Iowa Admin. Code r. 567-73.4

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024

Rule 567-73.4 - Assignment of hazard potential

All existing and proposed dams reviewed by the department shall be assigned a hazard potential. Anticipated future land and impoundment use shall be considered in the determination of hazard potential. The hazard potential shall be determined using the following criteria:

(1)Low hazard. A dam shall be classified as "low hazard" if failure of the dam would result in no probable loss of human life, low economic losses, and low public damages.

(2)Significant hazard. A dam shall be classified as "significant hazard" if failure of the dam would result in no probable loss of human life but may damage residential structures or industrial, commercial, or public buildings; may negatively impact important public utilities or moderately traveled roads or railroads; or may result in significant economic losses or significant public damages.

(3)High hazard. A dam shall be classified as "high hazard" if located in an area where failure would result in probable loss of human life.

(4)Consideration of changes affecting hazard potential. In locating the site of a dam and in obtaining easements and rights-of-way, the applicant shall consider the impacts to the hazard potential of a dam from anticipated changes in land use downstream or adjacent to the impoundment, the operation of the dam, and the potential liability of the dam owner.

(5)Changes in hazard potential. Any future changes in downstream land use, development, impoundment use, or critical hydraulic structures shall require a reevaluation of the hazard potential of the dam. If the hazard potential of the dam changes, the dam shall be required to meet all applicable criteria for that hazard potential. This may require additional increases in spillway capacity for the dam. The owner and any other persons responsible for the construction and operation of the dam shall assume all risks for future costs to upgrade a dam in the event there is a change in hazard potential.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 567-73.4

Amended by IAB September 8, 2021/Volume XLIV, Number 5, effective 10/13/2021