DMC Engineering Inc.​

Geohazards

What & How

Geohazards are natural or human-influenced geological processes that pose risks to infrastructure, ecosystems, and public safety. In British Columbia, where steep terrain, seismic activity, and variable climate converge, identifying and managing these hazards is essential for safe development and long-term resilience.

Identification

Geohazard identification involves mapping and analyzing features such as:

  • Landslides & Debris Flows: Triggered by rainfall, seismic shaking, or slope modification.
  • Rockfalls & Avalanches: Common in mountainous regions and steep cut slopes.
  • Flooding & Erosion: Often linked to river dynamics, coastal processes, and extreme weather.
  • Ground Instability: Including liquefaction, subsidence, frost heave, and sensitive soils.

Integrated Approach

Effective geohazard management often involves collaboration with:

– Environmental scientists and hydrologists

– Archaeologists and Indigenous communities

– Municipal planners and emergency services

DMC provides comprehensive services in hazard mapping, mitigation design, and post-event recovery.

In BC’s dynamic landscape, geohazard risk management isn’t just a technical exercise—it’s a proactive commitment to safety, sustainability, and informed decision-making.

Tools used include:

  • Remote sensing (e.g. LiDAR, InSAR, aerial imagery)
  • Field reconnaissance and borehole data
  • Historical event mapping and climate records
  • Geotechnical and geological modeling

Risk Management

Once hazards are identified, risk management strategies aim to reduce exposure and consequences:

  1. Hazard Zoning & Land Use Planning: Avoiding development in high-risk areas or enforcing mitigation requirements.
  2. Engineering Controls:Slope stabilization, drainage improvements, protective barriers, and early warning systems.
  3. Monitoring & Emergency Response: Real-time instrumentation, drone surveys, and contingency planning for infrastructure.