on this page
One of the key challenges we face regarding dam safety is that dam risk is not easily understood. To that end, we’re engaging in important work in the dam safety arena in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The idea is to help the practice of dam safety move from a hazard-based, reactive approach to a more proactive understanding of dams so underlying issues can be addressed before an incident occurs. Use of tools and technology and support from public and private sector stakeholders will help our communities understand dam risk so that they can address it and become more resilient.
We’re developing a simplified methodology to assess dam risk which will help communities better quantify risk on a dam-by-dam basis. The methodology which will lead to data-supported decisions that help community leaders determine which dams should be prioritized for rehabilitation, repair or removal to reduce risk.
The USACE’s National Inventory of Dams (NID) is a great resource for dam awareness, including actions communities should take to prepare for a dam-related emergency. USACE is in the process of modernizing the tool which will include inundation mapping. Understanding the demographics of the downstream community impacted by a potential dam incident through information available via the NID will play a key role in understanding risks and mitigating them.
Clearly understanding stakeholder roles and responsibilities when it comes to taking steps to reduce dam-related risks is key. Currently, FEMA is leading the development and implementation of its Collaborative Technical Assistance (CTA) Program aimed at providing communities the necessary tools to effectively plan for and respond to dam incidents. The CTA Program is an important part of the equation, working hands-on with communities to ensure they know their roles when an incident occurs.
FEMA and the USACE, through the development and implementation of initiatives under their respective dam safety programs, are taking action to empower communities to reduce risk. These actions are bolstered by the funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), where funds will be passed on to states and communities to strengthen their own dam safety programs.
The practice of dam safety is evolving, and the tools being developed are going to help communities and other stakeholders understand dam risk in a new way. This will help them identify what they can do to address dam risk before an incident occurs.
Dam safety is a shared responsibility. Know your risk. Know your role. Know the benefits of dams and take action.
Want more?
Listen to Episode 1 and Episode 2 of the Built + Beyond Dam Safety Awareness podcast featuring roundtables of experts from AtkinsRéalis, FEMA, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Downloads
Trade releases