Dam Safety 101

October 7-8, 2021 | Online ::

1021-dam-safety

“Very informative and comprehensive look at dam safety.” Utility Compliance Coordinator, Lake County Special Districts

In the aftermath of the Orrville Dam crisis in 2017 and then the dam failures in Michigan this past summer, dam safety has become a very important topic. Dam owners are responsible for the operation, safety, compliance, and maintenance of their facilities. Depending on the purpose of the dam (i.e. hydropower, water supply, flood control, etc.), the regulatory requirements are defined by either state or federal requirements. Dam owners need to have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities to allow them to operate these facilities safely and appropriately.

This exclusive training will combine case-studies and real-world examples with hands on learning to equip attendees with the tools to practically improve their dam safety and maintenance expertise. This course will focus on each of the core needs every dam professional should know in today’s world of rules and practices, including safety requirements, operations, and maintenance.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe what dams are used for
• Provide an overview of the types of dams
• Explain the regulatory framework for dams
• Provide an overview of key dam owner responsibilities including:
  • Safety Inspections
  • Operation and Maintenance Activities
  • Rehabilitation/Improvements
• Explain Emergency Action Planning
• Provide an overview of FERC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Describe how to engage a qualified dam safety consultant

 

Thursday, October 7, 2021 : Central Time

Introduction to Dams

1. Uses:
   • Water Supply
   • Hydropower
   • Flood Control
2. Types of Dams and Trade-offs
   • Earthen Embankment
   • Gravity Dams – Concrete & Stone Masonry
   • Arch Dams
   • Composite Structures
3. Interactive Q&A

Dam Safety Regulations & Requirements

1. State Dam Safety Regulations
2. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Guidelines and Requirements
3. Explain Size and Hazard Classes
4. Interactive Q&A

Inspections

1. Routine – Self Performed
2. Safety – Performed by Independent PE
3. What to Look for
   1. Mechanics
   2. Expectations
   3. Case Review
4. Interactive Q&A

Operation and Maintenance

1. Operation and Maintenance Plans
2. Instrumentation Readings and Data Reduction
3. Vegetation Management
4. Gates and Valves
5. Reservoir Operations
6. Minimum Flow Releases
7. Interactive Q&A

Emergency Action Plans

1. Purpose and Overview
2. What do They Include?
3. How are They Used?
4. Exercises and Drills
5. Interactive Q&A

Friday, October 8, 2021 : Central Time

Rehabilitation Design & Construction

1. Typical Repairs/Improvements
2. Types of Engineering Analyses
3. Critical Issues Affecting Design
4. Critical Issues Affecting Construction
5. Interactive Q&A

Typical Permitting Requirements for Dam Rehabs

1. Dam safety
2. Environmental
3. Historical
4. Interactive Q&A

Overview of FERC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

1. Changes to the Part 12 Program
2. Owner Dam Safety Program
3. Interactive Q&A

Engaging a qualified dam safety consultant

1. What Should You Look for in Your Consultant?
2. Procurement Approach
3. Establishing a Long-term Relationship
4. Interactive Q&A

Matt Taylor, Principal and Senior Vice President, GZA Associates

Matthew Taylor is a Principal and Senior Vice President at GZA.  He leads GZA’s Metro Boston Dam and Levee Safety practice group.  He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island and an MS in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical) from Northeastern University.  He is a registered professional engineer in CT, MA, ME, RI, NJ and NY and is a FERC-approved independent consultant.  His current duties include dam and levee safety inspections, seepage and stability analyses, subsurface explorations and instrumentation, preparation of EAP’s, hydropower feasibility studies, and relicensing assignments, and management of the dam rehabilitation and removal projects from inspection through construction administration.  He is a past chair of the BSCES Geo-Institute, past chair of the EBC NE Dam Management Committee, and a member of ASDSO, USSD, and NHA.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• You will receive a meeting invitation will include a link to join the meeting.
• Separate meeting invitations will be sent for the morning and afternoon sessions of the course.
  • You will need to join the appropriate meeting at the appropriate time.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Dam Safety 101

October 7-8, 2021 | Online

Buy 4 in-person seats and only pay for 3! For this event every fourth in-person attendee is free!

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before September 03, 2021 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event.

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must log in each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the course

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations and open discussion will be used

Who Should Attend?

• Dam Owners
• Safety Professionals
• Energy Consultants
• Dam Technicians
• Dam, Civil, and Hydraulic Engineers
• Hydro Meteorologists, Hydrologists, & Geologists
• Dam Supervisors and Management
• Water Resources Engineers
• Service and Product Suppliers
• Dam Consultant Engineers and Professionals
• Stakeholders with interest in dam or levee issues
• Emergency and Floodplain professionals