Dam Safety Rules and Regulations

PROPOSED DAM SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

The NYSDEC has proposed some changes in Dam Safety Rules and Regulations, 6 NYCRR Part 673. Information regarding these proposed amendments is available on the NYSDEC web site at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations.

Learn more about the proposed changes to dam safety at Summary of Dam Safety Regulations Changes.

It is highly recommended that the public read the material and provide, written comment concerning it.

Public written testimony on the proposed changes in Dam Safety will be accepted until May 19, 2008.

Send your written testimony to:
Jamie Woodal
Comments on Dam Safety Rule Making
Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety
Division of Water
NYS Department of Environmental Conversation
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-3504

This is your opportunity to express thoughts on ways to improve the process of dam inspection in NY State. We would suggest that interested parties “print out” the material provided and study it thoroughly. Look for areas where you feel deficiencies exist, organize your thought and let NYSDEC know what your concerns are.

A few things you might consider are:

  • matters relating to public disclosure of inspection results
  • who conducts the inspections
  • inspections intervals
  • civil and criminal penalties for flawed inspections procedures resulting in loss of life or property
  • liability for such damage as results in personal or property damages.

These issues come to mind as a result of the travesty that constituted NYSDEC inspections of the Gilboa Dam prior to the emergency of October, 2005. The public should be heard in this matter.

It is our responsibility to show our concern on this issue both in writing during the time allotted for public comment. If public response is tepid and changes to the inspection procedures fall short of adequately protecting the public safety, we have no one to blame but ourselves!

Dam Concerned Citizens, Inc. submitted written testimony to address the proposed amendments to Part 673 Dam Safety Regulations. Learn more about the DCC's Written Testimony