Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Memo to Susan McCannon <br />Report for Tatums by John D. Reins, P.E. <br />Page 5 <br />~i <br />Within the fifth paragraph of this section, Mr. Reins states; "We understand that other <br />investigators have concluded that surface movements due to recent coal mine <br />subsidence are a likely reason for much of the damage to the house. Our <br />observations and interpretations of the distress are consistent with this explanation." <br />On April 14, 1995 I forwarded a memorandum in which I discussed reports submitted <br />by Carl Gerity, P.E., Subject Titled "Progress Report on Tatum House Subsidence <br />Issues", and by William J. Attwooll, P.E. & Vice President of Aguirre Engineers, Inc. <br />Mr. Gerity's report presents conclusions regarding subsidence mechanics in the area <br />of the Tatum residence. Mr. Attwooll's report focus's upon examination of the <br />architectural stress occurring to the Tatum residence. Mr. Gerity concludes: "The <br />conclusions of the letter /memo by State of Colorado, Department of Natural <br />Resources, Division of Minerals and Geology, dated February 16, 1995 and the Office <br />of Surface Mining in a Memo dated February 16, 1995 and a letter dated February 28, <br />1995 are not necessarily supported by the study of Woodward-Clyde at the Allen <br />Mine, or the report by Aguirre Engineers, Inc. dated March 16, 1995." Mr. Attwooll <br />similarly concludes: "Evidence does not exist to categorically attribute the damage to <br />a specific cause; therefore, judgment has to be applied. Considering the possible <br />causes of the damage, it is our opinion that surface movements due to coal mine <br />subsidence are a likely reason for the damage." In my opinion the conclusion of <br />Messrs. Gerity and Attwooll is that it hasn't been exhaustively demonstrated that <br />subsidence did not cause the phenomena observed. Now Mr. Reins is apparently <br />basing his conclusion that subsidence has impacted the Tatums' residence upon the <br />inconclusive opinions of Messrs. Gerity and Attwooll. I find this to be technically <br />inconclusive and lacking in scientific merit. <br />In his sixth and final paragraph within this section Mr. Reins states; "In addition to the <br />recent foundation movements affecting the eastern portion of the house, we observed <br />other conditions that can be attributed to normal aging and long-term exposure to the <br />elements. In particular, the upper portion of the south wall near the southeast corner <br />of the house is badly damaged from moisture infiltration." Once again I would note <br />that I have been unable to discern any statements or observations made by Mr. Reins <br />that provide any evidence that foundation stress has occurred to the foundation <br />system beneath the eastern two-story portion of the house. Failing such evidence I <br />suspect that Mr. Reins alternative preliminary conclusion, that the Tatums' structure <br />has been badly damaged by moisture infiltration may be correct. <br />