Paul TostoSt. Paul city officials knew about erosion at Lilydale Regional Park but didn’t know about the landslide danger, according to a report released this morning in response to the deaths of two children killed in a May landslide as they hunted for fossils during a school field trip.
An engineering report also released warns that groundwater played a key role in the landslide and that all bluff areas like Lilydale have similar risk.
While the deaths of the children were tragic, the city could not have predicted it, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman told reporters. Lilydale Park permits and access will remain closed, Coleman said, although he added that he hopes it will reopen someday.
City sponsored report says St. Paul didn't know of landslide danger that killed 2 kids, despite 2012 email noting slide risk in park.
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) September 5, 2013
Engineering report: groundwater played key role in deadly May landslide in St. Paul, "all bluff areas" like slide site have similar risk.
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) September 5, 2013
Report: Engineering firm concludes it is highly unlikely that recent man made activity contributed to Lilydale landslide
— Trisha Volpe (@TrishaVolpe) September 5, 2013
Independent attorney investigation into Lilydale landslide says city knew about soil erosion m; but no actual knowledge of unstable bluffs
— Trisha Volpe (@TrishaVolpe) September 5, 2013
Mayor Coleman on landslide investigation: While tragic this is not something the city could have predicted.
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) September 5, 2013
Engineer Ryan Benson: slide risks continue. St. Paul mayor: park permits and access will remain closed, tho he hopes it will reopen someday.
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) September 5, 2013