Abstract:
Allegheny County has a long history of landslides because of its geography and topography. Indeed, the 2001 Pennsylvania Geological Survey published by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) listed landslides as a very significant geologic hazard throughout most of southwestern Pennsylvania and in certain other parts of the state. Even the Native American translation of “Monongahela River” – “river with sliding sides” – emphasizes that landslides have been a long-standing issue. Emergency Services files dating back to 1975 also show similar landslide and flooding issues.
Landslides can be a minor to moderate problem in areas with moderate to steep slopes while other types of landslides, primarily riverbank slumps and construction-related slides, can occur in any area if local conditions are “right.” In 2018, the conditions in Allegheny County were “right.” In a 2018 briefing, Emergency Services Chief Matt Brown wrote that the county had been adversely impacted by extreme amounts of precipitation which began February 15. Impacts on communities and businesses were severe in many cases. Damages included flood damages, river ice jams, continuous large-scale landslides, utility damage including exposed piping, wires and downed poles, major and frequent interruptions to transportation systems and routes, and in the most severe cases, complete destruction of individual homes and properties.
Understanding the history of the issue, and the continued challenging and changing conditions for the county, its municipalities and its partners, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald established a Landslide Task Force last year, co-chaired by Emergency Services Chief Matt Brown and Public Works Director Steve Shanley. In addition to their respective departments (Emergency Services and Public Works), additional county departments including Information Technology, Economic Development, and Budget have been tapped to assist in identifying resources. External partners include PA Emergency Management, the University of Pittsburgh, National Weather Service Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, PA Department of Transportation, Army Corps of Engineers, PA Department of Environmental Protection, and utilities. Its membership is fluid allowing the group to add representation from agencies that may come to the task force’s attention through this process.