The content on this page is intended only as a summary of information published in various news outlets. ASDSO does
not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of such information.
Latest Dam Safety News - November 2010 – www.damsafety.org
Hope Mills failure examined; Emergency exercise at Shasta Dam; FEMA flood mapping;
Preliminary report issued on Lake Delhi dam breach; dam stabilized...
National News
Levees Fall Off Face of Map . 11/29/2010, Wall Street Journal
New flood maps "erase" 75 miles of levees.
State and International News
The right course for rivers. 11/16/2010, chinadialogue
Explores impact dams have on human development, 10 years after Nelson Mandela
launched report of World Commission on Dams.
Tamil Nadu to start dam rehabilitation project next year. 11/20/2010, Sify
Rehabilitation project would secure measures to improve safety and operation of dams.
Australia
Kinchant in line for upgrade. 11/08/2010, Daily Mercury
Kinchant Dam part of $30 MILLION safety upgrade program to increase capability to
manage extreme rainfall events.
California
Emergency Training Exercise To Close Shasta Dam Wednesday. 11/17/2010, KRCRTVRedding
Area around Shasta Dam to close to allow for training so first responders can practice
for a potential terrorist threat.
Edison 'committed' to restocking Shaver Lake . 11/17/2010, Fresno Bee
Shaver Lake undergoing 2-year dam maintenance project that will include complete
drainage of central Sierra reservoir and potential deaths of thousands of fish.
Practice makes safety: 20 agencies coordinate for mock Shasta Dam attack.
11/17/2010, Redding Record Searchlight
USBR led 12-hour security drill on 11/17; will next hold one at Folsom. Drills have
already been held at Flaming Gorge, Grand Coulee Dam, and Hoover.
Full Scale Emergency Exercise Conducted at Shasta Dam. 11/17/2010, [USBR Press
Release]
On Nov. 17, the Bureau of Reclamation, in conjunction with other federal, state and local
agencies, conducted a full scale emergency exercise at Shasta Dam. The purpose of the
security-based exercise was to provide a training opportunity for first responders and to
employ emergency response and security plans, policies and procedures pertaining to
the unlikely event of a terrorist threat at Shasta Dam. The exercise also helped enhance
the working relationships and communication among local, state and federal agencies
that would assist in the event of a real emergency. More than 250 individuals
participated. According to Pablo Arroyave, Deputy Regional Director for Reclamation's
Mid-Pacific Region, the exercise was a culmination of 16 months of planning, which
solidified the partnership between federal, state and local agencies as well as law
enforcement, first responders, and local hospitals.
Marysville asks for second look at levees. 11/23/2010, Appeal-Democrat- Marysville
Levees could receive certification for federal assistance before heart of rainy season.
Canada
Heavy rains could burst N.S. dam. 11/08/2010, Toronto Sun
Yarmouth dam could burst from heavy rainfall; areas being evacuated.
Colorado
Loan approved for dam safety work, Colorado. 11/19/2010, International Water Power
and Dam Construction Newsletter
Alternative energy developer Two Rivers Water Company receives $9.9M loan from the
Colorado Water Conservation Board for dam safety work at the Cucharas Reservoir.
Two Rivers Water Company receives loan approval. 11/22/2010, Water Technology
Online
Loan received that will fund repairs at Cucharas Reservoir.
Connecticut
Study: Flooding Greater Danger Than Westporters Realize. 11/17/2010, Westport Now
Bulkely Pond Dam in immediate danger of failing; funds to repair dam scarce.
Delaware
DELAWARE: DNREC raises capital request. 11/23/2010, Delmarva Daily Times
More money could go to dam safety projects that make state cleaner and safer under
new budget oultine.
Ghana
VRA supports flood victims in Upper West. 11/29/2010, GhanaWeb
Recent floods product of Akosombo and Bagre dam spillage; communities displaced.
Hawaii
Safety costs criticized. 11/28/2010, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Landowners claim dam and reservoir compliance too pricey.
Idaho
No surprises here, dam removal helps salmon and steelhead. 11/05/2010, idaho
Statesman
The debate of removing 4 dams from lower Snake River; removal may not be feasible at
this time.
Illinois (see also U.S.)
Vermilion River agreement reached. 11/30/2010, LaSalle News Tribune
Agreement lets state make area safer; DNR plans dam safety project.
Open house set on proposed use of coal ash mixture on levees. 11/10/2010, St. Louis
Post-Dispatch ACE to answer questions regarding its proposal to strengthen Mississippi
River levees with slurry of lime and coal ash.
