Best Practices for Planning and Implementing Site Investigations at Federally Owned or Regulated Dams and Levees

Abstract

Abstract Management, regulation, and review of the planning and execution of intrusive site investigations vary within each of four federal organizations involved with dam and levee safety based upon various roles and responsibilities. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are owner-operators of dams that serve multiple purposes, including flood control, hydropower, water supply, and navigation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates and inspects non-federal hydropower dams, and develops and implements policies, programs, and standards to ensure the safety of these licensed projects. Each organization (except FERC) is also responsible for oversight, rehabilitation, and repair of structures including damaged levees, canals, and dams, including some (in the case of USBR and USACE) that are operated and maintained by others. This paper provides a brief overview of the various regulations and guidance related to the planning and execution of intrusive site investigations conducted at structures within each organization's portfolio. It also provides a programmatic overview of the processes utilized by the different federal organizations for planning, reviewing, and implementing intrusive investigations. It covers specific requirements (guidance and regulations), time frames that are involved with the review process, and discusses updates and changes that are planned or being considered.