Featured Downloads
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Living With Dams: Know Your Risks (2012)
Booklet prepared by ASDSO in conjunction with FEMA to help answer questions about dams: what purposes they serve, associated risks, guidance for those living near dams, and where to find further information. Booklet provides answers to the following questions: (1) Why should I care about dams? (2) What are the risks associated with dams? (3) Could I be affected by a dam? What is the dam failure flood inundation area? (4) Once I determine that my property is in a dambreak inundation area, what's next?
STATE AND NATIONAL DAM SAFETY PROGRAM INFORMATION
ASDSO Guidance Document: Model State Dam Rehabilitation Funding Program
Model law for state supervision of a low interest revolving dam rehabilitation loan program. 5 pp.
ASDSO Guidance Document: Owner-responsible Periodic Inspection Guidance
Considerations for implementing an owner-responsible periodic inspection program. 5 pp.
Catalog of FEMA Dam Safety Resources
Model State Dam Safety Program (FEMA 316, July 2007)
An outline of the key components of an effective dam safety program. (Large file - may require several minutes to download)
Chapters: (1) Legislation and regulations (2) Permitting/approval of plans/authorization to Impound (3) Inspections and safety evaluations (4) Enforcement (5) Emergency response (6) Program staffing and funding (7) Program staff and dam owner-education training (8) Dam safety program - public relations plan (9) Glossary of terms
Appendices: (i) Model state law (ii) Example permit requirements (iii) Sample inspection checklist (iv) Penalties for violations (v) Sample emergency action plans (vi) Organizational charts (vii) Training courses and technical guides (viii) Sample database fields (ix) Budget preparation (x) Public outreach tool samples (xi) Sample fee structures
Suggested References for State Dam Safety Programs
Summary of State Dam Safety Laws and Regulations (2000)
The Costs of Rehabilitating Our Nation's Dams (Jan. 2009)
A methodology, estimate, and proposed funding mechanisms; report prepared by a task committee of ASDSO.
The National Dam Safety Program: 25 Years of Excellence
TECHNICAL MANUALS AND GUIDELINES
Conduits through Embankment Dams: Best Practices (FEMA L-266)
Design of Small Dams (USBR)
Developing Emergency Action Plans Using the NRCS Sample EAP “Fillable Form” Template (2004)
USDA NRCS/ASDSO Sample EAP documents for earthen high hazard dams
DHS, Dams Sector Crisis Management Handbook
Emergency action planning for state-regulated high-hazard potential dams: findings, recommendations, and strategies (FEMA 608, 8/07)
NDSRB Task Group on Emergency Action Planning and Response report
Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects (FERC)
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety (FEMA 93)
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Emergency Action Planning for Dam Owners (FEMA 64)
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams (FEMA 333)
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams (FEMA 94)
Federal Guidelines for Earthquake Analyses & Dam Design (FEMA 65)
FEMA's Risk MAP Strategy - Integrating Mapping, Risk Assessment, and Mitigation Planning; Draft Strategy (2008)
Filters for Embankment Dams - Best Practices for Design and Construction
Direct download:
http://www.damsafety.org/media/Documents/DownloadableDocuments/FEMA_FilterManual2011.pdf
Geotextiles in Embankment Dams, FEMA P-730CD
Glossary of Terms (FEMA 148)
National Engineering Handbook (USDA NRCS)
Plastic Pipe Used in Embankment Dams
Risk Prioritization Tool for Dams
Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)
NATIONAL DAM SAFETY PROGRAM RESEARCH WORKSHOPS
Dam Safety Research Needs
Report from a workshop held April 11, 1999 in Washington, D.C. to assess and prioritize needs of the States with respect to research and development, and to develop an agenda to address the needs.
