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Show I State Iress iifidesiiread problem y y Over 200 residents in attendance at a public hearing concerning the subsidance or "hydroeompaction" problem, were assured by Mayor Jack Sawyers that additional public hearings would be conducted and efforts made to study and analyze the avialable data. . A comprehensive report on the problem was presented by Bruce Kalisher, Section Chief of the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey office. Mayor Sawyer identified early in the hearing that the purpose of the meeting was to provide information. Solutions and possible future needs would be accessed at a later date, he indicated. At the conclusion of the hearing an advisory committee nominated by Mayor Sawyers, was approved, to study the issue. Because of the seriousness of the matter Mayor Sawyers asked that Mike Embley City manager, serve as chairman. Other Committee members Representing the Council on the committee will be Barbara Starr, who serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Other committee members include John Esplin, McKay Nelson, Charyl Galloway, Richard Messer, Gary Beddingfield and Kathy Baggs. Although initiated by residents of Highland Park Subdivision Geologist Kaliser, after reviewing extensive the details of the study undertaken by his department, identified the problem as much broader in scope. In what he termed a broad generalization Kaliser stated that any terrain East of Main Street (old Highway High-way 91) north and south of Cedar City is suspect. He further indicated that "we cannot exclude areas west of Highway 91 in Cedar City. Data collection The phenomenon of "hydrocom-' "hydrocom-' paction" was described by the geologist as "much greater than heretofore recognized," Kaliser stated. The research involved historical data back to the turn of the century and other geological happenings hap-penings as reported by long time construction personnel, the Utah Department of Highways and others. He indicated that the Highway Department has recorded subsidance of an overpass near Kanarraville Interchange that has dropped up to 30 inches since construction. The prevelance of a gypsum was considered as a contributing agent, but is only that, Kaliser reported. Our studies showed gypsum content as low as one percent and as high as 31 percent. "But the problem remains with or without the gypsum, he said. "Water is the culprit. Application of water on loosely knit "younger deposits on alluvial fans from the various canyons. The power like materials cannot withstand its own weight with the application of water. Thusly it collapses," he said. Problem Compounded The problem is further compunded by faulting and seismic activity in the area. Records at the seismic center at Southern Utah Stale College show a close relationship to the problem that has been identified in the Highland Park Subdivision, he said. As to the solution to the problem, Kaliser said, there is none. Some of the architectural and structural techniques appear to be too costly for single dwelling units, but may be applicable to industrial or larger type construction projects. The depth of the loosely knit materials makes many of the alternatives impractical, he com-mendted. com-mendted. Unrepairable damage The preliminary report, confirmed by the geologist at the hearing, suggested that homees already damaged by ground settlement cannot economically be treated in any manner, architectural or structurally. struc-turally. "Further study would be necessary to more specifically identify problem areas," he suggested and recommended recom-mended that the City consider extensive ex-tensive ground and testing in developments planned for the future in the Cedar City area. The study was financed by a $30,000 grant from the Four Corners Regional Commission. In attendance at the hearing, in addition to interested residents, were representatives from the Governor's office, Four Corners Regional Commission, Department of Community Com-munity Affairs, HUD, Five County Association of Governments, and Iron County. |