Dams of specified height and impoundment capacity are regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and are required to comply with the Virginia Dam Safety Act.
The Dam Safety Act requires dam owners to:
Register their dam with a Certificate of Operation and Maintenance through DCR.
Determine the dam’s hazard classification.
Have periodic inspections and perform routine maintenance and repairs.
File an Emergency Action Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plan with DCR and local authorities.
If you own a dam and are out of compliance with the Dam Safety Act, or have questions about compliance, please complete the following contact form and a DCR Dam Safety engineer will respond to you.
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
