UTAH LEGISLATURE

Utah is looking into getting an early warning system to help predict earthquakes

Feb 1, 2024, 6:34 PM | Updated: Feb 2, 2024, 7:07 am

SALT LAKE CITY — How much would it be worth to get notified of an earthquake 16 seconds before it happened? Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek, said $5 million.

That’s how much he’s asking the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee to prioritize so Utah can get an early warning system to predict earthquakes.

Experts with the Utah Geological Survey tell KSL TV if a quake happened in Brigham City, an early warning system could notify residents in Ogden one second early, those in Salt Lake City 16 seconds early, and anyone in Provo 33 seconds early.

Currently, Utah has about 170 compatible sensors for the early warning system. They’re dug into the ground and concentrated around the Wasatch Front, and they feather out around the state.

Scientists at the University of Utah said they need about 80 more sensors, placed about 12.5 miles apart, and to upgrade some of their existing technology to get the system up and running.

A map of all the seismograph stations in Utah provided by the U of U.

A map of all the seismograph stations in Utah provided by the U of U. (KSL TV)

Owens says that with the money, the system could even integrate into things like Frontrunner, to stop a train automatically if a quake was detected.

“You think about the loss of life that could occur in a train, in that train situation where you can you’re able to slow down the train and not have it go off the tracks at 80 miles an hour. That could save hundreds of lives. That’s worth $5 million,” he said.

Dr. Emily Morton, a research scientist at the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, said they would also work to integrate this system with phone companies so people could be alerted on their phones. Utility companies could be automated to shut off gas, power, and water lines.

“So now we can identify and locate an earthquake within minutes. If we upgrade our telemetry and add more stations, then it would be a matter of seconds,” Morton said.

Experts warn that the aftermath of the quake could exacerbate the loss of life.

“You have fires; you lose access to those utilities for months. And if that’s something we can prevent in the short term, that makes coming back from the earthquake damage better,” Morton said.

Morton showing the new equipment that would be used for the updated system.

Morton showed the new equipment that would be used for the updated system. (KSL TV)

She said they are also working with the U.S. Geological Survey to supplement the request with federal money. She estimates this system could be working within five years if they can get enough.

“The last big earthquake was probably 200 or 300 years ago. So yeah, (a big quake) could happen at any time, probably sooner than 1,000 years. But yeah, we just, we don’t know,” Morton said.

Owens says there’s more than enough reason to fund this.

“Our geologists see the need for it. The science is there. The connectivity through the Internet is there to help in this situation. So it’s something we ought to be thinking hard about,” he said.

Rep. Owen's speaking about the next steps of the proposed system.

Rep. Owens speaking about the next steps of the proposed system. (KSL TV)

The request for the money will go through the normal legislative process for appropriations, and the committee members vote on their priorities. The chair then brings them to the Executive Appropriations Committee. They come out with a final funding bill that members of the House and Senate vote on.

The powerful Executive Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet twice more before the end of the session on March 1.

“To predict it will be to jinx it,” Owens said. “So, I’m not going to, I’m just going to work on it and try to get the money.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah Legislature

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

17 hours ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

17 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol stands in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session on Tues...

Daniel Woodruff

No compromise: Utah Senate gives final approval to original version of labor union bill

The Utah Senate voted 16-13 to pass a controversial bill that bans collective bargaining for public sector unions.

2 days ago

Food dyes...

Daniel Woodruff

Utah lawmaker takes aim at candy, soda and food dyes with 2 new bills

A new Utah lawmaker is pushing two bills aimed at helping people eat healthy.

3 days ago

House Rep. Jefferson Burton, R-Salem, presents HB300 during a hearing by the House Government Opera...

Andrew Adams

Bill that aims to alter vote-by-mail option in Utah advances on Capitol Hill

A bill that aims to require voters to return their mailed ballots in person passed a House committee vote Tuesday.

3 days ago

Sen. Kirk Cullimore speaks on the Utah Senate floor on Jan. 31, 2025. (Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV)...

Daniel Woodruff

Utah Senate postpones vote on new version of labor union bill until after the weekend

A new version of a controversial bill dealing with public sector unions in Utah has been publicly released, but one of the sponsors said lawmakers will take the weekend to review it before debating and voting on it.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah is looking into getting an early warning system to help predict earthquakes