Missouri Seismic Safety Commission - Strategy 2.8

STRATEGY:

Conduct critical lifeline co-location vulnerability studies.

ACTION:

Identify lifeline co-location sites in earthquake-prone areas where the hazard of ground failure is high and where vulnerable structures support co-located lifelines; develop a mitigation plan for each one. Encourage equipment improvement, facility redundancy and relocation, and pre-event response and recovery agreements.

RESULT:

During an earthquake emergency, damage to one lifeline will not cripple an adjacent lifeline, when the recognized hazard is anticipated and accommodated.



Background

In many locations, various lifelines, including pipelines, rail, highway, electric, and communications, are located within close proximity of each other, either in defined corridors or at crossings. Seismic damage to one lifeline may easily impact adjacent lifelines. An example would be an interstate pipeline crossing. The failure of a single lifeline may be repaired within a reasonable time, but the failure of two (or more) adjoining lifelines could pose complex repair problems. Significant delays may result from the complexity of repairs, slowing the operational return of vital public services essential to public health and safety.

Implementation

Undertake studies to identify all critical co-location sites within earthquake-prone areas. Establish a task force of public and private lifeline operators to estimate the potential impacts from damage to adjacent lifelines on their systems.

Responsible Agencies:

State Emergency Management Agency, Department of Public Safety (SEMA-DPS)
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
Division of Geology and Land Survey, Department of Natural Resources (DGLS-DNR)
Public Service Commission
Municipal and private utilities, railroads, and pipeline operators

Last Changed April 28, 1997