Poplar Village Water Crisis “Slowly Killing Us”, Resident Faces Eviction For Whistleblowing

FOSTORIA | Dana Charlton, residing at 12400 W. Axline St., Lot 301 is currently being threatend with eviction after whistleblowing & calling the press to Poplar Village. Charlton moved in June of 2023 and was heavily pursuaded to sign a predatory Lease-to-own agreement. In December on 2023 sewage was found leaching into the yard due to a negligent sewer line “connection” at the trailer. The pipe was being supported by a tarp & floor mat which was installed by the park prior to selling the trailer. The previous park manager instructed Charlton to dig a trench to drain the sewage into the creek behind the home. The park’s current managers denied all liability and are now forcing Charlton to pay for the sewage cleanup & they filed for eviction against her. This is a clear act of retalliation.

Charlton’s daugher has been experiencing severe health issues, including constant nausea, acid reflux, and Gastroparesis, for which they are taking multiple stomach medications daily. They are also undergoing tests for a possible diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by granulomas throughout their body, notably covering their spleen and affecting lymph nodes in their lungs and chest, causing pain and discomfort. These health problems significantly impact their ability to eat, leading to reliance on marijuana for appetite stimulation, which is supported by their doctors. They suffer from persistent exhaustion and cognitive fog, affecting their mental clarity and functionality.

Both Charlton and her daugher have compromised immune systems, which they attribute to living conditions, particularly the quality of water in their area. They’ve noticed physical changes in their skin, hair, and weight, alongside a deterioration in mental health. There’s a concern that the environmental conditions, especially water contamination, might be exacerbating or causing these health issues. They mentioned a friend who was diagnosed with cancer after living in the same area, suggesting a possible link to environmental factors.

Overall, they are hopeful that addressing these water quality issues might lead to some improvement in their health and living conditions.

Complaint Filed For Immediate Injunctive Relief And Civil Penalties Against Evergreen Poplar LLC

Fostoria’s Poplar Village MHP Faces Severe Water and Sewage Issues

Fostoria, OH – Residents of Poplar Village Mobile Home Park (MHP) at 12400 W Axline St., Fostoria, OH, are in desperate need of intervention due to critical water and sewage problems, according to a recent investigation by a local reporter from The Fostria Free Press. Please also refer to Montgomery County Court Case -2016 CV 00363- for the investigation Pineview Pines LLC.

The investigation of Poplar Village / Evergreen Poplar LLC has uncovered that over 200 residents are currently without access to consistant clean drinking water, with multiple park-wide boil water advisories issued over the last year due to a massive sewer backup. The water supplied to the homes is described as foul-smelling and high in alkalinity and pH, leading to residents avoiding basic water use like showering and dishwashing.

One resident alledged that septic & sewer companies from Wood-Hancock-Seneca Counties have been spotted pumping sewage from tanker near the park’s sewer system. I advised to resident to take pictures of any future occurrence.

Sewage Backup at LOT XXPhoto byThe Fostoria Free Press

At-home Drinking Water TestPhoto byThe Fostoria Free Press

At-home Bacteria E coli Test (Pending)Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Raw Sewage Under Home For YearsPhoto byThe Fostoria Free Press

Complaint Submitted to Ohio Govenor’s Office Feb 7th, 2025 @ 8:19 PM EST

COMPLAINT FOR IMMEDIATE INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND CIVIL PENALTIES AGAINST EVERGREEN POPLAR LLC MOBILE HOME PARK | 12400 W AXLINE ST., FOSTORIA, OH 44830

Key Points:

-200+ Mobile Home Park Residents Without Clean Drinking Water.

-Confirmed Sewage Backup.

-Discriminatory Leasing Practices.

-39′ & 45′ Shallow Water Wells.

-Multiple Park-Wide Boil Water Advisories.

Dear Governor DeWine,

OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL,

Environmental Enforcement Section,

I am writing to request immediate help for the residents at Poplar Village Mobile Home Park in Fostoria, OH. As a local investigative reporter, I have been meeting with residents and collecting evidence. Every person who has contacted me and is willing to speak has unclean drinking water. They do not shower, do dishes, or even touch the water. The sample I collected on February 7, 2025, is extremely foul-smelling, high in alkalinity, and has a high pH. The sample is currently in a 48-hour at-home E. coli and bacteria test, which will most likely come back positive.

LOT XXX –

A pool of raw sewage has been sitting under this mobile home and draining into the creek. I contacted the Ohio Mobile Home Park inspector who confirmed the raw sewage. The mobile home did not have a sewage hookup to the system when the tenant purchased the home. Now, the park is forcing the tenant to pay for the cleanup and repair, along with facing eviction. These people have nowhere to go.

LOT XX –

Ohio MHP State Inspector Pat confirmed this mobile home has sewage backup at the responsibility of Evergreen Poplar LLC. The park was supposed to contact Roto-Rooter to correct the issue but never did. In recent months, the sewage backed up several feet into the yard.

LOT XX –

The park’s water supply pipes are frozen. Water runs slow, but the resident does not drink the water due to its foul smell and taste. The trailer is located three lots from the well house. Water smells like human waste, making it impossible to shower, do dishes, or use the water.

LOT XX –

Previous maintenance man Josh stole the resident’s water meter, and the park is now making the resident pay for a replacement.

LOT XX –

Undrinkable water due to foul smell and taste.

LOT XXX –

Water comes out brown and foul-smelling. Residents cannot take a shower, do dishes, or drink the water.

Please contact me directly for any further information. I am dedicated to improving the lives of these people who deserve clean drinking water.