The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) has released its September 2026 issue of Survey Notes, delivering vital data and actionable resources for local governments managing infrastructure, water systems, and economic development.
Key Features in the September 2026 Issue
- Geologic Hazard Resources for Local Governments: The lead article outlines how the UGS assists cities, towns, and counties in preparing for and responding to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and debris flows. The UGS provides model hazard ordinances and planning guidelines to protect public safety and property during land development. Additionally, the article outlines how cities and counties can seamlessly comply with House Bill 384, enacted in 2024, which requires local agencies to submit final geotechnical reports to the UGS within 90 days to expand the state's Subsurface Geotechnical Database. The UGS Geologic Hazards team is available for immediate emergency response and risk assessment during and after events like earthquakes, landslides, and debris flows.
- Groundwater and the Great Salt Lake: To support the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner's Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan and the Division of Water Resources' Basin Integrated Plan, the UGS has established a new nested well monitoring network around the lake's perimeter. The resulting subsurface data will equip decision-makers with groundwater data needed to evaluate future water conservation efforts and wetland restorations.
- Historic BHP Xplor Selection: The UGS Energy and Minerals Program is the first public agency selected for the global BHP Xplor accelerator program, which has traditionally been given to mineral exploration and mining technology companies. This program provides the UGS with a $500,000 grant that requires no additional contribution of state dollars. The resulting pre-competitive maps of western Utah's copper and critical mineral resources will support and promote mineral exploration and long-term wealth generation.
- Utah's State Crustacean: A spotlight on the brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) of Great Salt Lake, highlighting its extreme resilience, evolutionary history, and vital role in both the greater ecosystem and the global commercial aquaculture industry.
- Raft River Mountains GeoSight: A deep dive into the Elba Quartzite's stretched-pebble conglomerate, showcasing heavily deformed rocks that sit atop a 2-billion-year-old "Great Unconformity."
The full September 2026 issue of Survey Notes is available for free download at geology.utah.gov or in print at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore.
About the Utah Geological Survey: The UGS provides timely scientific information about Utah's geologic environment, resources, and hazards to inform decisionmaking.