Army Corps of Engineers Releases Report Into Crumbling Foundations

Oct. 19--A report released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday encourages the state to start testing quarries for pyrrhotite, the mineral used in concrete aggregate for the thousands of house foundations now crumbling in parts of Connecticut.

"There are a lot of things that can be implemented now, especially on the quarry oversight level," engineer Chris Moore said.

The report recommends that the state set guidelines for how much pyrrhotite can be used in concrete aggregate mix for residential and commercial buildings.

The Army Corps of Engineers say less than 0.1 percent pyrrhotite in the concrete is the safest amount. A higher percentage in the mix can lead to the cracking and subsequent structural failure, which has been seen in foundations all over northeastern Connecticut.

"Pyrrhotite is only just now coming on our radar," Moore said.

The report recommends that testing be done about every three months at Connecticut quarries. The frequency of testing should also depend on the amount of use the quarry gets.

The study also recommended that the state look at which testing and remediation methods are best for homeowners grappling with the issue.

"If it's a severe issue, what's the best solution?" Moore said. "We would lean on private industry to help us figure that out."

Since the problem was detected in north-central Connecticut, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has estimated that as many as 34,000 homes in 36 towns might have failing foundations.

According to a state report, pyrrhotite is partly to blame.

Insurance companies have denied homeowners' claims, saying the problem does not qualify for coverage under their definition of "collapse." Homeowners have been left to bear the burden of a repair, which can cost as much as $200,000.

Last year, Malloy asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look into the problem and Friday's report was the result of that request.

"We're going to continue our work in solving this problem," Malloy said at a press conference before the report was released. "More than state support, this problem requires federal support."

Malloy said he hopes the Army Corps' study will strengthen the state's case to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Malloy has twice solicited the agency's help to solve what many have called a slow moving natural disaster to no avail.

"I believe FEMA should have been handling it all along," Malloy said. "But I think this does in fact strengthen our argument."

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