LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) -- Tim Erickson and Saltillo Mayor Bill Williams take a look at what has been a long-standing problem in one backyard — the persistent smell of sewage.
"When we moved in, we had a pump station in our backyard that was promised to be moved, and it took four years to get it moved," Erickson said.
It's been moved, but he says the odor remains in portions of this neighborhood called Nan Harston Gardens.
The neighborhood is not located in Saltillo but is connected to the city water system.
Odor is not really the biggest problem facing homeowners on the east side of this neighborhood. Apparently, approximately nine homes were built on top of a water line.
The director of the state's Bureau of Public Water Supply was not consulted.
The Mississippi State Department of Health wants to know why.
"The law was not followed on this project, and it needs to be followed. There is a reason it's there, and sewer extensions is in the code of the state of Mississippi, and it's to protect homeowners like these," Mayor Bill Williams said.
Williams was not the mayor when the neighborhood was built.
Erickson says he has endured years of frustration after building his home in a subdivision started by James (Jay) Shannon, IV.
He is or was the owner of a number of companies including Dogwood Estates, Plantation Construction Company and Plantation Properties.
"Seems like they just kind of threw up the houses and got people in them and they left them. It's hard to get a hold of them to get anything done," Erickson added.
Mayor Williams says a hearing by the state health department will determine who did what and who will get this neighborhood into compliance.
The mayor predicts the project will cost in the tens of thousands to correct.
A hearing will be held September 7 at 9 a.m. at Saltillo City Hall.
The developer and contractor will be asked to appear along with current and former city officials.
The citizens of Nan Harston Gardens and anyone affected by this are encouraged to attend the hearing to be heard.
The attorney for Shannon says the developer has followed state and local laws with Nan Harston Gardens and got approval from city officials to develop the subdivision.
