Pocono News Section

Septic Tank Causing Problems for Neighbors

Septic Tank Causing Problems for Neighbors - Friday, November 14, 2008 at 4:27PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 @ 04:27pm EST

PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Erica Townend says she first had an issue with her septic tank overflowing last month, but it got even worse last week.

"If you flush your toilet after taking a bowel movement, it's really disgusting. It'll go down the toilet and up the tub," Townend said.

She says five mobile homes are hooked up to one septic tank. Pittston Township Police Chief Steve Rinaldi says that's illegal. Both have left multiple messages for the landlord -- Steve Melnick of Scranton -- but he never called back as of Friday afternoon.

"I'm hoping he gets out here to fix the problem," said Townend, who says she just paid advanced rent through next October. "Or, he could give me at least half my rent back and pay to move my trailer for me because I can't live like this."

Townend called Roto Rooter and spent $45 of her own money to hear what she already knew.

"It's backing up and pushing the lid off the pipe to the tank, and it's going underneath my trailer," she said. "It's really nasty."

Townend and her daughter have been staying with friends since Monday, and she says they can't live in their own place until Melnick fixes the problem.

Pittston Township officials said if Melnick doesn't call them by Monday, they'll send him a warning to fix the septic tank via certified mail.