Swamped with water (July 11) refers to less well field pumping and increased rain resulting in the return of the wetlands.
People looking to purchase land in nondeveloped areas should always watch for these signs and make the following checks.
1. Cypress trees always indicate water is present, has been present or will be present.
2. Lots that drop below the center crown of the pass street or road indicate a low area, a possible flood problem.
3. For lots in a flood plain, information can be obtained from the county.
4. For lots in a ZIP code where insurance companies are not writing policies because of flooding or sinkholes, check a number of insurance agents.
To avoid problem lots and costly land development:
1. Have bore testing performed on a prospective lot before the purchase. Tests are normally 30 feet deep and cost $600 to $700.
2. Ultrasound testing can be obtained where sinkholes have had a history. Costs will vary by area.
3. Check with neighbors. The Stills' home in your article is near my home. However, there are worlds of difference between the lots. There was a home from the 1950s removed, and pine trees are located in the area of my home. Bore testing was performed before the lot was purchased, and the house floor slab is three blocks coursed up for added insurance.
I would not build on any lot before checking its history with the county Environmental Protection Commission, bore and ultrasound testing, and checking the insurance coverage.
Lots like the one in your article should never be allowed to be sold. The contractor should never have agreed to build. Currently, the Stills' house is surrounded by water.
