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By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Homeowners in northeastern Connecticut who believe they are affected by a crumbling foundation may be eligible for reimbursement for a visual or core test of their foundations. The reimbursement program may be expanded outside a 20-mile radius of Stafford and local homes may be eligible.
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is assisting the state with providing testing reimbursements: Visual inspections can be reimbursed 100 percent up to $400 and core testing 50 percent up to $2,000.
Officials with CRCOG have said that the state has allocated $5 million in bond funding to cover the program for homeowners who may or may not be affected with failing foundations. The program is administered through the state Department of Housing.
Iron sulfide, the mineral pyrrhotite, was discovered in the concrete that was used in foundations in northern and eastern sections of Connecticut. Cracking, flaking, bowing and separation of the concrete has already appeared in homes, condos and Plan Unit Developments built between 1983 and 2011. The pyrrhotite originated from a quarry in Willington. The damage is irreversible.
Department officials said that the only test that determines the definite presence of pyrrhotite is core testing.
The reimbursement program covers homes within a 20-mile radius of 10 Meadow Lane, Stafford. Homes outside the 20-mile radius may be considered at a later date and will be put on a waiting list.
In a survey done in 2016, Eastford, Woodstock, Thompson and Putnam showed fewer than three homes with the problem. Pomfret and Killingly show no homes affected; however, Putnam Town Administrator Mary Calario said that there may be more local homeowners than what shows on the map.
For more information go to http://crcog.org/crumbling-foundations. CRCOG may be contacted at: 860-724-4277.