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<br />002820 <br /> <br />5.0 MITIGATION METHODS <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />The three main goals of landslide-hazard management and mitigation are 1) the <br />reduction of community vulnerability to landsliding, 2) the reduction in the <br />frequency of occurrence and in the extent and severity of physical damage due <br />to landslides, and 3) the redistribution of social and economic impacts when <br />landsliding does occur. The three general methods used to accomplish these <br />goals are 1) modification of vulnerability, 2) modification of the physical <br />system, and 3) modification of the consequences. <br /> <br />MOdifying Community Vulnerability. <br /> <br />Vulnerability to landslide hazards is a function of location, type of <br />activity, and frequency of events. Modifying the vulnerability of human life, <br />activity, and property to landsliding is accomplished by avoiding potential <br />hazard occurrences through restricting, removing, or imposing conditions on <br />hazard-zone activity. Techniques available include avoidance, building codes, <br />land-use regulations and policies, redevelopment restrictions, hazard <br />monitoring and warning systems, and disaster preparedness. <br /> <br />Land-use regulations and policies are most economical if undertaken prior to <br />development. However, when potentially hazardous land is privately owned with <br />the expectation of relatively intense development and use, or in communities <br />where land optimally suited for development is in short supply, there is <br />strong motivation to use the land more intensively. This can lead to <br />development of lands that are hazardous to life and property. Land-use <br />regulations must be balanced against economic considerations, political <br />pressures, and historical rights. However, when construction is allowed to <br />occur in a hazardous area, provisions should be made for disclosure of the <br />hazard to future owners and occupants. <br /> <br />The National Research Council's publication "Reducing Losses from Landsliding <br />in the United States", (1985) discusses avoidance and building codes. <br /> <br />"Avoidance involves eliminating or restricting development in <br />landslide-prone terrain. While total avoidance, i.e., a total <br /> <br />- 35 - <br />