Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Chapter 11Appropriate Emergency ActionsEmbankment dams are owned and operated by individuals, private and publicorganizations, and the government. An embankment dam failure resulting in anuncontrolled release of the reservoir can have a devastating effect on persons andproperty downstream. Even though an embankment dam may be well maintained,the potential for development of conditions that could lead to failure of theembankment dam always exists. Chapter 11 provides guidance on the appropriateactions needed during an emergency situation involving a conduit through anembankment dam. Often emergency situations involving the conduit lead to relatedproblems with the embankment dam. Therefore, this chapter considers not onlyemergency actions for conduits, but also actions required for the embankment dam.11.1 Implementation of an Emergency Action PlanMany types of emergency events could jeopardize the safety and structural integrityof an embankment dam and threaten the safety of the general public downstream ofthe dam. Whenever people live in areas that could be inundated as a result of afailure of or misoperation at a embankment dam, the potential exists for loss of lifeand significant damage to downstream property. Developing thorough andconsistent Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in an effort to help save lives and reduceproperty damage in areas that would be affected by the failure or misoperation of aspecific embankment dam and maintaining up-to-date points of contact and phonenumbers are important. Copies of the EAP should be provided to emergencymanagement agencies and personnel and periodically discussed with them. If noEAP exists, contact the State dam safety office.Emergencies involving conduit related issues are only one aspect of potentialembankment dam failures. An EAP is a formal document that:• Identifies potential failure conditions at an embankment dam and specifiespreplanned actions to be followed to attempt to prevent a dam failure and topossibly minimize downstream property damage and potential loss of life.261