Dam Spillways (FEMA 536)
State-of-practice techniques for modification, inspection, monitoring, maintenance
Embankment Dam Failure Analysis (FEMA 541)
Final Report on Coordination and Cooperation with the European Union on Embankment Failure Analysis [FEMA 602CD]
There has been an emphasis in the European Union (EU) community on the investigation of extreme flood processes and the uncertainties related to these processes. Over a 3-year period, the EU and the U.S. dam safety community (1) coordinated their efforts and collected information needed to integrate data and knowledge with U.S. activities and interests related to embankment overtopping and failure analysis; (2) used the data to improve embankment failure analysis methods; and (3) disseminated the results to the U.S. dam safety community. This final report integrates EU and U.S. research findings and results related to earthen embankment overtopping failure over the 3-year period.
Hydrologic Issues for Dams (FEMA 538)
Impacts of Plants & Animals on Earthen Dams (FEMA 540)
Outlet Works (FEMA 539)
Predicting Peak Outflow from Breached Embankment Dams (June 2010)
Final report funded by the National Dam Safety Program and prepared for the National Dam Safety Review Board Steering Committee on Dam Breach Equations by Michael Pierce, Chris Thornton and Steven Abt.
Risk Assessment for Dams
Seepage through Embankment Dams (FEMA 535)
Spillway Gates (FEMA 537)
SELF-GUIDED TRAINING
Training Aids for Dam Safety (TADS)
Federal/State developed program designed to train individuals involved with or having responsibility for the safety of dams, including engineers, technicians, dam owners, water resource managers, public officials, and the general public. TADS modules are self-contained, self-paced text supplemented by video presentations. The modules can be used in unique ways to tailor programs to meet individual or organizational needs.
There are 21 TADS modules, arranged in 3 components:
1. Dam Safety Awareness, Organization and Implementation - 5 modules, primarily for dam owners and operators
2. Dam Safety Inspection - 10 modules, designed for engineers with little or no inspection experience, and technicians with some familiarity with dams
3. Data Review, Investigation and Analysis, and Remedial Action for Dam Safety - 6 modules, designed for dam safety program managers, dam owners and operators, and experienced engineers. The emphasis of these modules is on the when, why, and typically what investigations and analyses are conducted.
Order a DVD of the TADS series from FEMA through the link above. Download individual components through the following links:
AWARENESS 1: Dam Safety Awareness [WORKBOOK]
Emphasizes the importance of dam safety, and provides information on the major features of dams and how they function, the causes and consequences of dam failure, responsibilities and liabilities of dam owners, considerations for the safety of the public around dams, and the elements and implementation of an effective dam safety program.
AWARENESS 1a: Dam Safety Awareness [VIDEO]
Video to accompany workbook.
AWARENESS 2: How to Organize a Dam Safety Program [WORKBOOK]
Provides step by step guidance on developing a dam safety program. Presents information on the components of a dam safety program, the steps needed to establish those components, and the resources available to help establish and operate a program. 119 pp. (workbook only).
AWARENESS 3: How to Organize an Operation and Maintenance Program [WORKBOOK]
Explains the importance of maintenance to dam safety, and provides information on planning, implementing, and evaluating an operation and maintenance program. 134 pp. (workbook only)
AWARENESS 4: How to Develop and Implement an Emergency Action Plan [WORKBOOK]
Emphasizes the importance of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), defines the components of an EAP, and provides step by step guidance on developing and implementing an EAP. The module also provides guidelines for subsequently reviewing and updating an EAP. 60 pp.
AWARENESS 4a: How to Develop and Implement an Emergency Action Plan [VIDEO]
Video to accompany workbook above. RT: 10:00
AWARENESS 5: Identification of Visual Dam Safety Deficiencies [WORKBOOK]
Workbook to accompany video below. 23 pp.
AWARENESS 5a: Identification of Visual Dam Safety Deficiencies [VIDEO]
Provides owners, operators, and others who have reason to be at a dam on a regular basis with guidelines for the visual detection of some of the more common dam safety deficiencies. Video begins with example of 1963 Baldwin Hills dam failure, where many lives were saved because of a worker's observations.
