Your Dam Your Responsibility (PDF~1.2MB)

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Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment
Melbourne, March 2007
© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2007
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the
provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne
Printed by CMA 2/47 Wangara Road, Cheltenham Victoria 3192
Printed on 100% Recycled paper
ISBN 17 4106 2284
For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186
Disclaimer and Warning
This booklet is intended for use only as a guide to owners and operators of farm dams. It outlines prudent
approaches to normal dam surveillance and maintenance practice with a view to enhancing the long-term
safety and operation of farm dams. Notwithstanding the detail in some sections, the booklet is not intended
as a manual or as a source of detailed information to cover all possible eventualities.
The successful planning, design, construction and operation of any particular dam will depend not only
on application of general principles or guidelines, but also on a combination of technical factors which are
peculiar to that dam and which will generally not be apparent in their entirety or significance to persons
other than professionals who are experienced in this work, even for small farm dams.
Therefore, while this booklet has been prepared in good faith, no responsibility is taken by its authors or the
State of Victoria for any outcome of the application of its contents to any particular dam, whether existing
or proposed. Readers of this booklet are further warned that application of its contents to any particular
situation should not be attempted without advice from a suitably qualified engineer.
Furthermore, in the event of any suspected, imminent or potential failure condition, expert advice should
be sought immediately. Also notify the local Licensing Authority, Police, Department of Sustainability and
Environment (Emergency Co-ordination Centre) and State Emergency Service as a matter of urgency.
Acknowledgments
The Department of Sustainability and Environment wishes to acknowledge the contributions from SMEC
Victoria Pty Ltd, PRA Consulting Group Pty Ltd and members of the Farm Dam Construction Working Group
representing Goulburn-Murray Water, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Southern Rural Water, Melbourne
Water, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Infrastructure.