhood are working people who pay income taxes and property taxes.”
Susan Downey, a homeowner on Lindholm St, has contacted the Oakland County Road Commission (OCRC) many times to see if they will do something about the high water table in the area. The leaching systems in front of several homes are failing and standing water is a constant problem. Now some of them are full of sewage and the smell is overpowering! The Oakland County Health Department got involved and performed dye tests on homes in the area, but the investigation seems to have been put on pause. Susan is thankful that her septic system has been cleared of any blame, but she still has to live with the sewage and ground water problem.
So far, no one has stepped up to take care of the problem. Instead, the OCRC will be putting the cost on the homeowners, forcing them to install engineered septic systems at about $24,000 each. This action might take care of the sewage problem but residents will still be plagued with standing water which not only looks bad but adds to the mosquito problem. A dewatering system to lower the water table will take care of all the problems without the high cost of new septic systems being put on the homeowners.
Since purchasing her home in the summer of 2008 Susan has noticed the ground water problem gets worse each year. At first rain water would fill the ditch for a short time after a rainstorm, but it would drain away within a few days. Now the catch basin has sunk about 2 feet into the ground and filled with muck. When she called the Oakland County Road Commission they said it was not their problem unless it caused a hazard to the road. White Lake Township offices also deny responsibility.
Someone advised her area County Commissioner, Jim Runestad, who seemed to be sympathetic at first. “He came to my home and listened to my concerns,” said Downey. “I showed him the problem and he agreed that something should be done about it, but that’s as far it went. I think he tried, but the last time we spoke I got the idea that he is done trying to resolve this issue. He suggested I talk to Jim Nash in the Water Resources Department.”
The Oakland County Road Commission and White Lake Township deny responsibility and the County Commissioner, Jim Runestad cannot help either. Susan and area homeowners just want to know who can help. “The OCRC says they do not have the funds to fix the problem,” said Downey. “So, what if I don’t have the funds to pay my property taxes? Could I just say, sorry, no money, and get away with it?
Who is responsible for handling the standing water problem? Who has the authority? Susan just wants answers. Visit http://www.theoaklandcountyroadcommission.com/ to learn more and see pictures.
About Susan Downey: Susan Downey is a White Lake homeowner and tax payer. She and her neighbors are concerned with a problem that has plagued them for years. They have contacted the township and the county, OCRC, Oakland County Health Department, and County Commissioner, Jim Runestad about the problem and have been unable to obtain a satisfactory solution.
Susan Downey 5015 Lindholm Dr White Lake, MI 48383 Email susan.downey97@gmail.com
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