Big Fissure Exposing Gap In Arizona

The Arizona Republic reports that southern Maricopa County and Central Pinal County, in the area of Queen Creek and the Hunt Highway, are experiencing ground fissures that have opened up since the heavy rains. These fissures form when years of extensive groundwater pumping lowers the water table, leading to settling of sediment underground. The ground begins to sink unevenly opening up surface cracks or fissures. These fissures have been prevalent in the area for some time, but many homeowners are not aware of the situation.

The most recent fissure map from the office of the Arizona Geological Survey shows two enormous fissures running across Hunt Highway near Queen Creek and the Santan area. Hundreds of tiny cracks shoot off from those. The article states that back in 1998, Herb Schumann, a hydrologist consultant, told the Queen Creek Town Council about fissures in detail, and he specifically mentioned fissures along Hunt Highway and in the Santan Mountain foothills, according to Arizona Republic archives. A spokesman for the Arizona Department of Real Estate said that sellers are required to disclose any geological hazards to buyers.

One homeowner in this area, Clint Barnett, said the crack that runs across his front yard is getting worse each day. He is considering getting a real estate attorney to look into whether any disclosure laws were violated. More...