Security Considerations for Protecting Dams and Levees

Dams, levees, and related facilities are a vital part of the nation’s infrastructure, providing a wide range of economic, environmental, and social benefits. These benefits include hydroelectric power, river navigation, water supply, flood control, wildlife habitats, waste management, and recreation. Critical infrastructure’s safe and secure operation is of national interest due to the reliance on these benefits and the magnitude of potential consequences associated with failure, damage, or disruption. Dam owners and operators, emergency managers, and other relevant stakeholders must understand the central aspects of security when considering how best to protect dams, levees, and related facilities. A comprehensive security program must start with a fundamental understanding of the risk associated with physical security threats and potential attack scenarios relevant to these types of facilities. The program should also incorporate general security awareness considerations, identification and reporting of suspicious activities, and implementation of protective measures applicable to the facility and its assets. In addition, the program should address the relevant crisis management aspects associated with incident preparedness and response, emphasizing the importance of exercises to evaluate and improve plans, procedures, and capabilities.