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Bedford Man Upset Neighbor's Sewer Is Seeping On His Property

Last updated on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

(BEDFORD) - John Cummings, who lives between Bedford and Mitchell, is upset with his neighbors

He says their sewage is seeping to the top of the ground causing a health hazard and terrible smell. Cummings approached his neighbors to address the problem and when that failed he went to the Lawrence County Health Department in February 2012. Then in April of that year he visited the health department again when the problem continued.

"They told me I didn't fill out the right paperwork," Cummings told the commissioners Tuesday morning. "So I did and they sent them a letter to have the problem fixed by July 20, 2012. That didn't happen."

When Cummings went back to the Health Department, he was told the residents didn't have the money to fix their sewer system.

"They were sent more letters and gave them two more deadlines," Cummings says.

Cummings says he has someone interested in renting the property for pasture, but he can't do that because of the raw sewage.

"Then I was going to bring some calves in to keep the grass down, but I can't do that," Cummings says. "You walk out of my back door and you can smell it (the sewage)."

County Attorney Dave Smith says the county has filed a law suit against the owners of the property.

"A lawsuit was filed yesterday (Monday)," Smith says. "And if they don't answer we will get an order that the home will have to be vacated. It is not only a health hazard, but a nuisance. They should receive the court papers this week."

Cummings asked Smith when all this would happen and Smith says it will take time, but if the case does go to court he would be subpoena to testify.

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