Iowa
Des Moines inspects dam in downtown. 11/08/2010, Chicago Tribune
Des Moines River level dropped for downtown dam inspection.
State asks FEMA to reconsider Lake Delhi decision. 11/09/2010, Chicago Tribune
Lake Delhi repairs to cost $6 billion; FEMA asked to reconsider decision to assist.
Projects stabilize Lake Delhi dam. 11/18/2010, Chicago Tribune
Projects at Lake Delhi dam should reduce amount of silt being washed downstream.
Preliminary report issued on Lake Delhi dam breach . 11/20/2010, Des Moines Register
Lake Delhi dam failure most likely caused by internal erosion in earthen embankment
following 2 days of heavy rain.
Louisiana
Corps looks at boosting Bodcau Dam safety rating. 10/29/2010, Shreveport Times
In order for control structure to be place on Bayou Bodcau Dam, study must first be
conducted to establish if dam is safe enough to handle it.
FEMA: New flood maps about levee safety, not insurance premiums. 11/08/2010, The
Town Talk
According to FEMA spokesperson, new preliminary flood maps for Central Louisiana will
be issued in early 2011.
Study shows grass can play significant role in armoring levees. 11/15/2010, NOLA.com
ACE studies the role grass plays when grown on levees in order to survive overtopping.
Massachusetts
Board gives order to tear down dam. 10/29/2010, MassLive.com
Friends of the Upper Roberts Meadow Reservoir Dam seek to reclassify dam as lesser
hazard.
Removal of dam will help river. 11/05/2010, Berkshire Eagle
Removal of Briggsville Dam will bring diversity; projected cost $768,000.
Wild Side : Stream restoration on Martha's Vineyard. 11/09/2010, The Martha's Vineyard
Times
This article explores incentives of removing the aging Mill Dam in Martha's Vineyard.
Horse Pond Dam project in limbo. 11/10/2010, Telegram & Gazette
Dwindling federal money has slowed repair work on Horse Pond Dam.
Bolton Conservation Commission to discuss Fyfeshire Dam, Nov. 16. 11/15/2010, Bolton
Common
Town to discuss report on feasibility of removing Fyfeshire Dam; follow-up study to
report that provided alternatives to bring dam into compliance.
Minnesota
Future of Rapidan Dam Under Discussion. 11/12/2010, FOX12- Mankato
Issue of whether or not to keep Rapidan Dam divides residents; some enjoy history and
scenery, while others would like river restored natually.
Missouri (see also Illinois)
Nebraska
Feds to discuss plans for fixing Nebraska dam. 11/16/2010, NTV- McCook
Tension cracks and sinkhole discovered at Red Willow Dam last fall; options for repair
discussed.
North Carolina
Residents threaten lawsuit against town over dam. 11/21/2010, Gaston Gazette
Owner of Warren Lake Dam, deemed unsafe by state, wants to make case against state
order to repair.
India
India Wants Five High Dams Built in Nepal for Flood Control. 11/25/2010, Kathmandu
Post
India is negotiating with Nepal to construct high dams on the rivers Mahakali, Karnali,
Saptakosi, Kamala and Bagmati rivers. As part of the deal, India will provide some funds
for construction of a 20-km embankment along the Gagan River to prevent flood
damages in Nepal and Bihar.
Nepal (see also India)
Netherlands
Safety-Slide prevents drowning at lowhead dams. 10/28/2010, oranjewou.eu
First safety-slide successfully put into use at Langeslag lowhead dam.
New Jersey
Clinton dam project contractor indicted. 11/01/2010, Mycentraljersey.com
Contractor faces several charges after worker breaks leg; charges allege he used stolen
identity, fictitious company and fraudulent documents.
Mountain Lakes Dam Restoration Update . 11/09/2010, All Princeton
Anonymous donor provides nearly $3 million needed to fund restoration and lake
dredgings at 2 historic dams near Mountain Lakes.
Gordon Lakes Dam assessment confirmed . 11/14/2010, NorthJersey.com
Residents of Gordon Lakes will soon be charged with repaying $1.03-million bill for
restoration of lake's western dam, completed in June 2009.
New York
Photos: Closing up the canal. 11/09/2010, Times Union
Workers prepare for seasonal removal of flashboards and fish bypass systems at
Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams.
New Zealand
Govt stance on dams criticised. 11/26/2010, Otago Daily Times
Otago Regional Council chief executive criticizes proposed dam safety regulations.
