Emergency Intervention Templates for Dam Incidents - What Actions to Take During an Emergency

ABSTRACT ONLY - During a dam incident, there is little time to react. Prompt action is critical to saving the dam and mitigating negative consequences. Many EAPs have limited information about which specific actions to take to address dam incidents, stabilize the emergency, and save the dam. To address this, FEMA is developing new Emergency Intervention Templates to help dam owners/operators formulate pre-prepared actions they can take during dam incidents to save the dam. Use of the Emergency Intervention Templates will help dam owners predetermine necessary information and acquire essential resources before an incident occurs. This will save precious time during emergency situations. The Emergency Intervention Template topics may include (but are not limited to): Constructing bypass channels Dewatering of the reservoir with siphon system Using large capacity pumps (specification and design) Clearing debris blocking spillway or outlet structure Sandbagging techniques to address seepage, erosion, piping Reverse filters and upstream berms Plugging sinkholes upstream Address concentrated flows around spillways and outlet pipes Super sandbags filled with crushed stone to address slope stability Temporary slope protection with polyethylene sheeting/geotextiles Reduce driving force (remove equipment, etc.) and increasing resisting force (add toe berm) Use of temporary filters to promote drainage and reduce erosion/piping Protecting Appurtenant/Critical Structures Downstream (pump station, control room, etc.) The Emergency Intervention Templates will guide the dam owner and their engineer to pre-calculate quantities, size of equipment needed, and other information that would save them time during an emergency. This process will also help them determine what resources they should have on-hand to support their preparedness goals. The Emergency Interventions Templates should be incorporated into the Emergency Action Plan document for quick reference during emergencies.