May 27, 2020
Dear Dam Owner:
May 31, 2020 is National Dam Safety Awareness Day and June 1, 2020 marks the beginning of the six month Atlantic Hurricane Season. It's important that you stay informed before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm event. As a citizen of the Commonwealth you should be aware of what warning systems and information resources are available to you. These systems and resources include:
Threats to public safety are always present. Whether caused by natural, accidental, or intentional acts, these threats can lead to catastrophic consequences. As a dam owner in the Commonwealth of Virginia, being prepared to prevent, minimize and/or respond to events that impact the safety of your dam is a critical component of not just dam safety, but also public safety.
The Code of Virginia requires dam owners to operate and maintain dams in a safe manner. To accomplish this, the owner has the responsibility to make periodic inspections and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Owners of High and Significant hazard potential classification dams are required to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) while owners of Low hazard potential classification dams are required to have an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). During storm events and emergencies, the EAP or EPP provides critical action steps and is the roadmap dam owners use to help protect life and property.
In observance of Dam Safety Awareness Day and ahead of the 2020 Hurricane Season, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Dam Safety Program is offering the following information to assist dam owners.
Dam Safety is a shared responsibility. Recognize the risks associated with your dam, know your role in the proper and safe inspection, operation and maintenance of a dam and be prepared to take necessary actions in the event of an emergency.
To find the DCR Dam Safety contact for your locality, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dsfpmcontx
To enroll in the Dam Safety Inventory System, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/ds-dsis
For information about the Virginia Dam Safety Program, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dam-safety-index
Thank you,
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Dam Safety and Floodplain Management