Links to EAP Help
Dam Safety and EAPs Involve A Wide Spectrum of Organizations
Whether at the county, state, regional, or national level, there are governmental, private, and industry resources available to those who need information or support for dam safety or the development of Emergency Action Plans.
FEMA National Dam Safety Program Partners
Although the Federal Government owns or regulates only about five percent of the dams in the United States, many of these dams are significant in terms of size, function, benefit to the public, and hazard potential.
Since the implementation of the Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety in 1979, the federal agencies have done an exemplary job in ensuring the safety of dams within their jurisdiction. They accomplish this by sharing resources whenever and wherever possible to achieve results and improvements in dam safety. Many of the federal agencies also maintain very comprehensive research and development programs and training programs, and have now incorporated security considerations and requirements into these programs to protect their dams against terrorist threats.
To encourage individual and community responsibility for dam safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates partnerships through two federal organizations: The National Dam Safety Review Board and the Interagency Committee on Dam Safety (ICODS). The Review Board provides the Director of FEMA with advice in setting national dam safety priorities and considers the effects of national policy issues affecting dam safety. Review Board members include FEMA, the Chair of the Board, representatives from four federal agencies that serve on ICODS, five state dam safety officials, and one member from the private sector.
ICODS, which was established in 1980, encourages the establishment and maintenance of effective federal programs, policies, and guidelines to enhance dam safety and security. ICODS serves as the permanent forum for the coordination of federal activities in dam safety and security. FEMA also chairs ICODS, which includes:
- Department of Agriculture
- Agricultural Research Service
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Forest Service
- Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers
- Department of Energy
- Department of the Interior
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- National Park Service
- Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Department of State, International Boundary and Water Commission
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Tennessee Valley Authority
For Individuals, Personnel, Homeowners, Volunteers
For Emergency Personnel Situation Reports, Training
For Business & Professional Vendors, Technical Information
- American Council of Engineering Companies
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Associated General Contractors of America
- Portland Cement Association
- United States Society on Dams