From Deseret News archives:
Still slide risk, Draper folk told
SunCrest residents get information on stability of the land
On top of that, it should not be assumed that man-made alterations like grading and lawn watering have no effect on stability.
Earlier this month, developers for the 3,900-acre SunCrest disputed a city-commissioned study on the future landslide risk of the south mountain community. SunCrest had submitted its own geological findings to Draper and, following protocol, the city then hired outside consultants to review the SunCrest study.
According to that report, obtained by the Deseret Morning News, the planned community with million-dollar views of the Salt Lake Valley is built on ancient landslide areas on Traverse Ridge.
Oregon-based Landslide Technology created the report and listed several options Draper should follow to avoid landslide risks, like implementing an emergency response fund, posting landslide warning disclosures and obtaining insurance for all residences.
SunCrest developers took issue with the report and threatened to sue the city for $500 million if officials made it public. They have since dropped the threat.
Added SunCrest general manager Ed Grampp: "Our primary concern is safety."
SunCrest has made $130 million in sales on the site, which currently has 720 homes and a potential for up to 3,800 units. Home prices range from $220,000 to $2 million.
The Utah Geological Survey was brought in for Tuesday's council meeting as an unbiased party to present its "lessons learned" from recent landslides in other Utah developments.
"It's not that often that you get new landslides. Most landslides are reactivation of existing landslides," UGS geological manager Gary Christensen said. "It's rare to find stable 'old' landslides."
The mayor and council members expressed concern over the potential risk, especially since "warning signs" have been evident in the 7-year-old development. In June 2005, part of a hill eroded after a road was put in next to the slope, putting the edge of the hill a few feet from a resident's back yard.
Comments
- Lakers booed at home in loss 12:53 a.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 12:51 a.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.
225 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
206 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
125 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
97 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
88
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...
If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...
I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...
A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...
I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...
A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...
she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...
Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...
Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

You can be the first to comment on this story.