Anaheim Hills Study Backs Anti-Slide Efforts

Residents of Anaheim Hills near the site of a major landslide in 1993 shouldn’t fear a recurrence of the event, which caused $5 million in damage and forced 45 homeowners to evacuate, according to a city consultant’s report released Tuesday.

As long as the city properly regulates ground-water levels, no more landslides should occur in the 25-acre area, according to a report by Eberhart & Stone. Although it recommended minor improvements, the report found the city’s current “dewatering system,” which reduces ground-water levels, effective in preventing landslides.

“The bottom line is the landslide problem can be controlled and there shouldn’t be future landslides,” Anaheim City Atty. Jack L. White said.

The report, which is available for public review in the city clerk’s office, is based on three years of investigation and analysis.

In January 1993, two weeks of almost unrelenting rain saturated the rolling hillsides of the upscale community and triggered the landslide. The ground moved more than 14 inches in some places, splitting foundations, breaking walls and cracking swimming pools.

The ground movement was finally slowed when underground pumps were installed to remove millions of gallons of ground water from the hillside. Evacuated residents were not allowed to move back until their water and sewer lines passed tests and foundations were checked for cracks caused by ground movement.

As a result of the landslide, homeowners are seeking $100 million in damages from the city, contending officials knew the area was prone to landslides.