Latest News
January 15, 2019

Flooded family gets relief on sewage payments

By Mon Valley Independent

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

The Koontz family of Donora has one less thing to worry about this week after the Mon Valley Sewage Authority Board voted to eliminate the past-due amount on their sewage bill.

Ruth and Randy Koontz of Gilmore Street have been fighting with the board over who bears responsibility for the frequent flooding of their basement last year. 

Throughout 2018 — the rainiest year on record for Western Pennsylvania — the Koontz family basement took on sewage that backed up through its drain. They lost several appliances, some more than once, countless keepsakes and a lot of clothing.

Ruth Koontz said Monday night during the board’s meeting that she stopped paying her bill last year after her home had flooded once again and the authority informed her that its insurance company had denied her claim. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

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