By Nancy Hiser
We thought we had a pretty clear understanding of our earthquake risks, but a new report proved it was incomplete. PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions and Multnomah County Emergency Management released a sobering report in October – the first to describe the threat of hazardous materials that would be released locally during a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. With more than 1,100 HAZMAT facilities in Multnomah County, air-borne plumes will cause toxic inhalation hazards for people throughout the County.
Multnomah County Board Chair Jessica Vega Pederson cautioned, “The average person in their house doesn’t have the ability to protect themselves from risks like these, so it’s incumbent upon us and the (state) government to take the steps to make sure that we are being protective.”
Additionally, the report recommends, “Lobby local representatives to push for state and federal action of Hazmat facilities.”
John Wasiutynski, Director of Sustainability for Multnomah County, in a personal email dated November 6, 2023, stated, “ … we have been working to determine the best policy approaches in terms of our response. Ongoing involvement from County residents is vital…”
For the most recent update on Linnton’s evacuation possibilities, come to the March 3rd Linnton Neighborhood Association meeting to hear a presentation from Portland Bureau of Emergency Management.
To learn more: Multnomah County report, go to: https://tinyurl.com/mr2ptmwa and info about what to do, go to: https://www.tankthetanks.org/act
Map showing summertime release scenario from four Hazmat sites. Credit: Multnomah County.