Speaker(s): Jill C. Stewart, M.E.M., P.E., Director, Dam Safety and Stormwater Permitting Division, SC Department of Environmental Services; John M. McCain, P.E., Manager, Dam Safety Section, SC Department of Environmental Services
PDH’s: This webinar is eligible for 2 PDH credits
This webinar will discuss the lessons and expertise gained from rebuilding a state dam safety program from state dam safety program officials and emergency managers almost 10 years after a historic rainfall event that had impacts statewide and caused the failure of 50 state-regulated dams. At the time of the webinar, we will be less than one month away from the 10-year anniversary of the Historic Floods of 2015 that saw 50 state-regulated dams fail across the state. The lessons conveyed during this course have been gleaned from the 2015 Floods, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 (another 20 dams failed), and Hurricane Florence in 2018 (another 11 dams failed).
Key Takeaways:
• Available tools to assist state dam safety program officials leading up to, during, and after an extreme precipitation event
• Effective, timely communication with dam owners/operators, emergency officials, general public, etc. is critical
• Get your house in order first
• Foster supporting relationships (internal, external) - EMAC, EMD, County EMs, USACE, Silver Jackets, federal assistance, non-dam safety staff in your organization
• Organizational and logistical preparedness
• Adaptability in procedures
• Establishing triggers to respond – think widespread vs isolated incidents, individual triggers for each dam
• Making the most of funds (state assistance grants)
• The value of documentation (historical, during event, following event)