Tracking Dam Problems

ABSTRACT ONLY - The Dam Safety Program in North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) juggles two critical responsibilities: responding swiftly to natural disasters and ensuring the long-term stability of dams and the vital infrastructure, communities, and ecosystems they support. In steps the Situation Report Tracking System (SRTS) as a game-changer for both. SRTS utilizes ESRI’s Survey123 platform and Dashboard capabilities by seamlessly gathering dam-related information from various sources: inspection reports, maintenance schedules, and even citizen reports. SRTS then transforms this scattered data into a clear picture of each dam's health via interactive maps and dashboards, giving managers and Public Information Officer’s instant access to crucial statistics and detailed updates highlighting potential vulnerabilities. This real-time situational awareness empowers proactive interventions and aids in getting the right resources in place before a situation evolves into a catastrophic emergency. Pre-configured surveys automatically accumulate critical data so that engineers and inspectors can quickly fill out real-time incident surveys on cracks, seepage, or abnormal behavior, sending instant updates directly into the system, with photo and video attachments. Ultimately, this rapid flow of information enables swift decision-making, potentially averting disaster through timely reinforcements or controlled water releases. But SRTS's true strength lies in collaboration. A dedicated team across DEQ divisions ensures consistent data standards and application functionality, keeping everyone on the same page. This coordinated effort fosters continuous improvement, with engineers and inspectors fine-tuning survey forms based on real-world experiences. By centralizing data, streamlining communication, and promoting collaboration, SRTS empowers DEQ to move beyond reactive dam safety protocols. It enables proactive monitoring, rapid response, and informed decision-making, ultimately safeguarding communities, and the environment from potential dam failures. SRTS, designed for disaster response, holds immense potential to transform dam safety from a passive concern to an actively managed asset.