Natural Resources, Water Rights

Rule R655-12

Requirements for Operational Dams

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 34959
Filed: 06/22/2011 12:38:19 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The current rule requires clarification and update to current industry practice.

Summary of the rule or change:

In Section R655-12-3, makes a clarification. In Section R655-12-4, makes a clarification and aligns with statute. In Section R655-12-4A, makes a clarification. In Section R655-12-4B, makes a clarification. In Section R655-12-6, makes a clarification and aligns with statute.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Title 73, Chapter 5a

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No cost involved, clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

local governments:

No cost involved, clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

small businesses:

No cost involved, clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

No cost involved, clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

No cost involved, clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

No physical impact, clarification of process procedures does not require a dollar figure.

Michael Styler, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Natural Resources
Water Rights
1594 W NORTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3154

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Marianne Burbidge at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7370, by FAX at 801-538-7467, or by Internet E-mail at marianneburbidge@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/15/2011

This rule may become effective on:

11/12/2011

Authorized by:

Michael Styler, Executive Director

R655. Natural Resources, Water Rights.

R655-12. Requirements for Operational Dams.

R655-12-3. Initial Filling[ Plans].

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.

 

R655-12-4. Operation and Maintenance.[Standard Operating Plans.]

All dams that [have a hazard designation of high or moderate ]requir e[ing] 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.

Dam owners shall maintain records of all operation and maintenance of the dam and appurtenant structures. [All operating reports produced by the owner or his agents]Copies of these records must be submitted to the State Engineer, upon his request, within 30 days.

 

R655-12-6. Emergency Action Plans.

All owners of high hazard and moderate hazard dams that require submission of plans pursuant to section 73-5a-202 shall prepare, maintain, and exercise an emergency action plan.

 

KEY: dam safety, dams, reservoirs

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [December 10, 2003]2011

Notice of Continuation: April 14, 2011

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 73-5a