Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 28, 2020
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Governor Northam declares May 31 Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia
RICHMOND — Governor Ralph Northam has proclaimed May 31, 2020, Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia, encouraging individuals and communities to realize the flood risk associated with dam failures and to take actions that increase safety.
“Even in these challenging times, we must remain vigilant to threats like flooding and extreme weather,” Governor Northam said. “Dam failures can be catastrophic, and the breaches we saw in Michigan last week should be a warning call. I urge all Virginians to be aware of dams in their communities, learn about dam safety, and take steps to help preserve this vital infrastructure.”
Read the full text of the proclamation.
“The mass evacuations associated with a dam breach in Michigan last week serve as a sobering reminder of how much work we have to do in our country and our Commonwealth to improve dam safety.” Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler said. “Preventing flooding from dam failures is essential to our public safety, public health and economic wellbeing, especially during a time when first responders are stretched thin, and all of us are attempting to stop the spread of COVID-19."
Dams can fail at any time for a number of reasons, including overtopping from precipitation or flooding, construction deficiencies, or structural failure of materials used to build the impoundment.
Across the United States, aging dams are an issue. The Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates that seven in 10 dams will be 50 years or older by 2025.
In Virginia, the Department of Conservation and Recreation regulates more than 2,000 dams. A majority are privately owned. DCR’s Dam Safety staff helps dam owners comply with state regulations and serves as a resource for the engineering community and emergency responders.
From July 2019 through March 2020, DCR Dam Safety engineers approved more than 100 Operation and Maintenance Certificate applications and permits to ensure the safe and proper construction, operation, repair and maintenance of dams. They conducted more than 70 dam inspections, approved 30 emergency action plans, and participated in 24 emergency action plan tabletop exercises or drills.
Dam owner training and public outreach are critical components of dam safety, and engineers provided technical assistance and outreach to more than 600 Virginians during that period.
“Dams can raise or lower flood risk depending on their purpose, location or condition,” DCR Director Clyde E. Cristman said. “Documenting the condition of dams can inform decisions about the safety and resiliency of a community. Virginians should be aware of the dams in the areas where they live and work, and have a plan in place should they need to evacuate because of failure. Those living downstream from a dam should carry flood insurance so that they can recover more quickly from a flood. Dam safety should be everyone’s concern.”
National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31 commemorates the Great Flood of 1889 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The flood was caused by a catastrophic failure of South Fork Dam brought on by days of heavy rain and a series of alterations that made the dam vulnerable to overtopping.
More than 2,200 people died, making it the nation’s worst dam-related disaster.
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