R655. Natural Resources, Water Rights.R655-12. Requirements for Operational Dams.
R655-12-1. Authority and Applicability.
The following rule is established under the authority of Title 73, Chapter 5a. The procedures constitute minimum operational requirements for dams. Additional procedures may be required to comply with any other governing statute, federal law, federal regulation, or local ordinance. These rules apply to any dam constructed in the state with the exception of those specifically exempted by Section 73-5a-102, and those dams not requiring plans as outlined in Section 73-5a-202.
R655-12-2. Definitions.
Definitions are as outlined in R655-10-4.
R655-12-3. Initial Filling.
All high and moderate hazard dams will require initial filling plans for their first cycle of complete filling and draining following construction, enlargement, or repairs which involve substantial excavation of the dam. The initial filling plan must be approved by the State Engineer prior to filling.
R655-12-3A. Content of Initial Filling Plans.
Initial filling plans should include the following information:
1. The rate, in vertical feet per day, that the reservoir should be filled or drawn down. Instructions on what steps should be taken in the event inflow exceeds the established rate. Rates and criteria can vary with reservoir elevation.
2. The frequency at which the dam will be observed or inspected and who is responsible. A checklist should be provided so critical features are observed.
3. The frequency at which all instrumentation is to be read and how the readings are to be distributed to interested parties. Predicted performance of instrumentation should be included and a reporting procedure established to review unexpected readings in a timely manner.
4. Reference to the Emergency Action Plan should be given so the inspector or engineer understands emergency procedures and contacts to be made when unusual conditions, or possible failure, are observed.
5. A procedure should be outlined whereby the data and observations obtained following the first cycle of filling can be included to supplement or modify the Standard Operating Plan.
6. The Initial Filling Plan should include a requirement that any project features that did not function as designed must be re-evaluated with provisions for mitigation work provided when necessary.
R655-12-3B. Reporting Requirements.
All information generated during the initial filling should be submitted to the State Engineer on a frequency to be determined by the State Engineer for each project. All analyses and reports produced as per R655-12-3A must also be submitted and approved by the State Engineer.
R655-12-4. Operation and Maintenance.
All dams that require submission of plans pursuant to Section 73-5a-202 must have a standard operating plan approved by the State Engineer. The owners of all dams shall operate and perform maintenance necessary to keep the dam and appurtenant structures in satisfactory condition. Operation and maintenance shall be performed in accordance with a Standard Operating Plan approved by the State Engineer, reports provided to the owner following safety inspections by the State Engineer, and accepted standards of the industry.
R655-12-4A. Standard Operating Plan Content.
The standard operating plan must include the following:
1. General information on the dam and reservoir including the history, a description of the project, persons responsible, agreements with other entities, and the purpose of the project.
2. Inspection list detailing what items should be inspected routinely by the owner or his agent.
3. Routine maintenance schedule and procedures such as rodent removal, vegetation control, floating debris removal, lubrication, painting, grading, riprap repair, and erosion repair.
4. Outlet and spillway operation including operation and maintenance of any mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems used. Emergency or back-up procedures should be included.
5. Instrumentation operation including threshold values, reading schedules, reporting procedures, and maintenance.
6. Reservoir operation including descriptions of controlling floatable debris, monitoring unstable soils, control of sediment, public access, and inundation areas.
7. Safety and health hazards and procedures to mitigate the hazards.
8. Recordkeeping and reporting procedures including necessary forms and examples.
9. A copy of the record or as-constructed drawings shall be included.
R655-12-4B. Reporting Requirement.
