How to Plan Ahead for a Dam Failure – US FEMA guidelines

[This article is being provided by Marcial Ocampo as a guide to NAPOCOR, PAGASA, NDCC, LGUs and dam operators for an effective response in the event that a catastrophic failure of a dam is imminent or has occurred.  Currently, an inter-agency committee has been constituted to review and submit by November 30, 2009 a revised DAM RELEASE PROTOCOL to avoid the very recent catastrophic release of excess water by five dams at the height of two super typhoons that inundated and damaged large areas of central and northern Luzon, Philippines. The links has been obtained thru Internet search using the search engine of MSN.  Cheers.  Marcial]

The following article from US FEMA provides the important links for all topics related to planning ahead for a dam failure.  It is the author’s view that all concerned shall be well informed in advance on a DAM OPERATION PROTOCOL in order to avoid dam failure as a result of excessive rainfall that could not anymore be safely stored by a dam.

As a preparatory document, the reader is advised to read a glossary or list of definitions related to dam operations in order to fully appreciate the contents of the links shown below.  The two links are as follow:

http://energytechnologyexpert.com/environmental-impacts/us-federal-guidelines-for-dam-safety-glossary-of-terms-fema-148/

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/damfailure/fema148.shtm

For more information on predicting early safe release of dam water, please visit the link

http://energytechnologyexpert.com/power-generation/renewable-energy-power-generation/hydro-power/large-hydro-hydro-power/how-to-predict-early-dam-water-release-the-key-to-minimizing-flooding-during-typhoons/

The reader is encouraged to apply the formulas shown in the above link in order to calibrate the dam water release model and to estimate the minimum lead time (in days) needed to drain the dam of excess water to have sufficient storage capacity for the incoming typhoon.

Regards,

Marcial T. Ocampo

———-

Dam failure e-mail updates

Dams can fail suddenly, with very little warning. Flooding is the most likely result of a dam failure. Knowing the risk of dam failure ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the risk of serious injury or loss of life.

• Dam Failure Information
  • Fast Facts About Dams
  • Why Dams Fail
  • Benefits of Dams
  • Dam Ownership in the United States
• What FEMA is Doing About Dam Safety
• About the National Dam Safety Program (NDSP)
  • NDSP Partners
  • Grant Assistance to the States
  • Information Needs for Dam Safety
  • Dam Safety Research
  • Dam Safety Training
• Dam Safety Publications and Resources
  • Videos and Software
  • Technical Manuals and Guides
  • Guidelines for Dam Safety
  • Research Needs Workshop Reports
  • NDSP Information
• State Dam Safety Resources
• Related Links About Dams

Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Jun-2009 21:33:30 EDT