North Carolina
Hope Mills: Town gets approval for phase two for stabilizing dam. 11/02/2010,
Fayetteville Observer
Although it can take years to finish, Hope Mills Dam investigation could begin sooner
than expected.
EPA tells neighbors of NC mine's pollution threat. 11/04/2010, BusinessWeek
EPA and state health and environment agencies to hold public meeting to discuss
cleanup at hazardous site where dam could collapse.
Hope Mills: How to lose a lake. 11/28/2010, Fayetteville Observer
Article examines reasons for June 17 failure of 2-year old dam that replaced its
predecessor, which failed in 2003.
Ohio
Repairs needed at Rezzy dam. 10/29/2010, The Independent- Massillon
Future of Sippo Creek Reservoir Dam in question after study found it to be hazard.
$4M project under way to fix Lockington Dam. 11/05/2010, Dayton Daily News
Lockington Dam's foundation allowing water to seep; built on fractured limestone
bedrock.
NBC 4 Investigates: Dam Emergency Plans Lacking. 11/16/2010, NBC4i- Columbus
More than 1,000 Ohio dams continue to go without EAPs as required by law.
Oregon
Toppled crane at Dexter Lake dam could be upright by early next week. 11/26/2010,
Eugene Register-Guard
USACE examing what caused 80,000-lb crane to tip over while gates repaired.
Lost Creek level makes ramp at Stewart inaccessible . 11/28/2010, Upper Rogue
Independent
USACE lowers water level at Lost Creek Lake.
Pennsylvania
DEP orders Consol to pay for leaking Pa. park dam. 11/04/2010, Lebanon Daily News
DEP orders coal company to pay over $1 million for repairs to dam at Ryerson Station
State Park and to make another $20 million in repairs at company's expense.
Aging Fogelsville Dam a costly curse. 11/12/2010, Morning Call (Allentown)
Fogelsville Dam one of 302 high hazard dams considered deficient, according to PA
infrastructure report.
Texas
Lost generation. 11/10/2010, istockAnalyst.com
Hydroelectric generation facility at Morris Sheppard Dam decommissioned.
Dam project to help New Braunfels avoid flooding . 11/17/2010, Houston Chronicle
$10 million federal grant will be used for the Krueger Canyon Dam project.
Virginia
Removal of Danville dam recommended. 11/08/2010, WSET-TV- Danville
Dam's recommended removal would cost appx. $90,000; extensive permitting and public
hearings would also be required.
Should the Brantley Dam Be Removed? . 11/09/2010, RenewableEnergyWorld.com
(blog)
The City of Danville Public Works department has issued a report recommending that
Brantley Dam be removed.
Residents opt to refill 70-year-old lake — again. 11/09/2010, Daily Press
Special permit will allow for Cranston's Mill Pond, drained by 2006 storm, to be
refurbished; project to cost between $1.1 million and $1.5 million.
State gives deadline for plans to replace Ragged Mountain dams. 11/19/2010,
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Despite opposition, state regulators have granted extension to operating permit for
Upper and Lower Ragged Mountain dams.
Washington
Condit Dam removal clears hurdle. 11/12/2010, The Columbian
Condit Dam on White Salmon River could be removed as early as next fall.
Corps lowers flood threat as repairs continue on Hanson Dam . 11/19/2010, Auburn
Reporter
While flood risk of Green River is lower than last winter, ACE will look to complete
repairs at Howard Hanson Dam.
Washington, D.C.
Work to begin on National Mall levee: new barrier will protect downtown DC from
massive flood. 11/16/2010, Canadian Press
Construction to begin on barrier to protect historical monuments in D.C. area from
flooding.
West Virginia
Bluestone Dam halfway through $300M makeover. 11/13/2010, Charleston Gazette
Bluestone Dam designed to handle largest storm thought to be possible; $30.8 million
project to install high-strength anchors, with another $36 million in federal stimulus funds
to add more, should be completed next year.
Wisconsin
Watch lifted for western Wis. hydro dam. 10/28/2010, WBAY - ABC2 - Green Bay
Watch lifted for western dam where small sinkhole developed in earthen embankment.
Beaver Dam looks to automate dam gates. 11/12/2010, Sauk Prairie Eagle
Staff proposes installation of 6 aluminum dam gates, with as many as 3 being
automated, which would allow monitoring of lake levels from laptop.
Taking steps to help fish bypass dam . 11/16/2010, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Volunteers move stones to create fish passaage around historic dam; goal is to open
access to Milwaukee River watershed