2026 Dam Safety Award Recipients

National Rehabilitation Project of the Year

This award recognizes developers of a unique remedial design that advances the state-of-the-art in the field of dam safety and exemplifies the high professional engineering standards that dam safety requires. The National Rehabilitation Project of the Year award is organized by the Annual Award Committee, and the Board of Directors approves the recipient.

Lake Lenape Dam Rehabilitation and Spillway Reconstruction
Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, NJ

Owners: Atlantic County and Hamilton Township
Designers: WSP-USA
Contractor: South State, Inc.

The Lake Lenape Dam is located at Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, and is jointly owned by the County of Atlantic and the Township of Hamilton. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is a Class I – High Hazard Potential Dam. The Lake Lenape Dam Rehabilitation and Spillway Reconstruction Project reached substantial completion in October 2025 and final completion in February 2026.

The Lake Lenape Dam was constructed in 1879 and impounds the nationally designated “wild and scenic” Great Egg Harbor River to form the 300-acre Lake Lenape. The Great Egg Harbor River flows for 50 miles until the dam, which has a drainage area of approximately 205.5 square miles characterized by wetland, forest, agricultural, and open land use areas. The dam is 1,175 feet long and approximately 15 feet high. Downstream of the dam, the Great Egg Harbor River flows south into the Great Egg Harbor Bay and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean.

In the 2010s, the dam was rated in poor condition due to deficiencies including deteriorated powerhouse sluice gates and low-level outlet pipes, deficient spillway capacity and stability, and voids in the earthen embankments. These deficiencies caused serious instability in lake levels and raised public safety concerns, spurring the owners to a comprehensive solution.

Rehabilitation was conducted over two phases. The first phase was the rehabilitation of the powerhouse to function as the future low-level outlets for the dam and water bypass during construction of the new spillway. This included removal of the electric turbines, concrete repairs, and the installation of new motorized sluice gates. The second phase included the removal of the existing spillway and low-level outlets, installation of a new concrete labyrinth spillway and concrete apron, and the grouting of voids within the east and west embankments. This creative two-phase approach meant the project was executed without needing to adjust lake levels. Lake Lenape Dam

The design included a Computational Fluid Dynamic Model (CFD) which provided a detailed, three-dimensional evaluation of flow conditions at and immediately downstream of the proposed labyrinth spillway. The CFD design work accomplished three primary outcomes for the project: (1) it validated and refined the labyrinth spillway rating relationship by directly comparing 3-D computed headwater and discharge results to the 2-D HEC-RAS rating curve, increasing confidence in predicted water-surface elevations and discharge capacity; (2) it identified hydrodynamic patterns that influence operability and long-term performance, including potential debris accumulation areas and zones of elevated velocity and shear that could contribute to localized erosion; and (3) it provided design confirmation information that could be incorporated into detailing of spillway appurtenances and downstream protection measures to improve hydraulic efficiency and reduce maintenance and risk.

Design confirmation included a precedent-setting federal review process by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Congressman Van Drew earmarked $4.6 million for this project in the Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Act through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation account under a new process called Community Project Funding. This was the first dam replacement in the country to receive Community Project Funding. FEMA had not traditionally funded dam replacement, so the agency’s Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Lake Lenape Dam Flood Mitigation earmark set federal standards on how to evaluate this new type of dam funding.

The rehabilitated structure meets all current design requirements, increasing flow capacity by 3.7 times and enabling mechanical stabilization of normal pool elevation. The design process leveraged innovative applications of computational fluid dynamic modeling to develop what is now the largest labyrinth spillway dam in the state of New Jersey.

National Award of Merit

Chosen by the ASDSO Board of Directors, this award honors an individual or entity contributing to dam safety on a national level.

David A. Gutierrez, P.E., G.E.
Senior Vice President, GEI Consultants, Inc.

Over a long career dedicated to dam safety, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership, extensive technical expertise, and lasting contributions at both state and national levels. His career includes over 37 years at the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), where he served as Chief, and over 8 years at GEI Consultants, Inc. (GEI) as a Senior Vice President.

