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2021 Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Hazardous Materials Hazardous material releases from fixed facilities and transportation-related releases can occur during an earthquake. Transportation Roads have the potential to be significantly damaged during an earthquake. Access to major roads is crucial to life and safety after a disaster event as well as to response and recovery operations. Disruption in transportation systems is of particular concern to coastal community members, as a major event has the potential to isolate communities from critical assistance and aid. Additionally, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides transportation service to the northern portion of San Mateo County from South San Francisco to Millbrae and the San Francisco Airport. Much of the BART transportation infrastructure in San Mateo County is underground. BART tunnels may collapse during a high magnitude event, leading to loss of life and potential release of hazardous materials. Earthquakes can significantly damage bridges, which often provide the only access to some neighborhoods. Since soft soil regions generally follow floodplain boundaries, bridges that cross water courses are vulnerable. Key factors in the degree of vulnerability are the facility’s age and type of construction, which indicate the standards to which the facility was built. Water and Sewer Infrastructure Water and sewer infrastructure would likely suffer considerable damage in the event of an earthquake. This factor is difficult to analyze based on the amount of infrastructure and because water and sewer infrastructure are usually linear easements, which are difficult to thoroughly assess in Hazus. Without further analysis of individual system components, it should be assumed that these systems are exposed to breakage and failure. 10.4.4 Environment Environmental problems as a result of an earthquake can be numerous. Secondary hazards will likely have some of the most damaging effects on the environment. Earthquake-induced landslides can significantly damage surrounding habitat. It is also possible for streams to be rerouted after an earthquake. Rerouting can change the water quality, possibly damaging habitat and feeding areas. Streams fed by groundwater wells can dry up because of changes in underlying geology. 10.5 FUTURE TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT The planning area population could increase by as much as 10 percent by 2030. As populations grow, it is critical that the services supporting these communities—such as water, sewer, power, roads, hospitals, and public safety agencies—are able to maintain or quickly resume functionality after a disaster. Land use in the planning area will be directed by general plans adopted under California’s General Planning Law. The safety elements of the general plans establish standards and plans for the protection of the community from hazards, including seismic hazards. The information in this plan provides a tool to ensure that there is no increase in exposure in areas of high seismic risk. Development in the planning area will be regulated through building standards and performance measures so that the degree of risk will be reduced. Geologic hazard areas are heavily regulated under California’s General Planning Law. The International Building Code establishes provisions to address seismic risk. 10-28