Scientists study 2 1/2-mile fissure in Iron County

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Scientists study 2 1/2-mile fissure in Iron County
Associated Press Staff Writer
5:36 PM MDT, July 25, 2009

ENOCH, Utah (AP) - The Utah Geological Survey has launched a study
into a 2
1/2-mile-long fissure in Iron County, trying to determine if such
cracks in the
earth are a growing trend throughout Utah valleys. UGS senior
geologist Bill
Lund said the study is focusing on the Enoch fissure and others that
could be
occurring throughout the state. "The possibility is there that there
could be
others," he told The Spectrum. "We need to see if the problem is
bigger than
just the fissure in Enoch."

The study is being funded by the UGS and the Central Iron County Water
Conservancy District.

Experts said a fissure is apparently the result of groundwater mining
and the
lowering of water tables, and the Enoch fissure stems in large part
from
over-pumping of the aquifer.

If the problems are not fixed, water district Director Scott Wilson
said,
subdivisions could be affected and property values for existing homes
could be
significantly hurt.

The fissure, located just east of Minersville Highway, was reported in
a nearby
subdivision.

"These fissures could be in anyone's backyard," Wilson said. "This
could have a
huge impact on the plans for that area."

Wilson said the 30-plus-year-old fissure might be expensive to remedy.
But he
said he looks forward to finding out the extent of the problem and
possible
solutions.

"At least the water district could come up with some long-term
policies to
prevent future problems," he said. "We have definitely got some
significant
water problems with that aquifer."

Lund said the study will determine how the fissure formed.

"We are going to look through information about the area from over a
long period
of time to see how it has developed," he said. "It could get to be a
big
problem."

Property owners are encouraged to report any possible fissures to the
UGS so
they can be included in the study.