David is well-versed in all aspects of dam safety engineering, including geotechnical engineering, hydrology and hydraulics, structural engineering, and the seismic stability analysis of dams. As Chief of DSOD, David led one of the largest and most complex dam safety programs in the United States, with responsibility for oversight of dam design, construction, and re-evaluation studies. He is well-versed in the construction of new dams and in the complex rehabilitation of existing dams. David directed multidisciplinary teams and worked closely with dam owners, academia, policymakers, and the California Governor’s Office to ensure the protection of life and property. In this role, he advanced new legislation that made the California Dam Safety Program the first and only state program 100-percent funded by dam owners. David was instrumental in contributing to and leading DSOD’s Radial Gate Program after the 1994 Folsom Dam gate failure, and the Seismic Reevaluation Program of both earthen and concrete dams near high slip-rate faults. He also played a key role in the emergency response and recovery of the 2017 Oroville Spillways Incident.

David has made significant contributions to dam safety at the national level through his leadership with the ASDSO. During his time as president and an executive officer, he helped guide the association in supporting state dam safety programs and strengthening collaboration across the dam safety community. As Chair of the ASDSO Peer Review Committee, he is leading efforts to advance the peer review process, including serving as lead author for the ASDSO Peer Review Program Manual. This work has provided a consistent framework for evaluating dam safety programs and supporting continuous improvement across organizations.

His national impact is further demonstrated through his past role as a state representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Dam Safety Review Board, where he worked with federal agencies and national leaders to advise the National Dam Safety Program. In addition, David served as lead author of FEMA’s Model Dam Safety Program, a foundational document that outlines the key components of effective state dam safety programs, which has been used across the U.S. to guide program development and improvement.

David has consistently demonstrated throughout his career his ability to strategically guide policy development, communicate dam safety needs at all levels, and provide strong program leadership and technical expertise. He has worked extensively with federal and state agencies, testified before legislative bodies, and supported national discussions on dam safety policy, funding, and risk reduction. During critical efforts such as the Oroville Spillways Incident response and recovery, he provided technical expertise and coordination between agencies, contributing to informed decision-making during an extremely complex and high-risk event.

At GEI, David continues to advance the practice of dam safety as a senior advisor and technical leader. He supports complex dam safety evaluations, independent peer reviews, FERC Part 12D inspections, and the strategic implementation of dam safety programs for public agencies across the country. He also remains committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of dam safety professionals, sharing the depth of experience he has gained over his 45-year career.

Regional Dam Safety Awards

Regional Dam Safety Awards recognize smaller projects, dam owners, and other entities that have made an impact at a local, county, state, or regional level. While efforts may not be state-of-the-art or impact the industry nationally, recipients have made exemplary community contributions. The awards recognize collaboration, community impact, innovative funding, and cost-effectiveness. They also recognize social and environmental responsibility.

The Annual Awards Committee oversees the criteria for the Regional Dam Safety Awards. ASDSO Regional Representatives review submissions and select a recipient.

Northeast

City of Saratoga Springs, New York

The Loughberry Lake Dam is a critical piece of the City of Saratoga Springs’s infrastructure, serving as the City’s primary drinking water source and supporting a heavily traveled commuter corridor above. The dam needed rehabilitation to address water supply concerns, dam safety issues, and potential risks to the heavily trafficked New York State Route 50 (Rt 50), which comprises the crest of the dam.

Loughberry Lake Dam

The project was planned and financed over several years, with the City setting aside capital funds year after year before the project was bid in 2024 and awarded for $7.6M. Further demonstrating financial stewardship, the City successfully secured nearly $200,000 through the FEMA Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program, easing local budget pressures and enabling the project to advance through design and permitting without delay. Construction began in September 2024 and reached substantial completion in April 2026.
The project was designed by Schnabel Engineering and constructed by Winn Construction Services, Inc. The project also required the City to closely coordinate with two additional engineering firms, three contractors, and adjacent property owners.

