Testimony

Federal

05/08/07- House Transporation & Infrastructure Hearing Representatives of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials offer testimony to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. ASCE Statement. Read written testimony

07/26/2006 - House Transporation & Infrastructure Hearing - " Proposed Amendments to and Reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program Act." View Hearing materials.

State

New York - The Assocaition of State Dam Safety Officials submitted written tesimony to the ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION & ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS.  The purpose of the hearing was to examine various public safety concerns and potential problems of dams within the State of New York. View hearing notice.

Recent dam failures and deficiencies have revealed less than adequate public safety preparedness, disaster planning, and coordination within New York State. There are 5,564 dams in the State including 383 which are considered high hazard dams and are recognized for their potential to cause loss of life or significant economic damage. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), dam failure generally occurs at one of two times - either soon after the initial filling, as occurred at the Hadlock Pond Dam in Washington County, or after 50-60 years. Nearly 2,000 dams in New York State are older than 60 years, with 640 built before 1900, and 116 built before 1860.