Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts (GHAD)
Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts (GHAD) was authorized by the State of California under the provisions of the 1979 Beverly Act (California Public Resources Code 26500-26601). The purpose of a GHAD is to provide an ongoing resource for managing geologic hazards that pose a threat to properties within the boundaries of the GHAD. Landslides are the most common identified geologic hazard leading to the formation of a GHAD, although any geologic hazard may be considered. GHADs operate under a Plan of Control which defines the specific geologic hazard covered and describes the GHAD’s authority and limitations. The first GHAD was created in 1981 to finance the geologic investigation and mitigation of the Abalone Cove Landslide in Palos Verdes, California, located just south of Los Angeles. Since then, over 50 GHADs have been organized in California.
The Blackhawk GHAD
The Blackhawk GHAD was formed in 1986 and addresses landslide hazards within the Blackhawk district, commonly referred to as CSA M-23. Members of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, acting as an independent Board, serve as the GHAD Board of Directors.
The Blackhawk GHAD Plan of Control specifies that the GHAD General Manager will address (at his or her discretion) landslides or potential landslides involving two or more properties with the following exceptions or limitations:
· Landslides contained within a single property.
· Landslides related to structures built within established creek setback areas.
· Landslide damaged or destroyed structures.
· Landslides caused by property owner negligence.
· Landslide repair costs that exceed the protected asset value.
· Landslides located outside GHAD boundaries, with the conditioned exception of those geologic hazards that threaten properties within the GHAD.
· When the limitation of funds prevents action.
· Property damage due to soil creep.
The Blackhawk GHAD maintains ongoing proactive and reactive response capabilities within the district through the implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program that includes monitoring and maintaining several hundred district-wide assets and instrumentation sites, as well as conducting studies and research to utilize new technologies. Additionally, the Blackhawk GHAD maintains a full array of response capabilities to address landslide activity and related incidents as they arise.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us at the following site:
(925) 964-0823 Phone
(925) 964-0825 Fax
www.blackhawkghad.com