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Jed Boal and Paul Nelson Reporting"Everybody's aware this is a sensitive area, so you have to be careful about how you build your home and where it can be constructed on any given lot."
A pre-existing landslide in Morgan County is on the move again. Boulders and mud threaten the dream homes of the people who live there. It's a scenario we see repeatedly along the Wasatch Front, homes imperiled by the forces of nature. Geologists say this is shaping up as another record year for landslides along the Wasatch Front.
Homeowners are upset; they want to know who is responsible and some have a sinking feeling that little can be done to save their homes. Sensitive hillsides saturated by snow and rain are at great risk of sliding this spring, that's according to the Senior Geologist with the Utah Geological Survey.
A slide zone in Morgan County directly jeopardizes three homes, and others are at risk. The situation raises more questions about building on risky hillsides and who bears responsibility when the earth moves.
The Mountain Green neighborhood is a slice of paradise to those who live there. But Brad Loveridge fears his slice is sliding off the mountain.
Brad Loveridge, Homeowner: "Went down to the county today and they pulled out a map that showed this whole hill was an active landslide in the 70's"
His family moved weeks ago. Before he even arrived, his wife awoke one night to the sound of boulders tumbling in the back yard.
Brad Loveridge: "The kids woke up and were crying. She looks out the window and rock boulders are falling down the hill."
His neighbor's house is already abandoned. Two doors down, Brad Hall knows it's a matter of time before he'll have to flee.
Brad Hall: "We feel we need to do something. We feel we've been duped. We don't feel we were told what was going on when we built here."
His home is on the edge of a slide 1,000 feet long, 800 feet wide and nearly 60 feet deep. According to the Utah Geological Survey, the land slid in the 70's and 80's. The Creekside Drive landslide reactivated last June. It now moves about an inch a week and is accelerating.
Brad Hall: "The developer says it's unfortunate what's happened to the property, but he followed proper procedures when putting the development together."
Bart Smith, Developer: "It's a beautiful area, it pulls people in. Hopefully people will be careful and realize what inherent risk there will be in a mountainous setting."
The county permitted him to build on the land, if he disclosed the sensitivity of the land and engineered the property as prescribed. County Council member Dan Hancock says the county will work for a resolution.
Dan Hancock, Morgan County Council: "What we can do at this time is anybody's guess. It's gonna go until it stops. Yes we will have a responsibility of a certain amount."
Last night, more than a dozen neighbors met to vent and to discuss their options. They plan to take legal action if there are no other options.
