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On May 12, 2000, the
California Department of Conservation’s
California Geological Survey (CGS)
released an improved map showing areas
where naturally occurring asbestos is
more likely to be found in Western El
Dorado County. Asbestos is a term used
for several naturally occurring fibrous
minerals, often (but not always) present
in serpentine rocks. State, federal, and
international health agencies have
classified asbestos as a known human
carcinogen. In 1998, CGS produced a
smaller, less-detailed version of this
map. In March 1999, a task force
comprised of local, state and federal
agencies recommended that DOC develop a
series of more-detailed maps showing
areas where asbestos is more likely to
be found throughout California. Because
of growing health concerns, western El
Dorado County was selected as a "pilot
project" for this effort.
The accompanying
report discusses asbestos health issues,
the history of the asbestos issue in El
Dorado County, the geologic basis for
the classification of units shown on the
map, the methods used to produce the
map, and limitations and recommended
uses of these products. An evaluation of
Landsat Thematic Mapper images for
mapping is included as Appendix A.
Appendix B is the current state law that
permits creation of Geologic Hazard
Abatement Districts—a mechanism that
enables local residents to raise funds,
sell bonds, etc., to fund investigation
and mitigation activities.
Copies of the
resulting report, maps, and related
information are available for immediate
downloading in the formats as indicated
below.
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