I’m writing because articles in the press and a recent Herald editorial have illuminated a public safety issue most of us don’t think about. The timing of the next Cascadia Subduction earthquake is uncertain, but there is no doubt that it will cause great damage to our community.
For a developer like me, it raises questions about where, what and how to build, invest or perhaps divest. As Sen. Patty Murray, The Herald and others point out, we can’t prevent it — but let’s not panic, let’s plan.
Science and the historical record tell us that severe damage will occur in coastal areas and inland waterways. The damage and destruction will vary in different parts of town. Everett’s waterfront will be impacted by subsidence, liquefaction, and collapsing bluffs. What will this mean for people living “between 100 and 200 feet of the shoreline edge”?
The State Environmental Policy Act Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance does not indicate that the city of Everett has considered earthquake preparedness in the proposed amendment to its Central Shoreline Master Program. Admittedly, this latest information about The Big One is new to most policy makers and the general public. I can’t fault the city if they have yet to develop policies to minimize the dangers to our community.
Because doing nothing makes no sense, I hope that city planners and engineers are working on the problem. I don’t know what public safety measures are under consideration, but this shoreline amendment is the perfect venue to bring the public into the conversation.
In the Oso tragedy, government officials knew or could have known (if they had looked) that by authorizing development there, they exposed residents to deadly risks. Today, county officials are reexamining their policies and proposing to limit development in dangerous areas.
Given the city’s knowledge, and its interest in protecting the health, welfare and public safety of Everett’s citizens, does it not have a legal and moral duty to do the same?
Peter Newland
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
