Cleanup continues after a massive landslide last fall left two houses in danger in Stafford County, Va. Julie Carey shows us the solution that should save the homes and fix the problem.
Eleven months after a landslide forced two families from their homes in Stafford County and left an environmental mess, a permanent fix is under way as part of a community-wide effort.
In September, heavy rains from two tropical storms took their toll in the Austin Ridge subdivision.
“It was, I have to say, heartbreaking and unbelievable,” said Michele O’Leary, whose home was condemned.
What’s happening now, though, is heartwarming for the O’Leary family. Insurance doesn’t cover the loss, so the O’ Learys’ church and the community pitched in with fundraisers and collected more than $60,000.
“We had hope that something good would come out of this,” Dan O’Leary said.
Contributions from experts also made the fix possible, county officials said. Engineers gave their time for free, and 1,500 tons of rock were given by a quarry at a greatly reduced price.
In addition to coordinating the action plan, Stafford County provided another $62,000 in security money from the developer. The county’s interest was twofold -- concern for the families affected and for the environment.
“It’s also an environmental issue in that there’s erosion sediment control and storm water problem because of the slide damming up a stream channel,” Acting Deputy County Administrator Keith Dayton said.
For the past few weeks, crews have pulled out the old block wall that failed. With the limited budget in mind, an enormous rock stack will create a new retaining wall.
“We should have a backyard here and grass growing on it and the houses should be habitable, our expectation right now is, by end of the year,” Dayton said.
The O’Learys don’t know if they’ll be moving back. They’ve purchased another home. But their daughter and her family might. Regardless, they are grateful their home will not be lost and said they can’t thank enough the strangers and neighbors who’ve helped them.
