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Wisconsin Dam Safety Program

Wisconsin Dam Safety Program. Michelle Hase Water Management Engineer Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources June 15, 2013. Presentation Points. General overview of the DNR Dam Safety Program Owner responsibilities Dam Ownership Unauthorized Structures. Wisconsin’s Dams.

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Wisconsin Dam Safety Program

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  1. Wisconsin Dam Safety Program Michelle Hase Water Management Engineer Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources June 15, 2013

  2. Presentation Points • General overview of the DNR Dam Safety Program • Owner responsibilities • Dam Ownership • Unauthorized Structures

  3. Wisconsin’s Dams Benefits of Dams + Power generation + Navigation + Reservoir/pond creation + Agricultural use + Waterfowl habitat + Flood control • Impacts of Dams • - Fragment & change river habitat • - Disrupt stream flow & flooding • patterns • - Impact thermal regime • Decrease dissolved oxygen • Sedimentation • Block fish & wildlife movement • Liabilities

  4. 3700 total dams

  5. H S Large Dam Structural Height > 6 feet …and… Maximum Storage >= 50 acre feet or Structural Height > =25 feet …and… Maximum Storage >15 acre feet or Any dam that causes a significant threat to life or property

  6. Dam Hazard Rating • Hazard potential classifications are: • High hazard – possible loss of life • Significant hazard – significant property damage but no loss of life • Low hazard – no loss of life or significant property damage • Base hazard rating on existing development and land use controls, not condition of the dam • Hazard rating determines spillway capacity requirements and inspection schedule

  7. Dam Regulation

  8. Wisconsin Dam RegulationDam Safety Program • Chapter 31 State Statutes - DNR responsible for regulation of state dams • Dams are regulated for: • Protection of life, health and property from unsafe dams • Protection of public rights in navigable waters (Public Trust Doctrine)

  9. Wisconsin Dam RegulationDam Safety Program How do we ensure the state’s dams are operated and maintained in a safe manner?

  10. Wisconsin Dam RegulationDam Safety Program • Permit new dams • Review and approve dam ownership transfers • Approve plans for repair/reconstruction/removal • Process abandonment permits • Conduct safety inspections • Provide emergency response • Regulate water levels

  11. Inspection Activities • Look for change • Complete inspection checklist • Walk all embankments • Check gate operation • Evaluate concrete portions of dam • Evaluate outlet structures • Look for downstream development • Check water level • Document with photographs • Survey if necessary

  12. Common Problems • Trees and Brush • Deteriorated Concrete • Inoperable Gates • Deteriorated Outlet Pipe • Embankment Erosion/Seepage

  13. Owner Responsibilities • Operate and maintain in safe manner • Perform periodic inspections • Prepare and implement EAP/IOM plans • Obtain appropriate permits/approvals • Coordinate operation with others • Keep informed about regulations and ensure dam is in compliance

  14. Small Dam vs. Large Dam responsibilities • Large Dam- NR333 requirements (EAP, IOM, Dam Failure analysis, spillway capacity requirements, regular official inspections) • Small Dam- still need to maintain and operate in a safe manner and perform periodic inspections

  15. Some are privately owned • Pabst Dam • Hilbourn • Cedar Grove • Kettle Moraine Dam • Geneva Lake • Lake Beulah

  16. Municipalities County Delavan Lake Lake Districts DNR Honey Lake Dam Other ownership

  17. So- which is better? • DNR has no opinion on who can own a dam • UNLESS the dam is currently owned by a taxing entity (Lake District, County, Municipality), then that dam can not be transferred to a private entity • DNR cannot force anyone to own a dam in perpetuity

  18. Dam Transfer • Properties with a dam or associated with a dam must go through a transfer process through the DNR • If this is not done, the property transaction may be considered null and void • This is to ensure the new owner understands their responsibilities, including proof of financial ability to own and maintain the structure

  19. Dam Ownership • DNR website- can access database

  20. Owner Information

  21. Unauthorized Structures • Many of these located throughout the state • DNR works with the owner to permit the dam or remove • Bring up to standards • Permit issuance may depend on the resource impacts

  22. Public Input • Large Dam – EA and public comment period • Small Dam- news release or public notice • Public Hearing can be requested • Removal required if: • No willing responsible owner • Significant resource impact

  23. Resources • DNR Dam Safety Program Website http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Dams/ • Michelle Hase DNR Water Management Engineer email: Michelle.Hase@wisconsin.gov phone: (262) 574-2127

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