Persistent sinkholes trouble Nitro homeowner, points towards West Virginia American Water - WCHS

Persistent sinkholes trouble Nitro homeowner, points towards West Virginia American Water

NITRO, W.Va. (WCHS) — Last year, a first-time homer buyer was excited to move into Nitro. A year later, sinkholes continue to be a problem and is one the homeowner says isn't being addressed.

"This is our first sinkhole that occurred," concerned homeowner Jonathan Lynch told Eyewitness News.

Sinkholes are appearing in Lynch's yard. He said the first sinkhole was fixed out of pocket, and cost several hundred dollars.

"Here is the big one that occurred about a month ago," Lynch said pointing to another sinkhole.

Lynch said this all started on the first day he bought his house in 2023. He points the issue toward West Virginia American Water because according to Lynch, phone calls seems to go nowhere or take weeks to be addressed.

"[They say] it's not an emergency. [It takes] two to three business days to get it fixed or even have somebody come out and look at it," Lynch said.

While Eyewitness News was at Lynch's home, a crew of about six WVAW employees looked at the sinkhole and put cones around the damage.

Lynch said he's scared to let his kids play in the yard.

"I'd like to see the street fixed so all the kids can come out and enjoy their yards and play and everything," Lynch said.

But problems could continue because neighbors said there's an old culvert running along the street.

Eyewitness News asked a WVAW spokesperson for a statement on the delays and if they need to remove an old culvert. We will update this story when we hear back from them.