Section 250-RICR-130-05-1.11 - InspectionsA. Scheduled Inspections 1. Regulated dams shall be inspected in accordance with the following schedule. These time periods are the maximum time between inspections and more frequent inspections may be performed at the discretion of the Director. Hazard Classification | Minimum Inspection Frequency | Type of Inspection |
High | 2 years | Visual |
Significant | 5 years | Visual |
Low | 5 years | Hazard Classification Assessment |
2. The Director shall periodically perform or require the owner to perform a visual inspection of all high hazard dams and significant hazard dams. The Director will notify the owner by certified letter in the event that the Department will require the owner to perform a visual inspection of the dam. The owner must then retain a qualified engineer to perform a visual inspection of the dam. Visual inspection by a qualified engineer must be completed within sixty (60) days following receipt of notification from the Director.3. At any time, the owner may elect to employ the services of a qualified engineer to perform a visual inspection of his or her dam.4. Whenever the findings of the visual inspection reveal, in the opinion of the Director, that the dam may be unsafe, the owner shall be required to retain a qualified engineer to perform a detailed investigation of the dam and to provide a schedule by which any work needed shall be accomplished. The owner shall be responsible for completing all work required by the Director and in a reasonable time frame required by the Director.5. Evaluations of regulated, low hazard dams shall be conducted by the Director at least every five (5) years to determine whether conditions have changed over time that warrant raising the hazard classification to significant or high. If the Director determines the classification of a low hazard dam should be raised to significant or high, the owner shall be informed of the classification change in accordance with § 1.9(B) of this Part.B. Unscheduled Inspections 1. Any person who has cause to believe that an unsafe dam exists may make a request to the Director to inspect the dam. If in the opinion of the Director, the failure of the dam will result in a probable loss of human life or cause major economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities or impact other concerns detrimental to the public's health, safety or welfare, then the Director shall perform a visual inspection, or cause a visual inspection to be performed, of the dam to determine if the dam is unsafe.2. The Director shall, whenever he or she has cause to believe that an unsafe dam exists, perform a visual inspection, or cause a visual inspection to be performed, of the dam to determine if the dam is unsafe.C. Inspections 1. Visual Inspections A qualified engineer or a Department dam engineer must perform a visual inspection. The visual inspection shall include an assessment of the condition of the major components of the dam subjectively rated as good, fair or poor. The major components of a dam are the embankment(s), the spillway(s) and the low level control structure(s). Good is defined as meeting minimum guidelines, where no irregularities are observed and the component appears to be maintained properly. Fair is defined as a component that requires maintenance. Poor is defined as a component that has deteriorated beyond a maintenance issue and requires repair; the component no longer functions as it was originally intended.
2. Detailed Investigations A qualified engineer must perform a detailed investigation. A detailed investigation may include soil analysis, concrete or earth stability analysis, materials testing, foundation explorations, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis, including basin studies, flood potential, and an analysis of the dam's ability to pass flood waters.
D. Inspection Reports A report must be prepared for each visual inspection or detailed investigation. If deficiencies are found, the report must identify the specific deficiencies and, when warranted, specify further investigation or corrective measures. The report, completed by a qualified engineer retained by a dam owner, must provide a recommended schedule to complete any work identified as necessary to correct the deficiencies noted in the report. Such reports must be provided to the dam owner and the Director within thirty (30) days of the date of the visual inspection or within sixty (60) days of the date of the detailed investigation.
250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-130-05-1.11