Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 27, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR Public Relations Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov

Dam safety regulations under review

RICHMOND – Regulations concerning dams in Virginia are currently being opened to consider amendments and the public is being asked to comment. These regulations not only impact dam owners but also could potentially impact the growing number of Virginians living downstream from dams.

The public is encouraged to comment on the need for changes and express their opinions to state officials in a process that is scheduled to take several months.
The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board is considering whether to amend to its “Impounding Structures Regulations.” The board is staffed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Amendments to the regulations may be considered that, if adopted, would allow an alternative procedure to spillway or overflow designs where there would be no unreasonable or significant threat to life and property, establish dam-alteration permit requirements similar to construction permit requirements, have emergency action plans meet federal requirements, have new and existing dams meet the same requirements, improve the risk-based dam classification system, establish permit fees, and clarify language in the regulations.

A public meeting to receive comments on the dam safety regulations and general ideas on how they might be amended will be held Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Department of Forestry Offices, 900 Natural Resources Drive, in Charlottesville.

The Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) and related information can be found on the Virginia Town Hall website at: https://www.townhall.virginia.gov/Action/ViewAction.cfm?Action=1914.

Persons unable to attend the meeting may provide comments by mail to: Regulatory Coordinator, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor St., Suite 302, Richmond, Va., 23219; by fax to the coordinator at 804/786-6141; or via e-mail to regcord@dcr.virginia.gov.

All written comments must include the name and address of the sender. They must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

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