Riverchase (4)-CS 941017October 17, 1994
Mr. Jim Witt, City Manager
City of Coppell
255 Parkway Blvd.
Coppell, Texas 75019
Pam L. Crat~
1311 Barrington Dr.
Coppell, Texas 75019
(214)393-6972
Dear Mr. Witt,
My husband and I had a home built on the golf course in the Riverchase Estates addition
of the City of Coppell and moved in approximately five weeks ago. Several times during
the construction period, when we visited the construction site, the strong smell of raw
sewage was apparent. We questioned the construction workers and even the Construction
Superintendent for Ashton Woods, the builder. They all said they didn't know where it
was coming from.
After we moved into the house, I became increasingly concerned about the odor. The
odor is so offensive, that we, and our neighbors, are prohibited the use of our backyards
and patios and we are unable to leave our windows open on mild days and nights, a matter
which we believes has a deleterious effect on the values of our homes. I called the golf
course superintendent who indicated he thought it was dead gr,x~s, or possibly a dead
animal. We now believe that he intentionally deceived us.
Our neighbor was also concerned about the odor and we began to investigate the cause of
the odor. We talked to a representative of the City of Coppell Water Department and
learned that there is a city sewage line running along the back of our property and located
on the golf course. A pressure release valve is located in back of the homes in the 1300
block of Barrington Dr. and is the source of the odor.
Subsequently, we contacted the Environmental Protection Agency and have learned that
the odor is Methane gas, which is both toxic and volatile. We have also learned fi.om
other neighbors that there are possibly at least two other such pressure relief valves
located within the subdivision, creating possible health and safety concerns for many
families.
While we understand the need for the pressure relief valves, we do not understand the
locations of these valves. Further, we believe that the location of these valves is a
disclosable item by both the developer and the builder, which was not disclosed to any of
the residents of the subdivision. We intend to take separate action in regard to this matter.
The purpose of this letter is twofold. FirSt, I request that the City of Coppell relocate
these valves to a location that does not affect the health, safety and sensibilities of the
residents of our subdivision. Second, I am requesting that the City of Coppell employ an
independent contractor to monitor the levels of toxicity and volatility and report to the
homeowners their findings.
May I please hear from you at the earliest possible date. We regard this matter as
extremely urgent.
Sincerely,
Pam L. Craft
Oct 19, 199~
Fred & Lois Churchill
1315 Barrington Dr.
Coppell, Tx. 75019
Sovereign Homes Inc.
Pres. Geo. Tannaous
8440 Walnut Hill Ln
Dallas Tx. 75231
We bought this home from Larry Cheshier, in your firm,
not knowing there is a severe sewage problem within a few feet
from our home. According to a lawyer from the Texas Real Estate
Commision, there should have been a full disclosure and awareness
of this matter.
This air pressure release valve gives off methane gas & etc.
These homes in this area could not have been constructed
without noticing the very strong sewer odor.
The problems it may cause to our health over a period of
time may be very dangerous. We are inhaling the fumes daily
inside and outside our home.We cannot enjoy our patio. Our
resale value is also at stake. Raw sewage is present also.
Two of our neighbors are very coneerned. One has smelled
it inside her home.We have spoken to the City of Coppell on
several occasions..~..~r Howard Paaford, City manager of water
~s promised to correct the situation.
For our records, we our requesting you follow up on the
correction. We want the manhole permanantly sealed and if
necessary they can put an extension on it to some place else.
~ demand a written reply now and when it is completed, an
~.~Dlanation of the correction.
Sincerely,