Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
december 2014
The Monthly Review is part of a continuing effort to improve communications about the role of geoscience in policy.
Current and archived monthly reviews are available online.Subscribe to receive the Monthly Review directly.
natural hazards
Los Angeles Mayor proposes seismic retrofit for riskiest buildings
December 8, 2014
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti released a report on December 8 that proposes new, stricter building codes aimed at the structures mostly likely to collapse in an earthquake. The codes would require seismic retrofits to wooden structures with a “soft-story” first floor, such as a garage, and concrete buildings without enough steel reinforcement, most of which were built before updated safety regulations were applied in 1980. Most earthquake fatalities result from building collapses, so the retrofits are designed to keep buildings standing even if they sustain significant damage. This would greatly reduce casualties for the thousands of people that currently live and work in these types of structures.
Mayor Garcetti stated that although the retrofit would require substantial investments by building owners, inaction could lead to severe economic consequences for Los Angeles and the entire U.S. should an earthquake strike.
According to the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), there is a 67% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake near Los Angeles over the next 30 years. The proposed requirements are more advanced than those instituted in other earthquake-prone cities in the U.S. It remains to be seen if other jurisdictions will follow suit.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Southern California Earthquake Center
Joint SR 530 Landslide Commission releases final report on Oso Landslide
December 15, 2014
On December 15, the Washington State Joint SR 530 Landslide Commission released its final report in response to the tragic March 2014 Oso landslide that destroyed homes and roads and claimed 43 lives. Formed by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and Snohomish County Executive John Lovick, the Commission laid out lessons learned and 17 recommendations for responding to future landslide hazards in its report.
Among its key recommendations, the report advises state and local officials to support increased landslide hazard mapping, to establish a state mobilization plan for non-fire hazards, and to convene a task force to evaluate regional and state-wide natural hazards and existing emergency response systems.
Sources: Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s website, SR 530 Landslide Commission Final Report