DAM SAFETY ADVISORY – JANUARY 11, 2024

DAM SAFETY ADVISORY – JANUARY 11, 2024

This DAM Safety Advisory is being sent by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to the owners and operators of High Hazard and Significant Hazard dams in Rhode Island and State and local officials who have or may have an emergency response role as it pertains to these dams. 

The National Weather Service is predicting that a winter storm will impact Rhode Island on January 12th and January 13th bringing 1 to 2 inches of rainfall and wind gusts up to 40 mph.  As area rivers and streams remain swollen or out of their banks due to Tuesday’s winter storm, this storm will increase the risk of areal and river flooding. (see attached).

Given the wind and rain predicted, DEM requests that you monitor your dam(s) for any potentially unsafe conditions, including overturned trees, an elevated pond which may lead to overtopping the dam, new or additional leakage through the dam, or movement of the dam.

Prior to the storm, DEM requests that you inspect the dam to make sure that the spillway and downstream channel is free and clear of obstructions. 

Report any unsafe conditions to the local emergency management official or the local police/fire and to DEM’s 24-hour emergency number at 222-3070.  You should also contact your engineer to assess the short and long term impacts to the dam.

Following the storm, please notify DEM’s Dam Safety Program at 222-1360 of any storm-related damage that may have occurred at your dam.

As a dam owner or operator, you are responsible for maintaining the safety of the dam.  It is your responsibility to monitor the pond level behind your dam.  You do not need state or local government approval to temporarily release extra water from your dam prior to or during a storm if it is necessary to ensure the safety of the dam.  It is very important that you notify the local emergency management official or police/fire of the actions you will take so that the official is aware of potential downstream impacts and can make appropriate advisories deemed necessary.  As a dam owner or operator, you are liable for damages caused by the release of water from your dam, and DEM strongly advises you to contact the local emergency management official or police/fire official prior to taking any action. 

Thank you for your cooperation.