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Big Horn County LEPC raises earthquake hazard rating, urges retrofitting in mitigation plan
Summary
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Big Horn County Local Emergency Planning Committee raised the county's earthquake hazard rating from low to moderate after recent seismic events and recommended adding retrofitting to the county's mitigation planning; the change will shape future preparedness and grant priorities.
The Big Horn County Local Emergency Planning Committee on Feb. 2 adjusted the county's earthquake hazard rating from low to moderate and recommended that retrofitting be incorporated into the county hazard mitigation plan, LEPC Coordinator Sylvan Covers Up said.
The committee took the change after discussion of recent seismic activity, including a reported 4.2-magnitude earthquake near Great Falls and a hydrothermal eruption at Yellowstone National Park, which Sylvan said influenced the Hazard Assessment and prompted the re-evaluation. He said the adjustment is intended to better align county mitigation priorities with current regional risks.
Why it matters: a higher hazard rating can affect planning priorities, grant competitiveness and the county's risk-reduction projects. The LEPC specifically recommended adding retrofit measures to the mitigation plan to reduce structural vulnerabilities.
Members also discussed other elements tied to mitigation planning. Sylvan has drafted bullet points for the mitigation plan, and the committee noted the need for school district emergency operations plans (EOPs) to complete a planned school-shooter preparedness project this summer. The committee identified the county's preparedness posture for the coming fire season and discussed listing Big Horn County as a potential base camp for firefighting operations.
The committee noted several technical and mapping matters that bear on mitigation work. Sylvan requested updated floodplain maps; FEMA is processing updated maps, and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has no applicable maps available, the committee record shows. Members said updated mapping will help clarify flood-prone areas to be addressed in mitigation planning.
The committee's bylaws were updated by Deputy County Attorney Heather Ready, signed by LEPC officers and emailed to the County Commissioners for review, Sylvan said. That administrative action was framed as part of maintaining the LEPC's governance and readiness functions.
What comes next: committee members said they will continue to refine the mitigation plan and pursue related outreach and grant opportunities. The LEPC will revisit outstanding items, including the Public Health Annual Review presentation, at its March meeting.
