COUNCIL BLUFFS — A sanitary sewer problem — not floodwaters — has forced nearly 70 families to move out of their homes at the Riverbend Apartments.
But high water levels in the area will delay repairs.
A sand boil created a hole that compromised the integrity of the property’s sewer system, said Angela Lagasse, vice president and director of residential property management for the Lund Co. of Omaha, which oversees the management of the facility for MGM Apartments of Solana Beach, Calif.
Lagasse said they tried to fix the problem, but ultimately were unable to do so, forcing the evacuation of residences at 801 N. 35th St.
"After working six days with the city officials and engineers, master plumbers and the Corps of Engineers to find a solution to the problem, it was determined that we could not implement the solution until the water level returns to normal," she said.
As a result, four of the seven buildings at the complex were closed Wednesday.
"We are working with residents individually to help them find a new place to live," she said.
Council Bluffs public information officer Don Gross said the sewer issue is on private property, and not a public sewer. This problem is where the private sewer connects to the public sewer.
The private sanitary sewer pump became non-operational on July 8. Since that time, Gross said, the city allowed the apartment building to collect and transport sewage to the sewage treatment plant by a private pump truck while contractors worked to correct the failure.
"(But) the situation steadily worsened," Gross said. "They are fighting high groundwater tables like many other residents in the community."
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