Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 11. DamFailures

Home

Chapter 11:Hazard Analysis—Dam Failures Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to complete an inventory of dams in the State of Hawaii and perform inspections of 53 high-hazard private dams between 1977 and 1981.63 11.5.1.2 National Dam Safety Program Act The purpose of the National Dam Safety Program Act (NDSPA) of 2000, as expressed in Section 215(a) of Public Law 104-303, is to "reduce the risks to life and property from dam failure in the United States through the establishment and maintenance of an effective national dam safety program to bring together the expertise and resources of the federal and non-federal communities in achieving national dam safety hazard reduction." The State assistance program is intended to help States bring the necessary resources to bear on inspection, classification, and emergency planning for dam safety. Public Law 104-303 provides for the assistance program described below. For a State to be eligible for primary assistance under the National Dam Safety Program, the state dam safety program must be working toward meeting the following criteria, as listed in Public Law 104-303: • The authority to review and approve plans and specifications to construct, enlarge, modify,remove, and abandon dams; • The authority to perform periodic inspections during dam construction to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications; • A requirement that state approval be given on completion of dam construction and before operation of the dam; • The authority to require or perform the inspection at least once every 5 years of all dams and reservoirs that would pose a significant threat to human life and property in case of failure to determine the continued safety of the dams and reservoirs, and a procedure for more detailed and frequent safety inspections; • A requirement that all inspections be performed under the supervision of a state- registered professional engineer with experience in dam design and construction; • The authority to issue notices, when appropriate, to require owners of dams to perform necessary maintenance or remedial work, revise operating procedures, or take other actions, including breaching dams when necessary; • Regulations for carrying out the legislation of the state; 63 Office of History,United Sates Army Corps of Engineers,The Federal Role in Water Resources Management„Washington,D.C., 1896, 12p 11-8 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan