New Outreach Program
This month’s hurricane forecast still predicts an active storm season, which may mean very heavy rains inland. Heavy ongoing downpours from tropical storms and even intense seasonal rains can produce severe stresses on Texas dams. More than 1,700 of those dams are classified as “High-Hazard Potential” (HHP) or “Significant-Hazard Potential” (SHP), meaning potential loss of life should the dam breach. Hundreds of these dams still need Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

An EAP can provide a blueprint for the prompt notification and evacuation of people who may be in harm’s way. For example, the EAP for Lake Livingston was implemented when brutal weather from Hurricane Rita caused damage that threatened the dam. New Texas dam safety regulations require EAPs to be completed on SHP and HHP dams by December 31 unless the owner has been granted an extension of time by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Dam Safety Program.  

A new outreach and...