ABSTRACT
During the past decade, geologists have been requested to participate in an ever-expanding role of responsibility regarding the evaluation and protection of the environment. The earliest geologists described and catalogued rocks, fossils, and minerals. Subsequently, they used this knowledge to develop mineral, water, and energy resources. During the past 20 yr, there has been an increasing demand to use the same expertise to bring about remedial actions on “endangered environments” and to aid environmental planning and development. Geologists are now requested to provide solutions to properly manage hazardous, toxic, and radioactive wastes, as well as to cope with problems of catastrophes, both natural and manmade. With this responsibility, there has evolved a need for risk assessment and guidance for the development of insurance programs that will protect individuals against disaster. What are the risks, what are the chances for a reasonable risk assessment, and what are the limits of liability?
