By Lynn Steyaert and Laura Schroeder
As a result of concerns relating to failures of unpermitted dams, the Department of Ecology issued notice that owners of small reservoirs built without permits must report their dams for safety inspections by September 1, 2008 or face possible fines. Â Following an inspection, owners may be required to hire an engineer to provide recommendations on how to bring facilities up to safety standards.
To reduce the possibility of dam breaches that create hazards for people and property downstream, the department has been scanning aerial photographs statewide to locate existing un-permitted reservoirs that are two acres or more that may hold 10 acre-feet of water or more. Under RCW 90.03.350, the Department is responsible for regulating water reservoirs capable of storing 10 acre-feet or more above ground level for any use. As of August 4, 2008, the Department reported having spotted 594 un-permitted dams of two acres or more, with 244 of those appearing to be high hazard dams.
Owners, who fail to report their reservoirs, obtain needed state permits, and correct deficiencies, may face fines of up to $5,000 per day. Â The Department may also order dangerous reservoirs be drained and dams removed. Â The Department further recommends that even those reservoirs not requiring a permit, should be designed by licensed engineers and inspected periodically, as the owner may be liable for property damage if their dam were to fail.
