CS23A - Concurrent Session 23A: Improving Collaboration to Benefit Dam Safety and Emergency Management Programs

Abstract Description: Dam owners/operators and jurisdictional emergency managers share the critical responsibility of protecting the public from the risk of a dam failures. However, these two groups often work independently rather than collaboratively, leading to gaps in their respective plans and programs. Typically, emergency action plans (EAP) are developed by dam owners/operators and their engineering firms, and then are sent to emergency managers. Unfortunately, in many jurisdictions, emergency managers are not involved in the development of these EAPs. Conversely, while emergency managers create jurisdictional emergency plans, they frequently do not include dam owners/operators as key stakeholders in the planning process. This disconnect results in a less-protected public.

Building a strong relationship between dam owners/operators and emergency management officials is mutually beneficial and crucial for enhancing public safety. This session will explore opportunities for collaboration between these parties. It will highlight simple yet effective improvements that can be made to EAPs to bolster local emergency management programs. Additionally, the session will discuss the advantages of involving dam owners/operators in those programs, such as securing key funding for dam maintenance and improvements.