Published: July 16, 2008 05:08 pm            

Sinkholes threaten area home

Engineering study underway to determine extent of damage

Imagine running into town to pick up a can of gas to finish mowing your yard and returning an hour later to find a 10-foot deep, 13-foot wide hole in your back yard. That's just what happened to Bill and Nancy Britt of SW 57th Way in Jasper on June 16.

On purchasing their property and moving to Hamilton County three years ago, they began raising horses.

After the June 16 discovery, the Britts' contacted their property insurance company to initialize a claim, since the depression had caused the foundation of the home to shift and since several trees nearby had begun leaning toward the depression. The insurance adjuster contacted Andreyev Engineering, Inc. based in Ocala, which has begun a study on the property.

"The study is in the preliminary stages and may take up to one month to complete," said Andreyev's David Rathbun. The firm's study has included the initial measuring and marking of the affected areas and a radar examination. Drilling and testing of the soil is scheduled.

As if one hole weren't enough, the Britts now have a second to contend with.

"We have holes and depressions coming up everywhere and each day we do a walk-around to fill in any new holes so our horses won't break a leg," said Nancy Britt. "It's nerve racking living here. Every little noise makes me jump and trying to sleep is hopeless. We never know if in the morning our house is still going to be above ground or in a huge hole -- especially if these two holes combine."

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.