INSPECTION 1: Preparing to Conduct a Dam Safety Inspection [WORKBOOK]
Describes the different types of dam safety inspections. The possible composition of the inspection teams, reviewing data, equipment needs, and inspection plans and checklists are discussed. (workbook only)
INSPECTION 2: Documenting and Reporting Findings from a Dam Safety Inspection [WORKBOOK]
Focus is on the techniques and procedures used to document an inspection, and the formats and writing of inspection reports. (workbook only)
INSPECTION 3: Inspection of Embankment Dams [WORKBOOK]
Provides guidance on how to inspect the slopes, crest, and adjacent areas of an embankment dam, and on identifying deficiencies.
INSPECTION 3a: Inspection of Embankment Dams [VIDEO]
Video in 3 segments (Slopes and Crests, RT: 5:00; Seepage, 6:00; Deficiencies, 14:30) accompanies workbook above. Total RT: 26:30.
INSPECTION 4: Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Dams [WORKBOOK]
Provides guidance on how to inspect the faces, crest, interior, and adjacent areas of concrete and masonry dams, and on identifying deficiencies. 116 pp.
INSPECTION 4a: Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Dams [VIDEO]
Videotape accompanies workbook above. RT: 23:00
INSPECTION 5: Inspection of the Foundation, Abutments, and Reservoir Rim [WORKBOOK]
Provides instruction on identifying deficiencies commonly affecting the foundation, abutments, and reservoir rim. 140 pp. (workbook only)
INSPECTION 6: Inspection of Spillways and Outlet Works [WORKBOOK]
Provides guidance on how to inspect entrance channels, intake structures, control sections, water conveyances, energy dissipation sections, and return channels, and on identifying deficiencies. 218 pp.
INSPECTION 6a: Inspection of Spillways and Outlet Works [VIDEO]
Video accompanies workbook above. Segment 1: inspection techniques and deficiencies for entrance channels, intake structures, and control sections. Segment 2: water conveyance sections: discharge channels, conduits, tunnels. Total RT: 34:00.
INSPECTION 7: Inspection and Testing of Gates, Valves, and Other Mechanical Systems [WORKBOOK]
Gives specific guidance on how to inspect common types of gates and valves, electrical and hydraulic power systems, auxiliary power systems, hoists and operators, and ancillary equipment, and on identifying deficiencies. 173 pp.
INSPECTION 7a: Inspection and Testing of Gates, Valves, and Other Mechanical Systems [VIDEO]
Video accompanies workbook above. RT: 21:00.
INSPECTION 8: Instrumentation for Embankment and Concrete Dams [WORKBOOK]
Explains the purpose of instrumentation and describes how common instruments work. Reading, recording, and interpreting data are discussed. 211 pp.
INSPECTION 8a: Instrumentation for Embankment and Concrete Dams [VIDEO]
Video accompanies workbook above. 3 segments: (1) Measuring water pressure (2) Measuring seepage (3) Measuring structural movement. RT: 27:08
INSPECTION 9: Identification of Material Deficiencies [WORKBOOK]
Describes the characteristics and causes of dam safety deficiencies that may occur in the different types of materials that comprise dams. 194 pp.
INSPECTION 9a: Identification of Material Deficiencies [VIDEO]
Video accompanies workbook above. Segment 1: deficiencies in concrete. Segment 2: Deficiencies in earth and rock, metals, and synthetic materials. RT: 22:30.
