This brochure provides a summary of the information presented in FEMA P-484, Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams, including the effects of conduits on embankment dams, internal erosion and backward piping erosion, the factors that can lead to embankment dam failure, and best practices for conduits through embankment dams.
The dam owner is the frst line of defense in the appropriate maintenance and safe operation of dams. This brochure describes the dangers presented by problem vegetation on earthen embankment dams and discusses how to identify problem vegetation. A quick quiz is included for dam owners to determine whether their dam may be at risk for problems related to inappropriate vegetation.
Hydropower is one of the project types in which FERC regulates both the construction and operational phase of a project. Dam safety is a critical part of the Commission's hydropower program and receives top priority. Before projects are constructed, the Commission staff reviews and approves the designs, plans, and specifications of dams, powerhouses, and other structures. During construction, Commission staff engineers frequently inspect a project, and once construction is complete, Commission engineers continue to inspect it on a regular basis. This website provides links to FERC guidelines relative to hydropower dams including recent highlights, regulations, guidelines, manuals, initiatives, Risk-Informed Decision Making (RIDM), security, and case histories
This manual presents guidance on procedures for use in the engineering design, construction monitoring, operation, and inspection of coal refuse impoundments and embankments in the United States.
The manual presents the requirements and procedures for the collection of geologic data obtained by the Bureau of Reclamation. The intent is to establish common guidelines, procedures, and concepts for the collection, evaluation, and presentation of geologic information.
Internal erosion occurring at federal (and nonfederal) embankment dams and levees poses a threat of failure and potential risk to public safety. This document presents a summary of current federal practices for monitoring and measuring seepage, identifying potential failure modes related to internal erosion, assessing risk related to internal erosion, and remediating internal erosion. While research continues into these processes, this document attempts to present the best understanding based on current federal agency practice. Hence, very recent or new, unproven technologies are not discussed.
This document provides procedures and guidance for best practices concerning embankment dam flter design and construction and represents an effort to collect and disseminate current information and experience having a technical consensus. This document is intended for use by personnel familiar with embankment dams, such as designers, inspectors, construction oversight personnel, and dam safety engineers.
This guideline has been established to provide specific guidance and context to owners, engineers of records, regulators, consultants and auditors on the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) expectations for the application of the Code, and to assist operations in understanding and complying with the Code when it comes to tailings management. Variances from the Code must be supported with appropriate engineering justification, and submitted for approval by the Chief Inspector. An overview of the elements of a tailings management system is provided in this guideline. Although detailed instructions on developing and implementing specific elements are beyond the scope of this document, references are provided throughout. It is intended that periodic improvements will be made to this guideline as standards of practice advance and as MEM receives feedback from users.
The Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code) protect workers and the public through provisions for minimizing the health, safety and environmental risks related to mining activities. The purpose of the Code is to: 1. Protect employees and all other persons from undue risks to their health and safety arising out of or in connection with activities at mines. 2. Safeguard the public from risks arising out of or in connection with activities at mines. 3. Protect and reclaim the land and watercourses affected by mining. 4. Monitor the extraction of mineral and coal resources and ensure maximum extraction with a minimum of environmental disturbance, taking into account sound engineering practice and prevailing economic conditions.
This Pocket Safety Guide for Dams and Impoundments was developed for dam owners and other people as a quick reference when assessing low hazard dams and impoundments. For in depth discussion, please refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Low Hazard DamsStanding Operating Procedures or FEMA P-145, Dam Safety: An Owners Guidance Manual.