DNR Floodplain/Dam Safety

Engineering

Dam Safety Approval Process | Storage Permit Approval Process
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Dam Safety

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources reviews and approves engineering drawings for new dams or rehabilitation of old dams, including livestock waste storage structures created by dams, and reviews emergency preparedness plans for all dams classified as high hazard. An inventory of all dams under the Department’s jurisdiction is currently maintained as well as a schedule of field safety inspections of these dams. Owners are notified by letter of defects and deficiencies found during field safety inspections with recommended actions or directions for repair. The Department can exercise legal authority to require owners of dams to take necessary action to correct deficiencies and defects in order that a dam be operated and maintained in a safe condition.

Download: NEW Draft Rules Title 458: Rules for Safety of Dams and Reservoirs
(October 2007)
Comments on Draft Rules
Download: Nebraska Safety of Dams and Reservoirs Act (September 2005)
Safety of Dams and Reservoirs (LB 335)
Download: Application for Approval of Plans for Dams.
Download: Construction Certification Form for Dams.
Interactive Map for Dams Inventory

RESPONSIBILITIES

Review & approve plans and specifications for conformance with acceptable standards for design and construction of dams.

Inspect dam construction for conformance with approved plans & specs.

Conduct safety inspections of existing dams.

Review emergency action plans.

JURISDICTION

All "high" hazard dams, regardless of height or storage volume. ("High" – failure expected to result in loss-of-life. "Significant" – damage important resources. "Low" – damage minor resources)
Dams with a height of 25 feet or more.
Dams with a total storage capacity of fifty acre-feet or more.

INVENTORY

2,164 dams (109 high hazard, 246 significant hazard, 1,809 low hazard).
Age: 100+ yrs - 8 dams 50+ yrs - 241 dams 30+ yrs - 1310 dams

OWNERSHIP

Federal: 36 dams (Bureau of Rec, Corps of Eng, Forest Service)
State: 35 dams (Game & Parks, Dept of Roads, Board of Ed Lands)
Public Utility: 43 dams (NPPD, CNPP&ID, Loup River PPD)
Local Government: 1016 dams (NRD’s, Counties, Cities, Villages)
Private: 1034 dams.

PROGRAM STATUS
Association of State Dam Safety Officials provides peer review of State Dam Safety programs upon request. Such a review of Nebraska's program was conducted in January 2002.

OTHER
Staff engineers are members of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). One engineer is a voting member.

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