Ever wondered what would happen if the soil under your home or yard suddenly became contaminated with heating oil?

And how much worse it would be if it wasn’t even your oil?

Today’s Asbury Park Press has a story about the travails of John & Pam Ross of Red Bank, who are “prisoners of their own house,” writes reporter Larry Higgs.

The Leighton Avenue couple have been stuck for two years, since oil from two homes away from theirs seeped onto their property, the Press reports.

The situation has led the Rosses to sue. Meantime, there’s no sign the oil will be cleaned up or that the couple can follow through on plans to sell their home.

From the story:

What’s in the way are three insurance companies, which Ross said have cleaned up the neighboring properties, but stopped short of his home. Instead, the companies have debated how to clean up the oil, but haven’t come to a decision.

“It’s beyond the victim point. It’s almost like a emotional and financial assault,” Ross said.

Ross said he’s concerned that the oil will continue moving from his land to Red Bank Primary School property, which fronts the Swimming River.

redbankgreen readers may recognize Ross’ name: he was among the neighbors who criticized the business practices at Best Liquors, just across the street from his home. The store lost its license to sell booze this year.

Email this story