The Dam Safety Program provides comprehensive oversight of dams in Arkansas to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The program ensures proper planning, design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of dams, with the goal of preventing failures and maintaining a safe margin of operation.
The Dam Safety Program operates under the authority of Subchapter 2, Chapter 22, Title 15 of the Arkansas Code of 1987, as amended. This statute authorizes the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to establish and enforce regulations governing dam safety statewide.
Program Responsibilities
The Dam Safety Section is responsible for:
- Reviewing and issuing permits for dam construction and operation.
- Inspecting dams regulated by the state.
- Educating dam owners and the public on best practices and safety.
- Overseeing Emergency Action Plan implementation.
- Responding to dam-related emergencies.
- Maintaining an inventory and database of regulated dams.
- Coordinating collection of annual permit fees (managed through the Financial Affairs Office).
Jurisdiction
Dams regulated by the state include those that are:
- 25 feet or taller, and
- Impound 50 acre-feet or more of water at normal pool elevation, unless owned by the United States government.
Smaller dams may also be subject to regulation if they pose a threat to life or property, based on downstream petitions and public hearing outcomes.
Hazard Classification System
The state uses a three-tiered hazard classification to assess potential downstream impacts in the event of dam failure:
- High Hazard: Likely loss of human life; economic damage exceeding $500,000.
- Significant Hazard: No expected loss of life; economic damage between $100,000 and $500,000.
- Low Hazard: No expected loss of life; economic damage under $100,000.
Inspection and Emergency Planning
Owners of regulated dams must:
- Conduct a visual inspection at least once per year and after any major storm event.
- Submit inspection results to the state within 10 days.
- Report any deterioration or repairs made to the dam.
All High Hazard dams are required to have a current Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including:
- At least one tabletop exercise each year.
- A full test drill every three years.
Dam Safety staff are available to assist with inspections, EAP development, and training.
Arkansas Dam Inventory
According to the National Inventory of Dams and state data:
- Arkansas has 1,257 total dams.
- 416 dams fall under state jurisdiction.
- 57 dams are federally operated (e.g., by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Defense).
- The remainder are below the state’s regulatory threshold.
A map of regulated dams is available on the Dam Safety Information Dashboard.
Program Contact: Whit Montague
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3969