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Dam Owner Responsibilities

Dam Owner Responsibilities

ASDSO Resources

EAP Resource Center

The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) has an online EAP Resource Center for dam owners that includes several helpful documents and guidelines.

There is a consensus in the dam safety community that one of the major reasons for the lack of an EAP at high and significant hazard dams is the cost of detailed dam break studies. In addition, it has become increasingly clear that many dam owners do not understand their personal liability for the downstream loss of life and property damage in the event their dam fails.

To encourage and facilitate development of EAPs at all high and significant hazard potential dams, ASDSO and the EAP Workgroup of the National Dam Safety Review Board have developed this EAP resource website to provide dam owners with simple and low-cost tools for creating and implementing an EAP at their dam(s). 

These resources include an EAP "fillable form" template that has been jointly developed by ASDSO and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This template can be easily edited for specific dams and the needs of local emergency management agencies. 

  1. EAP Template
  2. Instructions
  3. Fact Sheet

The resources also include a number of low cost and simplified methods of estimating the dam break inundation limits of the downstream areas, Simplified Inundation Mapping (SIMS).  Many of these methods are being utilized and accepted by state Dam Safety Programs and local emergency management agencies. 

  1. SIMS Fact Sheet
  2. SIMS Methodology

Dam owners of high and significant hazard potential dams are encouraged to contact the dam safety office in their state for further guidance on the use of these resources, as well as additional resources the state dam safety office may have to assist dam owners in the preparation of EAPs.  ASDSO provides contact and other information on state Dam Safety Programs at the state program map page.

Other Tools to Assist with Emergency Response and Preparedness

PDF Document New! ASDSO Emergency Action Planning Flyer
PDF Document Emergency Action Planning for Dam Owners (FEMA 64)
PDF Document NRCS EAP Factsheet
External Link FERC Emergency Action Plan Program