Dam Failure Lesson Learned: Embankment dams and levees are vulnerable to damage from wildlife intrusions and animal impacts.

Earth embankment dams and levees are vulnerable to damage from wildlife intrusions and animal impacts. State dam safety officials and federal agencies agree that animal burrows within dams can cause substantial and costly damage if left unmitigated and are a major concern in the safe operation and maintenance of structures (FEMA, 2005). A study by Bayoumi and Meguid in 2011 found that the annual cost of rodent impacts on earthen structures is over one billion dollars (USD). Animal activity around dams can impact how water moves through and under embankments; it can also undermine structural integrity and cause surface erosion. Regular inspection is a critical part of operating any dam and should consider the impacts of wildlife activity. Safe dam operation includes comprehensive and timely inspection and observation of animal impacts, accurate wildlife identification and mitigation, and appropriate repair and preventive measures.