Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Conduits through Embankment Dams200embankment dam and its operations, and can readily distinguish changesfrom year to year. All inspectors attend regular training in dam safetyinspections.2. Periodic.—On a 6-year cycle (alternating with the comprehensive facilityreview (CFR), each embankment dam is examined by a team originating ina Reclamation Regional Office, including the regional examinationspecialist. This examination is referred to as a periodic facility review(PFR) and includes a rather thorough review and reporting of all past damsafety and operation and maintenance (O&M) recommendations.3. Comprehensive.—On a 6-year cycle (alternating with the PFR; the CFR andPFR are offset by 3 years), each embankment dam is examined/evaluatedby a team of specialists from Reclamation’s Technical Service Center thatincludes an examination specialist, mechanical engineer, and a senior damengineer (either geotechnical or civil/structural specialist). Thisexamination is referred to as a CFR and includes not only the PFRactivities, but also technical evaluation of all design, construction, andanalysis of the dam.• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).—Significant and high hazardembankment dams are inspected annually by FERC engineers and every 5 yearsfor a Part 12D inspection by an independent consultant (FERC, 2005, pp. 14-43 to 14-45). FERC engineers inspect low hazard embankment dams at leastevery 3 years. An independent consultant also inspects some low hazardembankment dams every 5 years, if the dam is 30 or more feet high or thereservoir is 2,000 acre-feet or larger and the licensee or exemptee has notrequested and received approval for an exemption from the Part 12Dindependent consultant inspection.• NRCS.—The NRCS requires the sponsor/owner to be responsible for makinginspections after they are turned over to the sponsors/owners (NRCS, 2003,pp. 1-2). Personnel trained in conducting the inspections perform special,annual, and formal (once every 5 years) inspections. If requested by thesponsor/owner, NRCS may participate in inspections; provide training toensure that the sponsor/owner understands inspection techniques and theimportance of completing corrective action; and provide technical assistance toaddress specific O&M needs. If an inspection reveals an imminent threat to lifeor property, the sponsor/owner shall immediately notify all emergencymanagement authorities.• USACE.—The USACE performs periodic, intermediate, and informalinspections on the basis of project size, importance, or potential hazard(USACE, 2004b, pp. 6-3 and 6-4):