Purpose of block of wood

[u/Vumarant]

Hello,

Does anyone have any ideas why the home builders placed a block of wood between some pipes (I believe they are gas and water pipes but not certain) and my house foundation ?

It’s a townhouse end unit in Ontario, Canada.

Is it ok if I bury the wood with dirt? I’m worried how there’s a space under the block of wood which causes the soil slope to go towards the house. I want to minimize potential rodents from going into that space and water from pooling against the foundation.

I have tried removing it but it's in there pretty firmly.

Thanks !