by Lynne Vogel

In September 2004, Buncombe County was declared a federal disaster area in the wake of tropical storms Frances and Ivan. Twelve landslides were reported, and two structures – a home in Starnes Cove and a county fire station – were destroyed by landslides. Fourteen other Western North Carolina counties were also designated disaster areas.

At that point, both Asheville and Buncombe County clearly had to be aware of the potentially disastrous effects of landslides, flooding and erosion. The state notified the city and the county that the North Carolina Geologic Survey would be conducting landslide mapping to identify at-risk areas.

When the Asheville City Council was advised that the land under its jurisdiction is potentially hazardous, it was crucial that they respond promptly to this public-safety threat by rewriting the regulations governing slope development. But more than two years later, City Council still hasn't taken action, and Council members continue to debate the matter

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Original article in Mountain Xpress...