Lewiston, ID, Self-Storage Owner Sues City for Negligence After Reservoir RuptureLewiston, ID, Self-Storage Owner Sues City for Negligence After Reservoir Rupture

WEL LLC, owner of 16th Avenue Mini Storage in Lewiston, Idaho, has filed a lawsuit against the city and other companies for negligence following the High Reservoir ruptured last year, damaging the facility. The Nov. 25 complaint entered into record in the 2nd Judicial District in Nez Perce County, Idaho, also included Control System Technology Inc. and IMCO General Construction Inc., according to a source.

The rupture took place on Jan. 18, 2023. The resulting flood caused damage to eight buildings at 2820 16th Ave., destroying fences and automatic gates, and washing away tenants’ property, according to the lawsuit. A notice of claim was filed with the city on July 7, 2023; however, officials failed to act on it within 90 days, leading to an automatic denial, the source reported.

The lawsuit alleges negligence, as the city is responsible for High Reservoir and its maintenance. It claims officials failed to correctly maintain the reservoir and prevent leaks with proper alarms, shut-off valves or overflow measures. The lawsuit also states that IMCO was contracted for the water-treatment plant, which was being built during the incident. The suit alleges that one of the workers for Control System Technology, which was subcontracted by IMCO, caused a valve to stick, leading to inaccurate readings of the reservoir's water level and, ultimately, the rupture, the source reported.

Related:California, Illinois Self-Storage Lien Laws Now in Effect

The lawsuit seeks damages for an amount proven in a jury trial as well as compensation for the property, according to court documents.

Summons have been issued for the city, Control Systems and IMCO.

Founded in 1993, 16th Avenue Mini offers drive-up self-storage and vehicle storage. It’s managed by West Coast Self Storage, an acquisition, development and property-management firm that operates more than 85 facilities in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Source: Lewiston Tribune, Storage Unit Company Files Suit Against Lewiston