Raw sewage backs up into Oklahoma City homes after contractor mishap
By Kilee Thomas
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Raw sewage was backing up into Oklahoma City homes, covering basements with inches of wastewater.
A city contractor was working on an engineering project when something went wrong, triggering raw sewage to back up into multiple homes. Neighbors living near Northwest 38th Street said the situation is a health hazard, and they want the city to make it right.
Residents said the problem started Friday night when a large hole left by a city contractor collapsed, crushing a sewer line and sending raw sewage into their homes.
“It was about 3 to 5 inches of sewage water that did flood the basement. It was actually up to the first step. It was ankle deep,” said Kristen Strickler, whose basement flooded.
Photos show the wastewater that flooded the family’s basement. Strickler returned from military duty to find her home turned into a health hazard.
“I’m seven months pregnant, and all of our stuff for our newborn that’s coming in two months was down there. A lot of it was contaminated,” Strickler said.
She said her biggest fear is the cost of cleanup.
“Where our biggest concern is that we’re going to be stuck with a very big cleanup bill and my neighbors have indicated that they’ve spoken to some people with the city, and at least initially, that might be the case,” Strickler said.
The OKC Utility Department said the backup was caused by an issue with an engineering project from a city contractor. The city said residents should file a tort claim with the municipal attorney’s office if they have damage.
Neighbors said the city and contractor are working to resolve the issue. In the meantime, they are being told to file claims for their damaged belongings. Some were told it could be up to a week before cleanup crews arrive.
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