This is definitely a sad story, and one that highlights the importance of an adequate geological investigation when designing pipelines. A landslide cause a rupture in the Trans-Equador oil pipeline on May 31st. The volume of oil released is on the order of 11,500 barrels, or 205,000 liters. [Source: Read more info at The Landslide Blog. Image: Dr. Dave’s Landslide Blog]
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Pittsburgh Area Has 49 Active Landslides
The Pittsburgh area has 49 active landslides or retaining wall failures in 29 neighborhoods according to a Pittsburgh Public Works Department survey. The estimated cost to fix 24 of those issues effecting public land is $7.4 million, which the City doesn’t have. Story source: Pittsburgh Live by way of Geology.com. (Map by BOB NEWELL/TRIBUNE-REVIEW)
Landslide Hazards along Wasatch Front in Utah – Video
Judge Rules City of San Diego Not Responsible for Mt. Soledad Landslide in 2007
The Mt. Soledad Landslide in a La Jolla California neighborhood destroyed 3 houses and damaged others and it also shut down Mt. Soledad Road for an entire year after it occurred in October of 2007. Residents blamed the city of San Diego, and 65 homeowners filed suit, claiming that leaking pipes caused the landslide and the City should cover damages.
Last week, a superior court judge ruled in favor of the City of San Diego. So far I have not seen anything indicating if the residents plan to appeal the ruling.
One interesting note regarding the trial, the City released an 8-minute cell phone video taken by a geotechnical engineer or drilling contractor employed by the City that showed the road cracking and buckling just prior to failure. The homeowners used the video to try to make their own case. Click through for a portion of the video and a link to the full one.