Property owners sue Granite City over sewer-caused sink holes

A couple is suing the city of Granite City for failing to properly maintain a sewer system into their property.

Alan and Diane Naney filed a lawsuit against the city Aug. 24 in Madison County Circuit Court.

The Naneys, owners of property on Joy Avenue, claim a poorly-constructed and improperly-maintained sewer system put in by the city caused several sink holes on their property. They say the sink holes continue to develop.

The Naneys also claim the sewer lines underneath the property are not properly marked on city maps. They say, because of the incorrect maps, a contractor working on the property in October 2009 pierced the pipes and released raw sewage onto the property.

Also named in the lawsuit is Juneau and Associates, Inc., the company that created the sewage system maps.

Two other defendants are Consolidated Utility Services, Inc., and Great Plains Locating Service, Inc. Both were acting as agents of the city in marking the sewer lines on the property on Joy Avenue.

The Naneys say Granite City knew about the problems prior to the excessive damage caused by the sewer. They are asking for $50,000 for damages to their property along with the cost of correcting them.

Michael J. Hertz is representing the Naneys. They have requested a jury trial.

Madison County Third Judicial Circuit Court Case No. 2010-L883