Gluesenkamp Perez, Newhouse Urge U.S. Geological Survey to Further Enhance Seismic Monitoring Amid Increased Activity at Mount Adams

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) sent a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to further enhance seismic monitoring of volcanoes across the region and provide more information about observation, preparedness, and vulnerabilities related to recent increases in seismic activity at Mount Adams.

Increased monitoring would help Southwest Washington anticipate the likelihood of a major seismic event. Additionally, further clarity surrounding emergency planning and infrastructure vulnerabilities is especially important, as the deteriorating I-5 Bridge is at risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake.

In the letter, the lawmakers requested answers to the following questions, after hearing concerns raised by their constituents:

• How many USGS seismic stations – both permanent and temporary – are located on and around Mount Adams? 
• How long will USGS operate temporary stations around Mount Adams? 
• Following recent earthquakes, has USGS enhanced monitoring around other area volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens?
• How does USGS keep local communities apprised of the threat level and coordinate with state and local emergency management officials? 
• Has USGS worked with state and local management officials to identify vulnerabilities throughout the region, including threats to major infrastructure, trade routes, and the supply chain? 
• What factors would cause the USGS to raise the threat level of Mount Adams from high threat to very high threat?

“Any surge in seismic activity heightens our community’s concern about larger earthquakes and volcanic activity, and the potentially devastating impacts to families and vulnerable infrastructure like the structurally deficient I-5 Bridge. It is critical that USGS take these concerns seriously, answer our communities’ questions, and enhance monitoring of volcanoes across the Pacific Northwest,” wrote Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Newhouse. “Though USGS has assured us that there’s no cause for concern, our community understandably has questions about the increase in seismic activity, the threat level, and the status of USGS volcano monitoring across the Pacific Northwest.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.