Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 05, 2018
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Dam Safety Inventory System goes online
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s statewide dam inventory is now available to the public through a new online application.
The Dam Safety Inventory System provides records on more than 3,500 dams. It also modernizes the way dam owners work with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to keep their dams compliant with state regulations.
“Anyone can log into the application for information about dam locations, hazard classifications, emergency contacts and more,” said DCR Dam Safety and Floodplain Management Acting Director Wendy Howard-Cooper. “It’s important for Virginians living near dams to know their risks and plan for emergencies. While dam failures are infrequent, their impact can be catastrophic.”
DCR manages the state’s dam safety program. Its mission is to protect public safety and ensure compliance with the Virginia Dam Safety Act. The agency regulates more than 2,000 dams and is a resource for dam owners, the engineering community, emergency managers and first responders.
“This is all about accessibility,” said James Martin, DCR conservation data specialist. “With this system, dam owners and their engineers can submit filings to us electronically. They’ll be able to check the status of their applications at any time. All documents will be accessible through their online account.”
The application is available at www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/ds-dsis. A username and password are required for access and may be obtained from DCR.
Information is regularly uploaded, and features continue to be added.
Users should contact a DCR dam safety engineer should information not be found in the database. Contact information is available at www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dsfpmcontx.