Homeowners Say They Found Hidden Trench

CLAYTON, Mo. (CN) - Homeowners say Hayden Homes illegally dumped and buried solid waste while building homes. Plaintiffs say they found the hidden trench while building an addition, and that methane gas was emitted from the construction debris, paper, plywood, carpeting, construction manuals, lumber and tree stumps.

Thomas and Patricia Walther say the property used to be a dairy farm and that during the subdivision's development, Hayden dug a large trench to dispose of its waste rather than disposing of the waste properly. They say the trench was 15 feet below ground level and was covered in dirt, making it impossible for the Walthers to know it existed when they bought the home.

The Walthers say they've spent $35,000 to remove the waste. They seek punitive damages and are represented in St. Louis County Circuit Court by James Nowogrocki.

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