Initially, the City worked with CPL Architecture, Engineering, and Planning (CPL) to modify their Raw Water Improvements Project (RWIP) to accommodate a future connection to the dam’s new spillway chamber and their contractor to construct the RWIP in advance of the dam project. Simultaneously, two adjacent properties consequential to the dam project were in ownership transition. The City obtained the adjacent property, allowing for downstream access and staging areas for the dam work. The other, which contains an easement to access the dam’s principal and auxiliary spillway conduits, was obtained by a developer for a housing project. In coordination with the developer’s engineer, work within the easement was staged so that the dam components were constructed before work began on the housing project. This coordination continued through the construction of both the dam and housing projects, requiring both contractors to work collaboratively to sequence work and share overlapping portions of the site.

The RWIP initially included a new water supply line to be bored beneath Rt 50, but the $1 million cost for this component forced its elimination, leaving the City dependent on the aged water supply piping crossing Rt 50. To create redundancy, Schnabel proposed extending a new 60-inch HDPE pipe into the reservoir and an unconventional spillway placement, relocating to the downstream side of the embankment, allowing it to be used as a secondary water supply intake. This change required careful consideration of potential failure modes and incorporation of mitigative measures, including slip-lining and grouting of the aged masonry arch conduit beneath Rt 50 and installing a filter diaphragm around the conduit at the downstream spillway connection. The work also required design coordination with CPL to include a new water supply pipe connecting the new spillway chamber to a location prepared during the RWIP. By incorporating this innovative spillway into the dam project, the City now has a new secondary water supply intake and the capability to investigate and repair its aging water supply piping without service loss.

During the course of the project, the Public Works support staff overcame numerous additional challenges, including leadership turnover and a fire that resulted in their relocation and a now competing project to refurbish the damaged City Hall. Despite these challenges, the project was completed on time and under budget.

Southeast

Alabama State Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E.,
American Society of Civil Engineers, Alabama Section &
American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama

Without a mandatory state dam safety regulatory program, the number and condition of Alabama’s dams is unknown. In the 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the dam category in Alabama received a grade of “?” due to the lack of a program. A recent study suggested that there may be over 5,000 dams in Alabama, 200 of which would be considered high hazard potential dams.

In an effort to improve public safety and awareness related to dams, the Alabama Section of ASCE coordinated a coalition of stakeholders to provide support and the technical vision to advocate for and implement a state dam safety program in Alabama. The Alabama Safe Dam Technical Coalition Committee, chaired by Steve Newton, P.E., consisted of the following stakeholders who made this process a success:

Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers
American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama
Alabama League of Municipalities
Association of County Engineers of Alabama
Alabama Section of the American Water Works Association
State Sen. Clyde Chambliss, P.E.

Additionally, ASCE gave multiple interviews and presentations throughout the state to television stations, conferences, professional organizations, and civil groups to increase the awareness of dams and the urgent need to implement a dam safety program in Alabama. ASCE’s website includes a link to “Alabama Dams,” which provides dam awareness information. A technical paper titled, “Last State Enacts a Dam Safety Program – Historical Road to Program Development,” co-authored by Newton, was presented at ASDSO’s national conference in 2024.

The Committee prepared a scope of work for a recommended study that would better define the need for and the elements of a dam safety program. As an initial legislative action in 2022, the Alabama legislature appropriated funds to perform the Alabama Dam Safety Survey and Evaluation Study. Under the direction of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Office of Water Resources, the consultant, Hazen & Sawyer, completed work on the study, which included five main project tasks:

Statewide Dam Inventory
Voluntary Dam Assessments
Dam Breach Models
Emergency Action Plans
State Dam Safety Program Framework

This report was completed in July 2024.

