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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 7 <br />• Severe damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewage systems, healthcare, and <br />electrical grids. <br />• High costs for repairs, reconstruction, and mitigation efforts, potentially overwhelming local <br />resources. <br />Impact on the Environment <br />• Erosion of soil, riverbanks, and landscapes, leading to long-term ecological changes. <br />• Pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater with debris, chemicals, and sewage from <br />floodwaters. <br />• Destruction of natural habitats, negatively affecting wildlife and biodiversity. <br />Impact on the Economy of the Jurisdiction <br />• Immediate economic losses from damage to commercial properties, agricultural lands, and <br />infrastructure. <br />• Long-term economic challenges due to the cost of rebuilding and the potential for reduced <br />investment and tourism. <br />• Potential loss of jobs and income. <br />Impact on Public Confidence in the Jurisdiction's Governance <br />• Erosion of public trust if the flooding is perceived as preventable or if the response is <br />inadequate. <br />• Increased scrutiny of floodplain management, land-use planning, and emergency preparedness <br />policies. <br />3.9 Geologic Hazards <br />3.9.1 PROFILE <br />A geologic hazard is an adverse geological condition causing damage or loss of property or life. These <br />hazards only become hazards when they impact life or property and are very much a normal part of <br />environmental processes. Ramsey County is at risk of a variety of geologic hazards, the most common of <br />which are: <br />• Landslide: The downward movement of a mass of rock, soil, and debris along a slope or cliff <br />face. This movement can range from gradual, slow displacement to rapid, catastrophic events. <br />Landslides are typically triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, <br />or human activities that destabilize slopes. Examples of landslides include rock falls and debris <br />flows. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the most common type of <br />landslides in Minnesota are shallow slope failures that occur during heavy rain. <br />• Land subsidence: The gradual sinking or settling of the earth's surface, often due to the <br />compaction of underground layers of soil, sediment, or rock. This phenomenon can occur <br />naturally or be exacerbated by human activities such as groundwater extraction, oil and gas <br />extraction, mining, or the drainage of organic soils. Examples of land subsidence include