INSPECTIONS 10: Evaluation of Facility Emergency Preparedness [WORKBOOK]
Provides instruction on how to evaluate the adequacy of site conditions and procedures, and how to inspect and evaluate emergency preparedness equipment. 77 pp. (workbook only)
REVIEW 1: The Dam Safety Process [WORKBOOK]
Provides an overview of dam safety as a continuing process, including monitoring dams, analyzing deficiencies, and taking corrective action to remedy unsafe conditions. 84 pp. (workbook only)
REVIEW 2: Evaluation of Hydrologic Adequacy [WORKBOOK]
Discusses hydrology as it relates to dam safety and provides a procedure for selecting the appropriate inflow design flood. Remedial measures for hydrologically inadequate dams are discussed. 96 pp. (workbook only)
REVIEW 3: Evaluation of Hydraulic Adequacy [WORKBOOK]
Provides information about which dam features are affected by hydraulic forces and presents methods of investigation and analysis of hydraulic conditions. Remedial measures for repairing damage caused by hydraulic forces discussed. 113 pp. (workbook only)
REVIEW 4: Evaluation of Concrete Dam Stability [WORKBOOK]
The module addresses the purpose of evaluating the structural stability of existing concrete dams, the data that should be reviewed relative to stability, methods that may be used to conduct static and seismic stability analyses, and remedial measures for potentially unstable concrete dams. 123 pp. (workbook only)
REVIEW 5: Evaluation of Embankment Dam Stability and Deformation [WORKBOOK]
Topics discussed include the purpose of evaluating the structural stability of existing embankment dams, the data that should be reviewed and evaluated relative to settlement and stability, methods that may be used to conduct settlement and stability analyses, and remedial measures for excessive settlement and potentially unstable embankment dams. (workbook only)
REVIEW 6: Evaluation of Seepage Conditions [WORKBOOK]
The module discusses the evolution of design practices to control seepage, the various modes of failure related to seepage, and remedial measures that may be implemented to control seepage and/or reduce its threat to the safety of a dam. 129 pp. (workbook only)
SECURITY
DHS, 2010 - Dams Sector Roadmap to Secure Control Systems
DHS, 2010 Dams Sector-Specific Plan
DHS, Dams Sector Personnel Screening Guide for Owners and Operators
DHS, Dams Sector Security Awareness Guide (DHS Infrastructure Protection Directorate)
DHS Infrastructure Protection Directorate guidance for dam owners
DHS, Dams Sector Waterside Barriers Guide
Guide provides sector stakeholders with information pertaining to waterside barriers and their use, maintenance, and effectiveness.
DHS, National Infrastructure Protection Plan
DHS Infrastructure Protection Directorate
DHS, Security Awareness for Levee Owners
Estimating economic consequences for dam failure scenarios (2011)
Estimating loss of life for dam failure scenarios (2011)
Physical Security Measures for Levees
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review – A Strategic Framework for a Secure Homeland
Report formally released to Congress on Feb. 1, 2010. This report corresponds to a security review conducted to outline the strategic framework to guide the activities of those involved in homeland security. Of particular interest is the identification of managing risks to critical infrastructure as an important component within one of the five DHS mission areas, Preventing Terrorism and Enhancing Security.
ANIMATIONS
Failure Modes: Overtopping (Flash Player)
Failure Modes: Overtopping (Windows Media Player)
Failure Modes: Piping (Flash Player)
Failure Modes: Piping (Windows Media Player)
Failure Modes: Slide Failure (Windows Media Player)
Hazard Creep (Windows Media Player)
Perfect To Imperfect Dam (Flash Player)
Perfect To Imperfect Dam (Windows Media Player)
LEVEES
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Levees: A Guide for Owners and Operators
Basic guidance on how to develop an emergency preparedness plan; also introduces basic security concepts.
Levee Safety Connections, Sept. 2011
Quarterly newsletter with status updates on the recommendations for a proposed National Levee Safety Program, activities of the National Committee on Levee Safety, and information about the state of levees in the nation.
Process for the NFIP Levee System Evaluation (USACE Engineering Circular 1110-2-6067)
So, You Live Behind a Levee!
This booklet was created by ASCE and partnering organizations to help answer questions about levees and their associated risks.
The National Levee Challenge: Levees and the FEMA Flood Map Modernization Initiative
Interagency Levee Policy Review Committee report recommends changes to current FEMA levee policies, as stated in the National Flood Insurance Program regulations and FEMA guidance documents; identifies outreach and public awareness challenges related to remapping levee-affected areas; and proposes cooperative development by FEMA and the USACE of a GIS-based levee inventory.