The Role of ICGC on Urban and Territorial Planning: The Geological Hazard in Catalonia

Abstract

The main working lines of the Geological and Cartographic Institute of Catalonia (ICGC) in the management of geological risk are described, especially in reference to the urban and territorial development planning and in compliance with the Catalan Urban Law (1/2005, 26 July 2005) and the functions specifically assigned by law with the creation of the IGC in 2005 (ICGC since February 2014). Based on these laws, the ICGC must issue a mandatory report on geological risk, prior to any urban change or planning. The aim is to preserve the urbanization and construction in geological risk areas for the safety and welfare of people, unless the works to be executed are foreseen as a prevention or mitigation of the risk. In legal terms, the ICGC report is mandatory but not binding. Ultimately, it is the Planning Commission who has the responsibility to issue informs and resolve planning procedures. The specific geological phenomena studied are: slides, falls, hyperconcentrated flows, debris flows, collapses, snow avalanches and earthquakes. The ICGC performs this task by means of the Geological Hazard Prevention Map of Catalonia 1:25.000 (MPRG25M), studies for the Geological Identification of Hazards (EIRG) (scale 1:5.000 and larger) and as a supervisor for studies or hazard mitigation works carried out by third parties.