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Implementation Plan Status <br />Short -Term Improvement Strategies <br />Community Outreach and Education <br />The Landslide Work Group identified the need for increased education and outreach to the <br />community upslope of the rail corridor. Previous studies of landslides in Seattle, with similar <br />geology, slope conditions, and urban development have shown that more than 80 percent of <br />landslides are at least partially related to human influence, including poor slope management <br />practices (Seattle, 2001). Landowner involvement is essential for prevention of landslides as <br />these studies indicate that improper vegetation removal, inadequate and/or unmaintained <br />drainage, cutting or grading slopes and dumping debris on slope edges can cause slope instability <br />and contribute to landslides. <br />A brochure was developed and delivered to landowners along the top of the slope through the <br />study corridor in early 2013. In addition, landslide workshops in the city of Mukilteo and the <br />development of resources on city websites are in progress. To further investigate public <br />perception of the landslides, a survey was created to gauge public response to education and <br />outreach efforts and catalog frequently asked questions and/or concerns. <br />Drainage Improvement Incentive <br />Improper or poorly designed drainage systems can contribute to slope instability, such as <br />drainage pipes which outlet mid -slope. To stabilize slopes, drainage should be brought down to <br />the bottom of the slope. BNSF owns a drainage system at the bottom of the slope. <br />BNSF can issue permits to property owners for drainage on its ROW. BNSF is offering an <br />incentive to upslope residents by waiving permit fees (up to $3,500 per permit) until April 2015 <br />to place approved drainage structures onto BNSF property. Insurance requirements are still in <br />place. <br />Maintenance and Monitoring <br />This lower -cost option is currently employed by BNSF in management of the Seattle to Everett <br />corridor. BNSF will continue to maintain slide fences, ditches and drainage along their right of <br />way to minimize impacts to railroad operations. <br />Corridor Landslide Inventory <br />A landslide inventory database and maps were compiled by the work group (Appendix A) using <br />previous studies by Shannon & Wilson (2001 and 2007) with data provided by BNSF. Inventory <br />maps can be used to identify priority areas for remedial work and to develop detailed landslide <br />hazard maps to assist local agencies in the development of land use regulations for steep slopes. <br />p. 25 <br />