A plan to reduce losses from geologic hazards in Utah - Recommendations of the Governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group 2006-2007 (C-104)

By: G. E. Christenson and F. X. Ashland, compilers

Statewide losses from landslides in 2005 and 2006 likely exceeded $10 million and brought much public and media attention to the risks and challenges of building on hillsides in Utah. Utah has a long history of damaging landslides, including the particularly heavy losses (more than $300 million) during 1983-84 due to landslides and floods. As our population grows, pressure to build in areas prone to geologic hazards such as landslides increases, as does the need to provide adequate protection from these hazards.

Landslides in 2005 and 2006 highlighted shortcomings of this development-approval process. Damage occurred in several areas where studies by developers? consultants had concluded that conditions were safe for development, but subsequent landslide movement damaged homes and forced residents to evacuate and in some cases abandon their homes.

As a result of the landslides of 2005-06, Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., approved establishment of a working group to review the land-use-regulation process in Utah, recommend improvements, and identify how and where the State could assist. The Governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group (GHWG) was established in 2006 and met regularly from September 2006 through June 2007. This report highlights some of the 2005-06 landslides, reviews the establishment and activities of the GHWG, and presents the GHWG?s recommendations for reducing losses from geologic hazards.

Other Information:
Published: 2008
Pages: 30 p.
Location: Utah
Media Type: Paper Publication