Resolution No. 5303 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Eugene -Springfield Area Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 2. Hazard Descriptions Based on the predicted probability and potential damage from a large GMD, Eugene -Springfield's risk from this impact is moderate. Epidemics Epidemics could also be an impact of a GMD based on its size, severity, and the recovery time for damages. The probability of an epidemic, however, is extremely hard to predict due to the vast number of variables involved. If Earth was to receive a direct hit from a large GMD in which medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are non -operational for an extended period, an increase of epidemics should be expected. If this were to happen, containment and palliative care of sick individuals may be the only option until health care services are fully restored. Water and wastewater services could also be affected, increasing the likelihood of an epidemic. History of Impact in Eugene -Springfield There is no known history of epidemics due to a geomagnetic disturbance. Risk of Impact Due to the possibility of a large GMD occurring and incapacitating electronic devices, which the medical community relies upon, the risk from this impact is moderate. Hazardous Materials Hazardous material spills due to the impact of a GMD are plausible. Many facilities containing hazardous substances depend upon electronics technology for their control and operation systems. Improperly or non -shielded electronics may be affected by a GMD. More information on HazMat spills and releases is in Appendix I. History of Impact in Eugene -Springfield There is no known history of a hazardous material incident due to a geomagnetic disturbance. Risk of Impact The risk of a GMD induced HazMat incident is moderate due to the electrical requirements for storage of hazardous materials and the probability of a large GMD occurring. 2-42 January 2020