THE UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY GEOLOGIC HAZARDS MAPPING INITIATIVE

New development and redevelopment in urban areas along the Wasatch Front is proceeding at a rapid pace; in many areas geologic hazards have not been mapped to meet the needs of new and evolving geologic-hazard ordinances. To address this issue, the Geologic Hazards Mapping Initiative was created. The initiative grew in large part due to the efforts of Gary Christenson (Utah Geological Survey, retired), in conjunction with the Governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group and is funded by the Utah Legislature. The initiative will provide planners, local officials, property owners, developers, engineers, geologists, design professionals, and the interested public with information on the type and location of critical geologic hazards that may impact existing and future development.

Mapping has begun in areas of high projected growth where recent Quaternary geologic mapping has been completed, specifically the western part of Salt Lake Valley. Mapping planned for 2009-2010 is anticipated to continue in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. Additional mapping is planned in Davis, Weber, Wasatch, Summit, and Uintah Counties. The maps will address hazards associated with earthquakes, landslides, flooding, debris flows, indoor radon, shallow ground water, rock fall, and problem soil and rock. Maps are being prepared by compiling a geographic information system (GIS) database incorporating available geotechnical studies, previous geologic-hazard studies, geologic maps, and field data.

Our final product will be a folio of geologic-hazard maps and accompanying text documents that address critical geologic hazards. While site-specific geotechnical investigations should be performed for all development, the maps will identify areas where additional, specialized geologic-hazard investigations are necessary prior to development as well as provide information that may be used for emergency planning and community risk assessment for existing home and business owners. The Utah Geological Survey will provide copies of the published maps to local governments within the study areas, and will work with communities as requested to help prepare geologic-hazard ordinances.