During the 2023 Alabama legislative session, the initial framework of the program was signed into law. Some additional modifications to the basic framework were made in the 2024 legislative session. During the 2026 legislative session, Senate Bill 378 passed both houses and was signed by Governor Kay Ivey. This law amends the previous law to require the following:

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) shall administer the Alabama Dam Safety Program;
Participating dam and reservoir owners shall receive approval from the agency before constructing, modifying, or removing dams and reservoirs;
The agency is authorized to adopt rules and fees to administer the program; and
The agency is required to submit a program implementation plan and operational and financial needs of the program to the Governor and Legislature.

The AEMA is in the process of planning the activities needed to develop and implement the Alabama Dam Safety Program. The Alabama legislature appropriated funds for the program’s initial development.

Senator Chambliss has been the lead champion throughout the process, including sponsoring the initial framework legislation and SB 378. His leadership was vital in bringing the right parties together and seeing the legislation to the finish line.

Midwest

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

In mid-April 2026, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) responded to reports from Cheboygan Dam, Alverno Dam, and Kleber Dam of reservoir pools approaching the dam crests at each facility. Above-average snowfall during the winter, coupled with early spring rains, led to a dramatic rise in reservoir levels.

The MDNR is a part-owner of the Cheboygan dam. The Cheboygan dam and dams upstream on the Black River are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The upstream dams (Alverno and Kleber) are historically classified as low hazard potential dams and do not require up-to-date Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). However, due to excessive runoff and anticipated cascading failure of the dams, the MDNR had concerns about flooding in the Town of Cheboygan and subsequent impacts on the communities.

The MDNR, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, mobilized field crews to the Cheboygan Dam to build sandbag and aquadam cofferdams along the dam crest, remove gates to increase spillway capacity, and re-engage turbines to pass flood flows. These measures were implemented in concert with emergency engineering evaluations of effectiveness and likely consequences. Additionally, the MDNR provided support for installing sandbags at the upstream dams on the Black River and for assessing conditions. The field crews monitored the condition of the dams to watch for instability and lined the dam crests with sandbags to increase emergency freeboard. During the field mobilization, Alverno Dam was observed to have several areas of instability, which were protected by actions taken by the MDNR, and the crest of Cheboygan Dam was lined with sandbags, increasing the freeboard by almost 2 feet.

Simultaneously, the MDNR consulted several agencies, including a trusted consultant and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to develop inundation maps and estimate a system response to warn residents and provide evacuation areas. The result was a set of inundation maps and an “emergency EAP” to protect residents and industrial areas around Cheyboygan, Michigan. Due to several agencies responding to this request in parallel, the MDNR coordinated an emergency meeting to rectify differences in the modeling results and select the most appropriate inundation boundary and emergency response protocols.

The MDNR’s actions ultimately saved the dams from overtopping failure and protected residents of Cheyboygan and surrounding areas. Its work also mitigated significant economic impacts associated with the loss of the Cheboygan Dam and reduced water levels in several major lakes.

West

Dallas Water Utilities
Dallas, Texas

The Bachman Lake Dam was constructed in 1901 and originally served as a water supply reservoir for the City of Dallas. The dam is High-Hazard and comprises a 1,800-foot-long earthen embankment, a concrete ogee-crested weir, and an earthen auxiliary spillway. There was also a brick-and-mortar intake tower that had been inoperative for more than 30 years. The dam is located just west of the Dallas Love Field Airport and situated within a densely developed area that includes commercial and residential properties, a power substation, a water treatment plant, and major highways. Bachman Lake Dam

The dam was found to be noncompliant with safety standards established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality due to the following:

Insufficient spillway capacity: The spillway system must increase capacity by nearly 40% to the 75.7% PMF.
Seepage issues: Ongoing seepage at the right abutment was occasionally accompanied by sand boils.

Other concerns around the dam included encroachment in the auxiliary spillway channel by nearby development and the frequency of spillway activation (activation during the 10-year hydrologic event). Flows from the auxiliary spillway were diverted to a pond that extends along the dam toe and is considered a designated wetland. This makes the identification of seepage difficult in several areas. Furthermore, the pond outlet drains to the Trinity River through a 42-inch culvert beneath adjacent highways, which is often blocked by debris and animal activity, increasing tailwater depths significantly along the toe of the dam.

