City Contractor Flooding Lower Level @ 303 N. Washington Avenue.

It is important to understand/note that this is a historical block with many buildings being built back to the 1800 and 1900’s.

Many of these buildings have rock and 120-year-old brick foundations.

It’s critical to take precautions to prevent damage and unnecessary moisture to the old brick and mortar.

Pre-Construction photo, prior to sidewalk removal.

It is my understanding that the contractors' statements have changed regarding the hole they uncovered in front of our building when they removed the sidewalk.

· Initially they stated they were not sure what the “hole” was for.

· They later stated they were not aware of any “hole.”

· They later stated it was a “ventilation hole.”

There is no crawlspace venting at 303 N. Washington Avenue because the ‘crawlspace’ for the front portion of the building is integrated into the lower-level interior envelope, which is heated and cooled like the rest of the building by design. There are no, nor where there, exterior ventilation holes in the building's front walls or sidewalk for this building.

The following email was obtained via the open records act from a reporter for the Marshall News Messenger. The email captures communication between the city Engineer and the contractor, Casey Sloan Construction, LLC. Casey Sloan's replies are shown in bold.

· Notably, he omitted responding to the inquiry outlined at the top of page 2, regarding the “hole” they “uncovered” during the demolition of the sidewalk.

“***For clarification – the “hole” that was uncovered during the demolition on the west side (building next to The Nest), we previously agreed to “cover that up with the concrete paving as it was when we discovered it”. Do you still agree? All we know is the guy named Larry (that lives there).”

The following are some photos regarding the flooding event that occurred on February 11, 2024:

	Photo shows the boards I placed in front of the hole during the heavy flooding in an attempt to divert the water. This photo was taken after the water had subsided.
	Note the contractor grading left the “hole” in the front of our building, the low point on the block.
	Storm drain area cluttered with debris.
	Water flooded through the front crawlspace to the rear lower level. Photo taken 2 months after flooding.
	Water flooded through the front crawlspace to the rear lower level. Photo taken 2 months after flooding.
	Water eroded dirt from footer. Photo taken 2 months after flooding.
	Crawlspace exit to the lower level, where the HVAC unit was installed. Photo taken 2 months after flooding.
	HVAC Unit in area above.
	Water and mud flooded through HVAC unit. This photo is after the water was extracted.
	Water and mud flooded the lower level.
	Pumping water from lower level.
	Cleanup
	Photos taken after water extracted and drying process, cleaning out additional mud that was washed in.
	Cabinets installed on framing. Mud washed under, requiring detaching to clean and dry.
	After pumping water out of basement, mitigating damages.
	Photos taken after water extracted.
	Photos taken after water extracted.
	Photos taken after water extracted.
	Photos taken after water extracted.
	Continuing to mitigate damages, cleaning.
When asked by the newspaper about our flooding, Casey Sloan stated, “…with construction work, water will flow to the lowest point, and that the team and the city cannot control the weather….”
	The contractor installs filter socks designed to freely allow storm water to pass through them and filter contaminates. These are not designed for erosion control or water barriers. They are designed for removing contaminates from storm water that passes through them. Contractor foreman confirmed he knew they were filter socks and stated that is why he used 3 of them?
	Contractor installed Filter Socks made by “Ultratech International, Inc.”
	Contractor installed Ultra-Filter Socks
ULTRATECH INTERNATIONAL, INC Ultr-Filter Sock Ultra-Filter Sock® - SpillContainment.com	Stop sediment and other pollutants from entering stormwater drains Product Highlights · Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants.
Ultratech 9453 UltraTech #9453 Ultra–Filter Sock, Activated Carbon, 108 inch X 7 inch X 4 inch (1) (bestmaterials.com)	DESCRIPTION: The UltraTech #9453 Ultra–Filter Sock Activated Carbon stop harmful substances from entering the stormwater system. Use in front of storm drains, around downspouts, in gullies and ditches or anywhere there is potential for harmful stormwater runoff. Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants. The activated carbon helps remove certain chemicals, hydrocarbons and odors. Available in 9–foot lengths. Units can be overlapped for longer coverage and the high UV rating allows extended life in sun and elements.
Ultratech 9454 UltraTech #9454 Ultra–Filter Sock, Heavy Metal Removal, 108 inch X 7 inch X 4 inch (1) (bestmaterials.com)	DESCRIPTION: The UltraTech #9454 Ultra–Filter Sock Heavy Metal Removal filter zinc, lead, copper and other harmful, heavy metals. Use in front of storm drains, around downspouts, in gullies and ditches or anywhere there is potential for harmful stormwater runoff. Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants. Available in 9–foot lengths.
Ultratech 9455 UltraTech #9455 Ultra–Filter Sock, Sorb 44, 108 inch X 7 inch X 4 inch (1) (bestmaterials.com)	DESCRIPTION: The UltraTech #9455 Ultra–Filter Sock Sorb 44 remove oil and other hydrocarbons from entering the stormwater system. Use in front of storm drains, around downspouts, in gullies and ditches or anywhere there is potential for harmful stormwater runoff. Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants. Available in 9–foot lengths.
Ultratech 9456 UltraTech #9455 Ultra–Filter Sock, Sorb 44, 108 inch X 7 inch X 4 inch (1) (bestmaterials.com)	DESCRIPTION: The UltraTech #9456 Ultra–Filter Sock Phos Filter stop phosphorous from entering the stormwater system. Use in front of storm drains, around downspouts, in gullies and ditches or anywhere there is potential for harmful stormwater runoff. Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants. Available in 9–foot lengths.
Ultratech 9457 UltraTech #9457 Ultra–Filter Sock, Sediment Removal, 108 inch X 7 inch X 4 inch (1) (bestmaterials.com)	DESCRIPTION: The UltraTech #9457 Ultra–Filter Sock Sediment Removal stop harmful substances from entering the stormwater system. The recycled rubber media provides weight, keeps unit in place, allows maximum water flow. Use in front of storm drains, around downspouts, in gullies and ditches or anywhere there is potential for harmful stormwater runoff. Woven polymer casing allows water to pass through quickly while filtration media inside removes pollutants. With the different filter media options available, this product is capable of removing many different types of pollutants. Available in 9–foot lengths. Units can be overlapped for longer coverage and the high UV rating allows extended life in sun and elements.
	Given the contractor's apparent failure to take adequate precautions to prevent water damage, we proactively secured permission to install our own water barrier to mitigate further risk.
	Thanks to our water barrier we were prepared for a massive rainstorm, with almost double the rainfall from when we flooded, and were able to avoid additional damages.
	The torrential downpour dislodged the contractor's storm drains, popping them out of the ground. Alarmingly, the contractor then attempted to push them back in with a backhoe.
	The torrential downpour dislodged the contractor's storm drains, popping them out of the ground.
	Contractor ineffectively tries to push storm drains back into the ground with back hoe, causing holes he later covers up.
	Contractor ineffectively tries to push storm drains back into the ground with back hoe, causing holes he later covers up.

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