Your Dam Your Responsibility (PDF~1.2MB)

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1 Introduction It makes good business sense to build a farm dam properly. It is a business investment for any landowner; an asset which can assure the health of the crops or livestock which the property supports. Victorian legislation highlights the seriousness of the owner’s responsibility to make sure that each dam is safe. <strong>Dam</strong>s are deceptively simple structures in appearance. Despite outward appearances, there is always the possibility that the dam might experience either partial or total failure causing damage downstream. This could result in loss of life, injury to people or livestock, damage to houses, buildings, railways and roads or interruption to public utility services (eg. electricity) as well as environmental damage. If a dam fails, the additional loss of income resulting from lack of water could result in substantial economic consequences. The fact that dam failures in Australia are very seldom reported in the press can lead to a false impression that failures of farm dams are both rare and of little consequence. Statistics on dam failures are difficult to find, but a study of farm dams in New South Wales shows a 23% failure rate. This booklet is designed to assist both present and future dam owners to understand their responsibilities and legal obligations. It includes: • guidance on good practice in design, construction and management of farm dams; and • an outline of the owner’s responsibilities for licensing for both new and existing dams. Having a dam built by someone else or taking over ownership of an existing dam does not necessarily clear you of your dam safety and operational responsibilities (‘let the buyer beware’). To meet the responsibility that comes with owning a dam, you need to carry out good safety surveillance and maintenance practices. Surveillance is the routine and regular inspection of the dam, looking for changes that may give an early warning that all is not well and that a problem may be developing. As a dam owner, you have an important role to play in the dam safety process. Frequent visits to the dam are needed to enable you to observe any problems that may be developing. PHOTO COURTESY OF D PLANT 1 A poorly built or maintained dam can cost the owner more to repair than a dam that is properly built and well looked after. 1
2 1 1 Introduction A property owner who is planning to build a new dam will contribute to the safety of the dam by: • having the dam properly planned and designed; • having it properly constructed to meet design requirements and specifications; and • ensuring that professional advice is obtained for the above purposes. An owner of an existing dam will contribute to the safety of the dam by: • carrying out safety surveillance procedures; • properly operating and maintaining the dam; and • where needed, undertaking safety upgrades. Sections 2 and 3 of this booklet give more information on the dam owner’s legal responsibilities. Legal requirements that affect farm dams include the need for: (a) a Take and Use Licence for all irrigation and commercial dams, issued by a Licensing Authority; (b) a Construction and Operating Licence (also known as a Works Licence) for dams that fall into certain categories, issued by a Licensing Authority; and (c) Local Government Authority Planning Permits required by some local Councils and Shires. Licensing requirements are explained in more detail in Section 3. Note: Appendix A provides some useful hints about how to conduct dam safety inspections, whilst Appendix B provides information on common problems and how to recognise and fix them.
Page 1 and 2: Irrigation and Commercial Farm Dams
Page 3 and 4: ii Published by the Victorian Gover
Page 5 and 6: iv Contents 6 Safety Surveillance .
Page 10 and 11: 2 Risks Posed by Dams 2.1 Owner’s
Page 12 and 13: 2 Risks Posed by Dams The most comm
Page 14 and 15: 2 Risks Posed by Dams 2 Note: The r
Page 16 and 17: 3 Licensing Requirements for Farm D
Page 18 and 19: 3 Licensing Requirements for Farm D
Page 20 and 21: 4 Planning to Build a Dam It is imp
Page 22 and 23: 4 Planning to Build a Dam 4.3 Types
Page 24 and 25: 4 Planning to Build a Dam 4 2. Turk
Page 26 and 27: 4 Planning to Build a Dam becomes a
Page 28 and 29: 4 Planning to Build a Dam 4.6.2 Ext
Page 30 and 31: 5 Construction of a Dam Mixing tops
Page 32 and 33: 5 Construction of a Dam is inviting
Page 34 and 35: 6 Safety Surveillance 6.1 Purpose o
Page 36 and 37: 6 Safety Surveillance QUICK VISUAL
Page 38 and 39: 6 Safety Surveillance 6 Warning: If
Page 40 and 41: 7 Operation and Maintenance of Dams
Page 48 and 49: 8 Dam Failure Emergency Section 8 i
Page 50 and 51: 8 Dam Failure Emergency Action 4. I
Page 52 and 53: 9 Decommissioning of Dams 9 The sit
Page 54 and 55: 10 Glossary of Terms Cut-off An imp
Page 56 and 57: 10 Glossary of Terms Monitoring Rec
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Publications directly relevant to f
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Appendix A A • probe - a ten-mill
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Appendix A Inspection Procedures Ge
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Appendix A A and the resistance to
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Appendix B 1. Seepage Problem Possi
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Appendix B Problem Possible Causes
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Appendix B 2. Cracking, Deformation
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Appendix B 3. Miscellaneous Problem
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Appendix B utlet Works and Concrete
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Appendix C The depth of the core tr
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Appendix C will be needed. In stabl
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Appendix C The width of the dischar
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Appendix C Other Pipe Details At th
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D Figure C-4: Design guide for a fa
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