Governor signs law for geologic hazards mapping

OLYMPIA — A new law signed by the governor Friday aims to give residents a wealth of new information about geologic dangers lurking in Washington.

Now the challenge is getting enough money in the next state budget to make it happen.

The bill signed by Gov. Jay Inslee directs the Department of Natural Resources to expand precision mapping of areas prone to landslides and other geologic hazards and to put the information in an easily accessible online database.

The bill represents the first major policy change inspired by the 2014 Oso mudslide, which killed 43 people. It was a priority recommendation of the nonpartisan commission that reviewed the disaster and the emergency response.

After signing Senate Bill 5088, Inslee said it will enable the state to “take reasonable measures to try to prevent tragedies that are so painful” to Washington.

In a written statement, the bill’s prime sponsor said using the best technology to study the state’s geology will “identify these dangers before they cause major harm and destruction.”

“This bill will help save lives and property from a disaster like we saw in Oso,” said Sen. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe.

Senate Bill 5088 passed unanimously in both chambers, but DNR’s leader said its thoroughness will depend on the amount of money lawmakers provide the agency.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said he requested $6.6 million to map and analyze areas threatened not only by landslides but also by earthquakes, tsunamis and lahars.

He said that amount of money would enable hiring 10 new geologists and four employees to provide technical support. Today the state’s Division of Geology and Earth Sciences has two geologists focused on mapping and three on geologic hazards, according to an agency spokesman.

House Democrats approved $4.6 million in their budget to cover employees and resources needed for expanded mapping of landslide-prone regions with lidar, an aerial survey tool involving lasers. Senate Republicans provided no money in their budget, though writers of the spending plan said that was an oversight and they’ll support funding.

Goldmark said Friday he is pushing for the full request.

“Lidar is of supreme importance, but we don’t want to let up on mapping and providing accurate information on the other geologic risks as well,” he said. “I feel we can’t go halfway on public safety.”

The state Department of Natural Resources has mapped many areas with potential geologic hazards using tools such as aerial surveys, according to DNR spokesman Joe Smillie.

The new law clears the way for the agency to develop maps using the more advanced remote sensing technology known as lidar that provides greater dimensional detail.

It directs DNR to create and maintain a publicly available database of the data.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A firefighter stands in silence before a panel bearing the names of L. John Regelbrugge and Kris Regelbrugge during the ten-year remembrance of the Oso landslide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Flood of emotions’ as Oso Landslide Memorial opens on 10th anniversary

Friends, family and first responders held a moment of silence at 10:37 a.m. at the new 2-acre memorial off Highway 530.

Julie Petersen poses for a photo with images of her sister Christina Jefferds and Jefferds’ grand daughter Sanoah Violet Huestis next to a memorial for Sanoah at her home on March 20, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. Peterson wears her sister’s favorite color and one of her bangles. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
‘It just all came down’: An oral history of the Oso mudslide

Ten years later, The Daily Herald spoke with dozens of people — first responders, family, survivors — touched by the deadliest slide in U.S. history.

Victims of the Oso mudslide on March 22, 2014. (Courtesy photos)
Remembering the 43 lives lost in the Oso mudslide

The slide wiped out a neighborhood along Highway 530 in 2014. “Even though you feel like you’re alone in your grief, you’re really not.”

Director Lucia Schmit, right, and Deputy Director Dara Salmon inside the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Oso slide changed local emergency response ‘on virtually every level’

“In a decade, we have just really, really advanced,” through hard-earned lessons applied to the pandemic, floods and opioids.

Ron and Gail Thompson at their home on Monday, March 4, 2024 in Oso, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In shadow of scarred Oso hillside, mudslide’s wounds still feel fresh

Locals reflected on living with grief and finding meaning in the wake of a catastrophe “nothing like you can ever imagine” in 2014.

Everett mall renderings from Brixton Capital. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Topgolf at the Everett Mall? Mayor’s hint still unconfirmed

After Cassie Franklin’s annual address, rumors circled about what “top” entertainment tenant could be landing at Everett Mall.

Everett
Everett man sentenced to 3 years of probation for mutilating animals

In 2022, neighbors reported Blayne Perez, 35, was shooting and torturing wildlife in north Everett.

Dorothy Crossman rides up on her bike to turn in her ballot  on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett leaders plan to ask voters for property tax increase

City officials will spend weeks hammering out details of a ballot measure, as Everett faces a $12.6 million deficit.

Starbucks employee Zach Gabelein outside of the Mill Creek location where he works on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek Starbucks votes 21-1 to form union

“We obviously are kind of on the high of that win,” store bargaining delegate Zach Gabelein said.

Lynnwood police respond to a collision on highway 99 at 176 street SW. (Photo provided by Lynnwood Police)
Police: Teen in stolen car flees cops, causes crash in Lynnwood

The crash blocked traffic for over an hour at 176th Street SW. The boy, 16, was arrested on felony warrants.

The view of Mountain Loop Mine out the window of a second floor classroom at Fairmount Elementary on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County: Everett mining yard violated order to halt work next to school

At least 10 reports accused OMA Construction of violating a stop-work order next to Fairmount Elementary. A judge will hear the case.

Imagine Children's Museum's incoming CEO, Elizabeth "Elee" Wood. (Photo provided by Imagine Children's Museum)
Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett to welcome new CEO

Nancy Johnson, who has led Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett for 25 years, will retire in June.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.