SAN ANTONIO – Preliminary findings from soil samples indicate high levels of E. coli bacteria in some sections of the troubled Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park in the 6300 block of West Prue Road, Ron Nirenberg, who represents District 8 on the City Council, said.
At a City Hall news conference Wednesday announcing the findings, Nirenberg said overflow from its septic system was to blame after public outcry in October described children coming in contact with raw sewage flowing through the mobile home park.
City attorney Andy Segovia said a lawsuit was filed Wednesday against the owner alleging the property is a nuisance.
“The reason we’re doing that is so the court, we hope, would then order the owner and operators of the facility to remediate the conditions on the property,” Segovia said.
“We’re taking every precaution to protect the health and safety of residents," Nirenberg said.
Nearly a dozen families already are living elsewhere after being told they had to move soon after the situation came to light.
Nirenberg said the remaining 40 or so families are not in imminent danger since the highest levels of E. coli were found in lots that are now empty.
“We still feel strongly these are not suitable conditions for families living there,” Nirenberg said.
Nirenberg said that’s why those families are being urged to begin looking for another place to live. While that's hard to do during the holidays, Nirenberg said the city will help them relocate.
Nirenberg said no one has become ill, and for now, the water is safe to use. However, he said that could change when they have additional test results due back by Friday.
“If we get samples back from the water that are at dangerous levels, we’re going to immediately vacate,” Nirenberg said.
“Well, if we have to move, we have to move,” one resident said. “We got to do what we got to do.”
Nirenberg said the city would “double down on efforts to hold the property owner accountable for the neglect of the tenants’ safety.” Another resident said she was relieved to know that.
“He’s (the owner) neglected this place for a really long time and never really put much into it,” she said.
KSAT 12 News has been unable to speak to the owner, but it’s expected a court date will be set soon.