The Hidden Danger: Sinkholes in South Dakota’s Hideaway Hills

Living in a serene neighborhood near South Dakota’s Black Hills sounds like a dream come true for many, but for Stuart and Tonya Junker, their peaceful surroundings turned into a nightmare when sinkholes started appearing around their home. The fear of their house collapsing into one of these holes made them question their safety and security.

The source of their problem? The Hideaway Hills subdivision, built on land that was previously a gypsum mine owned by the state. Despite knowing about the old mine, the state sold the land for development, leading to disastrous consequences for the residents. In response, Stuart, Tonya, and around 150 neighbors filed a lawsuit against the state, seeking $45 million to cover the value of their homes and legal expenses.

Sinkholes are not uncommon, but the situation in South Dakota is unique. Paul Santi, a professor of geological engineering, highlighted the rarity of such large sinkholes endangering multiple homes. The Hideaway Hills incident is likely to be remembered as a case study in textbooks due to its scale and impact.

The subdivision, constructed between 2002 and 2004, was built on land where gypsum mining took place for a state-owned cement plant. Attorney Kathy Barrow, representing residents in 94 homes, revealed that the state failed to disclose the risks associated with the subsurface mining activities, causing instability in the area.

Following a significant sinkhole incident in 2020, residents discovered the presence of an improperly sealed mine beneath the neighborhood, leading to a series of collapses and sinkholes. The unstable ground has affected 158 homes, leaving residents in a state of panic and uncertainty.

While some areas have been vacated and gated off, many residents are still unable to leave due to financial constraints. The fear of living in a dangerous environment haunts the community, with concerns about the safety of their families and properties looming large.

The state, while expressing sympathies for the affected residents, has denied liability for the damages, shifting blame to the developers, realtors, and homebuilders who chose to build over the abandoned mine without disclosing the risks to buyers. The complex history of mining activities in the area further complicates the legal battle.

For the Junkers, the lawsuit signifies their last hope of escaping the nightmare they find themselves in. Tonya’s husband had planned to retire, but now must work extra to prepare for a possible evacuation. Their beloved home, filled with memories and renovations, now hangs in limbo, awaiting justice.

As the legal battle unfolds, the residents of Hideaway Hills continue to grapple with uncertainty and fear, hoping for a resolution that will restore their safety and peace of mind.

Written by Dura, reporting from Bismarck, North Dakota.