The final design of the dam consisted of replacing the ogee weir with a labyrinth weir wall and installing a new auxiliary spillway by lowering a portion of the existing embankment and armoring the downstream face of the dam with articulated concrete blocks. The labyrinth weir was given an uncommon arch shape to “aim” the water toward a narrow river channel. The new auxiliary spillway alignment diverts water away from the nearby development without impacting the downstream wetland. As a result, hundreds of residents and businesses were removed from the potential inundation area during extreme flow events. Seepage concerns were mitigated with a drainage trench and collection system along the toe with two discharge locations for monitoring seepage flow rates.

The Bachman Lake Dam rehabilitation project provided substantial social and environmental benefits. First, rehabilitation has extended the life of an already 100-year-old dam, which carries significant historic value for the region and allows future generations to enjoy it. It also significantly reduces flood risk to hundreds of nearby residential and commercial areas, critical infrastructure, and transportation corridors. At the same time, it preserves Bachman Lake as a highly valued recreational asset, maintaining and improving opportunities for walking, fishing, and rowing that contribute to public health and quality of life.

Environmentally, the project promotes more sustainable watershed management by improving the dam’s ability to safely pass larger storm events, thereby reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled releases and downstream erosion. To help address community concerns about “heat islands” in the densely urbanized setting, additional efforts were made to preserve trees in public spaces. Additionally, maintaining the reservoir supports aquatic habitat and contributes to urban heat mitigation and stormwater management.

Young Professional of the Year

The Young Professional Award recognizes members 35 years of age and under working in the dam safety field who have made outstanding contributions to the Association, their respective organization, or the dam safety industry. Representatives from the Young Professional Interest Group review award nominations, and the ASDSO Board of Directors approves the recipient.

Morgan Barranco, P.E.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Morgan established herself as an essential, multi-talented professional during her more than seven years with the State of Louisiana. Beginning her career with the state as an Engineer Intern 1, Morgan’s rapid progression to Engineer 6 DCL is a testament to her exceptional work ethic, technical skill, and dedication to public service.

Within the Dam Safety Program, she took on a remarkable range of roles: from drone pilot to travel coordinator, hydraulic modeler to photogrammetry processor, plan reviewer to safety barrier designer, inspection coordinator to project manager, and many others. Her ability to shift seamlessly between these responsibilities makes her one of the most adaptable and dependable members of the Program. Whether she is coordinating field inspection operations or troubleshooting a technical hydraulic modeling challenge, Morgan consistently delivers high-quality results.

Morgan played a central role in developing the ESIR Inspection app and database, a major advancement in how the Program’s dam safety information is collected, managed, and used statewide. This system has improved inspection consistency, enhanced data accessibility, and supported better-informed decisions across the program. She has also contributed important analytical work through flood storage modeling in the upper Amite watershed, helping improve the state’s understanding of hydrologic behavior in a flood prone basin that affects thousands of Louisiana residents.

She serves as a key member of the Red River Compact Commission team, providing technical support on gauge reliability and water-use analysis. Her involvement ensures that Louisiana’s positions are grounded in accurate data and sound engineering judgment within a multi-state regulatory environment.

In addition to her technical and analytical strengths, Morgan demonstrates strong leadership and mentorship abilities. She oversees the work of student employees and rotational staff, providing guidance that supports their development and ensures high-quality work products.
Morgan is also an accomplished artist who specializes in live wedding and event painting, a pursuit she maintains alongside her professional responsibilities. This uncommon combination of analytical rigor and creative vision distinguishes her not only as an exemplary young engineering professional but also as a uniquely valuable contributor to Louisiana’s Dam Safety Program.

Media Outreach Award

ASDSO established this award in 2017 to recognize media outlets and journalists whose work on dam safety issues has enhanced the public understanding of the impact dams have on society, the role they play as key components of public infrastructure, ramifications of dam safety incidents, or other noteworthy contributions to dam safety.

