22 DAM work
The second requirement of all dam owners is to prepare and annually review and update a dam emergency plan (DEP). DEPs have two parts. The
first is a record that describes the actions to be taken by the owner if there is an emergency at the dam (who will do what). The second is a record containing dam information and emergency contacts that will be sent to the local emergency authorities. Thirdly, if your dam has a classification greater than low, you must prepare an operation, maintenance and surveillance (OMS) manual that describes how you operate, maintain and inspect your dam. Every owner must also
Bee-utiful
Robin Hunt and Johan Bos of Big Rock Ranch in 100 Mile House were honoured with the 2019 Farmer Rancher Canada award during the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign conference in Washington, DC, October 23. The award recognizes individuals or families for their contribution to the protection of pollinator species. The farm, featured in our September 2018 issue, is one of about 15 farms in BC that are certified as “bee-friendly.” The award earned them an expenses-paid, week-long trip to the conference. SUBMITTED PHOTO
conduct on-site surveillance, perform formal inspections, test operating equipment and collect and analyze instrument readings. The requirements vary by classification. For example, extreme, very high and high- consequence dams require weekly surveillance, while dams with a significant classification must be surveilled monthly. A low- consequence structure can be surveilled quarterly. A new dam safety management binder is
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • DECEMBER 2019 nfrom page 21
available with templates and instructions for the various plans and procedures. Chan has developed a new BC Dam Safety Pocketbook guide, too, that is a handy reference of what to watch for when inspecting dams.
Chan and Bennett spent time identifying and describing the problems owners should look for during dam inspections. “Seepage is the number- one cause of all dam failures in the world,” Chan notes. How do you prove your management practices if there is a question of liability? “Keep a binder,” says Chan.
“And record everything. That will show your due diligence.” BC Cattlemens’ has a form that checks off your yearly consequence review. Record all your inspections, do them at different times of the year so that you are looking at different water flow conditions. You can do your own but it’s good to get a professional to do one every couple of years. Take photographs from the same position each time. Lastly, get to know your
dam safety officer. “Reach out for help and guidance if you have questions,” says Chan. “When the DSO gets into a dialogue with a dam owner, they are very willing to help.”
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