Dam owners shoulder the responsibility for the safety and proper operation of their dams, including regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
There are five key areas of responsibility for dam owners:
Liability
Maintaining a safe dam rests with the owner. Consulting with local, state and federal agencies and securing the services of a professional engineer can ensure proper maintenance of the dam.
- Consultation - Understanding the risks of dam ownership – ASDSO: Dams 101
- Professional Engineering – ASDSO: Hiring an Experienced and Qualified Dam Engineer
- Liability Insurance - Dam owners need liability insurance to protect themselves from financial loss in the even of a dam failure.
Risk Management
Establishing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) helps owners manage risks that includes:
- Perform regular Inspections – ASDSO: Dam Inspections
- Employee training - Regular training opportunities involves equipping personnel with the knowledge and sill to successfully identify, assess, and manage potential safety risks associated with dams.
- Maintenance and Repairs – ASDSO: Operation and Maintenance Plans
- Operation and Monitoring - Installing dam performance monitoring systems provide valuable information. DamWatch® is a NRCS web-based tool designed for this purpose.
- Emergency Action Planning – ASDSO: Emergency Planning
Compliance
A dam owner is required to use ‘reasonable care’ in the operation and maintenance of a dam or reservoir.
- Follow local state and federal applicable laws.
Public Safety
Dam owners must prioritize public safety by implementing measures to reduce the risk of dam failure and its potential consequences, especially if recreational activities exist at their dam. Providing warning signs at and around the dam promotes public safety awareness.
- ASDSO: Public Safety at Dams
- FEMA P-2188, Dam Safety Warning Signs Best Practices: Promoting Public Awareness and Preventing Loss of Life.
Communication
Dam owners should establish clear communication channels with relevant agencies and the public to ensure a timely and effective response in case of emergencies.
Each dam should have:
- A state dam safety permit (if applicable).
- An SOP, maintenance plan and emergency action plan.
- Documented periodic inspections.
- Warning signs and controlled access.
Additional Resources
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)
- ASDSO: Resources for Dam Owners and Operators
- ASDSO: Dam Owner Education Video Series
- ASDSO: Dam Safety Programs by State
ASDSO: Dam Safety Toolbox
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA: Emergency Operations Planning: Dam Incident Guide
- FEMA: Technical Manual for Dam Owners
- FEMA: Dam Safety Warning Signs Best Practices
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