Kelly House
Bridge Michigan

Kelly House has covered Michigan environmental issues for Bridge Michigan since 2020 and has consistently covered numerous dam safety topics during that time. Her coverage began with the 2020 failures of Edenville and Sanford Dams in Midland, Michigan, and she continued to share updated information with the public over multiple years, including the release of ASDSO’s peer review report for the Michigan Dam Safety Regulatory Program and the Independent Forensic Team Final Report. She has also continually covered other dam safety topics, including proposed state legislation and the need to invest in the aging infrastructure, an issue she lists as one of the top election concerns in the state.

Kelly’s coverage of dam safety topics has been balanced and well researched. She continues to follow up with ASDSO on issues and shows a long-term interest and commitment to the topic. She has consulted ASDSO subject matter experts on more than 10 articles. Each time, she has been able to convey complex issues in a way that enhances the public's understanding of the importance of dam safety.

Bruce A. Tschantz Public Safety at Dams Award

ASDSO established this award in 2017 to recognize and celebrate Dr. Bruce Tschantz's lifetime achievements in dam safety, his contributions to ASDSO, and his efforts to improve public safety around dams. Award recipients take on the "local champion" role and work to improve public safety around dams. Often, no action would be taken without their efforts. The Public Safety Around Dams Committee reviews Award Nominations, and the ASDSO Board of Directors approves the recipient.

Barry Anctil, P.E.
New York Power Authority

Herkimer Dam & Guard Gates Barry Anctil is a member of the Waterways, Dam Safety group at the New York Power Authority, providing expert dam safety technical support to the New York State Canal Corporation. Barry has overseen the audit of public safety at Canal Dams, with support from HDR consultants, and the development of public safety assessments and plans at dams on the New York State Canals System from 2023 to 2026. Barry's work has identified over 1,5000 individual public safety risks and recommended mitigations to improve public safety for recreators along the NYS Canal system.

His work included a detailed audit of 10 dam sites on the New York State Canal, representative of the various dam sites, recreational uses, and hazard potential. The results of the audit were utilized to secure funding and advance the development of 23 public safety evaluation memos for 23 FERC-regulated hydropower sites, and over 130 public safety assessments and plans for Canal-owned dams. The assessments included individual risks, their accompanying mitigations, and cost estimates. Barry's leadership with the assessments has transformed the New York State Canal Corporation’s understanding of its risk exposure and accelerated mitigation through deployment of public awareness signage, safety delineator buoys/barricades, and hazard exclusion measures.
With the revitalization of the Canal in its third century and more public use of the Canal as a recreational destination, Barry's contributions have been significant in advancing the protection of thousands of users and the recreating public.

Joseph J. Ellam President's Award

This award is named in honor of ASDSO's first president, Joe Ellam of Pennsylvania. It is given annually by the current president to an individual who has made a significant impact during their term.

“A Dam Conversation With…” Podcast Subcommittee,
ASDSO Career Development and Student Outreach Committee

Around five years ago, a team of enthusiastic young professionals workshopped ways to establish a connection with more seasoned professionals to learn from their experiences - both on a technical level and from a career development perspective. Out of this brainstorming effort, the concept for the ASDSO Podcast "A Dam Conversation With..." was born. But it wasn't an easy start. The group needed to do everything from picking a name, figuring out a host, selecting guests to interview, and the biggest hurdle: gaining board support. The concept closely aligned with ASDSO values - educating dam safety professionals, collaboration, volunteerism - but there was concern that the project would produce only a few mediocre episodes and lose momentum. The team persevered, accepted constructive criticism, and ultimately developed a product beyond all expectations. Closing in on 20 excellent episodes, A Dam Conversation With... tells compelling stories, offers wisdom and insights into the dam safety profession, and is certainly not losing momentum.

Student Recognitions

2025-2026 Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship - Learn More

Dam Model Competition - Learn More

Student Paper Competition - Learn More