ST CLAIR, Mo. — Around 20 acres in Franklin County were supposed to be the perfect place to start a farm or raise a family. A silent neighbor turned it into a nightmare instead.

When Jim Roberts bought the farm in St. Clair, he pictured a few cows, a big garden and kids playing in the creek.

"Unfortunately, can't do that now," Roberts told 5 On Your Side.

Tucked in the woods at the edge of his property is a natural spring and a creek. An orangish goo appears to be seeping out of the spring and along the creek's banks.

"At first I thought it was just iron because the road right up the hill is called Iron Hill Road," Roberts said.

To be sure, Roberts contacted the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. That call started a year-long journey for truth and a campaign to right a wrong. I

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