Kay and Michael Donohue thought their experience on Easter Sunday when sewage backed up into their home was a once in a lifetime ordeal. Last Thursday at about 7:15 p.m. sewage flowed into their home again and the houses of five neighbors on Oakland Place in Nanuet.
“Initially the first time we were in shock,” said Kay.
In April, the Donohues, who have lived in their home for 40 years, notified the town immediately, which sent crews to work on the problem with the sewer and pipes on nearby Floral Court.
“It’s really devastating to your spirit, your home,” she said on Tuesday.
Kay said the town’s repair work continued through the night that time but cleaning, sanitizing remaining items and purifying the air in the ground level living space in their high ranch home took a week. Michael said about an inch and a half of sewage made its way in through the toilet and a stall shower and destroyed flooring, furniture and clothing. The second time, between three and four inches or about 5,000 gallons made its way in.
“Initially, the first time we were in shock,” said Kay, adding they were just getting over that when the second incident occurred.
Supervisor Alex Gromack said the town’s Director of Operations Ralph Lauria was at the site on Thursday and Friday overseeing the work. The pipes have been jet vacuumed, cleaned out to remove a blockage and checked with a video camera. Gromack said a possible crack or breakage was found and within the next few weeks the damaged section of pipe will be replaced.
“The immediate thing is the problem has been cleared and corrected,” said Gromack.
He said the town has been in contact with United Water to determine what work they had done in the area and officials have spoken to the homeowners. He said Lauria is looking into the cause.
“He’s doing some more investigation to find out what was the original problem,” said Gromack.
Despite the assurances from officials, Kay remains uneasy.
“They’re still not here repairing in any big way,” she said.
Michael said the cost to repair and replace lost items is estimated at between $30,000 and $40,000. Their daughter, who was away on a business trip, had been living in that area lost a lot of her clothing and belongings. The cabinetry in the kitchen was destroyed, sheetrock was removed. The first cleanup cost them $11,000 and their insurance company covered $5,000 of the bill. The second cleanup ran another $5,000.
“It’s not a way to live. We don’t want to live like this,” Kay said adding she is concerned about health impact of the toxins.
Clarkstown’s Insurance and Claims Manger Robert Berdy said he has not received any claims from homeowners yet but expects he will. The couple consulted an attorney after the first backup and now expects their neighbors to join with them in a possible legal action depending upon what the town does.
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