Two earthquake hazard maps with geologic emphasis have been produced. The most recent is that of the greater St. Louis area at a scale of 1:100,000. Work has begun on the third map that includes portions of the Cape Girardeau-Bootheel area. Larger scale maps at 1:24,000 scale are contemplated but require increased funding because of the detail required. Classification of earthen materials to identify shaking susceptibility could utilize a standard Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) descriptive format.
Legislation established by the Missouri General Assembly and individual legislators' interest have given much encouragement to earthquake investigations. Mapping efforts have been supported in part by FEMA/SEMA and the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) in coordination with CUSEC.
Private and government infrastructure losses occur due to natural geologic hazards. Geologic hazards can be identified and mapped for the benefit of communities. Local governments, when informed of risk-based losses, are in a position to guide land use in a manner compatible with the geologic hazards. Flooding and landslides are frequent reminders of losses from imprudent land use. Earthquakes present the greatest loss potential to life, injury and economic welfare in the state. Potential destruction can be reduced by prudent land use. Costs associated with identifying and making known geologic-hazard areas are repaid many times over in reduced financial and personal injury losses to a community. Hazard mapping helps identify the best sites for new structures and aids in evaluating of existing buildings.
With the natural hazard information provided, property developers and land owners are able to assess the best use of the property. Many potential hazards, if recognized, require minimum precautions to avoid later property damage and life risk. Without such information, serious property damage and other risk conditions will develop that otherwise could have been avoided.
Hazard maps would enable local and state governments to better guide land use and would contribute to long term cost reductions to the government, as well as to the private sector. Incentives could be offered to local governments for encouraging hazard recognition.
Completed maps have been widely requested and distributed by the thousands.
Completion dates for maps at 1:100,000 scale to include all of eastern and southeastern Missouri extend beyond the year 2000. Delays are greater for the more useful 1:24,000 scale maps even though these detailed maps are needed for accurate application of building codes. Additional funding is needed for realistic completion dates.
Legislation or reward-based State policy should encourage local governments to adopt geologic-hazard ordinances. Local governments need technical assistance, ordinances and enforcement model programs for their use.
Legislation is necessary to require geologic hazard mapping for those types of facilities that affect the general public and to enable local governments and others to require such maps when deemed appropriate locally.