Part II. Permit Requirements
4VAC50-20-60. Required permits.
A. No person or entity shall construct or begin to construct a new impounding structure until the board has issued a construction permit.
B. No person or entity shall alter or begin to alter an existing impounding structure until the board has issued an alteration permit. If an owner or the owner's engineer has determined that circumstances are impacting the integrity of the impounding structure that could result in the imminent failure of the impounding structure, temporary repairs may be initiated prior to approval from the board. The owner shall notify the department within 24 hours of identifying the circumstances impacting the integrity of the impounding structure. Such emergency notification shall not relieve the owner of the need to obtain an alteration permit as soon as may be practicable, nor shall the owner take action beyond that necessary to address the emergency situation.
C. When the owner submits an application to the board for any permit to construct or alter an impounding structure, the owner shall also inform the local government jurisdiction or jurisdictions that might be affected by the permit application.
D. In evaluating construction and alteration permit applications the director shall use the design criteria and standards referenced in 4VAC50-20-320.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR625-01-00 § 2.1, eff. February 1, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2008.
4VAC50-20-70. Construction permits.
A. Prior to preparing the complete design report for a Construction Permit, applicants may submit a preliminary design report to the department to determine if the project concept is acceptable to the department. The preliminary design report should contain, at a minimum, a general description of subdivisions 1 through 12 of subsection B of this section and subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection:
1. Proposed design criteria and a description of the size of the impounding structure, ground cover conditions, extent of current upstream development within the watershed and the hydraulic, hydrological and structural features, geologic conditions and the geotechnical engineering assumptions used to determine the foundation, impoundment rim stability and materials to be used.
2. Preliminary drawings of a general nature, including cross sections, plans and profiles of the impounding structure, proposed pool levels and types of spillway(s).
B. An applicant for a Construction Permit shall submit a design report. A form for the design report is available from the department (Design Report for the Construction or Alteration of Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures). The design report shall be prepared in accordance with 4VAC50-20-240. The design report is a required element of a complete application for a Construction Permit and shall include the following information:
1. Project information including a description of the proposed construction, name of the impounding structure, inventory number if available, name of the reservoir, and the purpose of the reservoir.
2. The proposed hazard potential classification in conformance with Table 1 of 4VAC50-20-50.
3. Location of the impounding structure including the city or county, number of feet or miles upstream or downstream of a highway and the highway number, name of the river or the stream, and the latitude and longitude.
4. Owner's name or representative if corporation, mailing address, residential and business telephone numbers, and other means of communication.
5. Owner's engineer's name, firm, professional engineer Virginia number, mailing address, and business telephone number.
6. Impounding structure data including type of material (earth, concrete, masonry or other) and the following design configurations:
a. Top of impounding structure (elevation);
b. Downstream toe – lowest (elevation);
c. Height of impounding structure (feet);
d. Crest length – exclusive of spillway (feet);
e. Crest width (feet);
f. Upstream slope (horizontal to vertical); and
g. Downstream slope (horizontal to vertical).
7. Reservoir data including the following:
a. Maximum capacity (acre-feet);
b. Maximum pool (elevation);
c. Maximum pool surface area (acres);
d. Normal capacity (acre-feet);
e. Normal pool (elevation);
f. Normal pool surface area (acres); and
g. Freeboard (feet).
8. Spillway data including the type, construction material, design configuration, and invert elevation for the low level drain, the principal spillway, and the emergency spillway.
9. Watershed data including drainage area (square miles); type and extent of watershed development; time of concentration (hours); routing procedure; spillway design flood used and state source; design inflow hydrograph volume (acre-feet), peak inflow (cfs), and rainfall duration (hours); and freeboard during passage of the spillway design flood (feet).
10. A description of properties located in the dam break inundation zone downstream from the site of the proposed impounding structure, including the location and number of structures, buildings, roads, utilities and other property that would be endangered should the impounding structure fail.
11. Evidence that the local government or governments have been notified of the proposal by the owner to build an impounding structure.
12. Maps showing the location of the proposed impounding structure that include: the county or city in which the proposed impounding structure would be located, the location of roads and access to the site, and the outline of the impoundment. Existing aerial photographs or existing topographic maps may be used for this purpose.
13. A report of the geotechnical investigations of the foundation soils, bedrock, or both and of the materials to be used to construct the impounding structure.
14. Design assumptions and analyses sufficient to indicate that the impounding structure will be stable during its construction and during the life of the impounding structure under all conditions of impoundment operations, including rapid filling, flood surcharge, seismic loadings, and rapid drawdown of the impoundment.
15. Evaluation of the stability of the impoundment rim area to safeguard against impoundment rim slides of such magnitude as to create waves capable of overtopping the impounding structure and evaluation of rim stability during seismic activity.
16. Design assumptions and analyses sufficient to indicate that seepage in, around, through or under the impounding structure, foundation and abutments will be reasonably and practically controlled so that internal or external forces or results thereof will not endanger the stability and integrity of the impounding structure. The design report shall also include information on graded filter design.
17. Calculations and assumptions relative to hydraulic and structural design of the spillway or spillways and energy dissipater or dissipaters. Spillway capacity shall conform to the criteria of Table 1 and 4VAC50-20-52.
18. Provisions to ensure that the impounding structure and appurtenances will be protected against unacceptable deterioration or erosion due to freezing and thawing, wind, wave action, and rain or any combination thereof.
19. Other pertinent design data, assumptions and analyses commensurate with the nature of the particular impounding structure and specific site conditions, including when required by this chapter, a plan and water surface profile of the dam break inundation zone.
20. A description of the techniques to be used to divert stream flow during construction so as to prevent hazard to life, health and property, including a detailed plan and procedures to maintain a stable impounding structure during storm events, a drawing showing temporary diversion devices, and a description of the potential impoundment during construction. Such diversion plans shall also be in accordance with applicable environmental laws.
21. A plan for project construction monitoring and quality control testing to confirm that construction materials and performance standards meet the design requirements set forth in the specifications.
22. Plans and specifications as required by 4VAC50-20-310.
23. Certification by the owner's engineer that the information provided pursuant to this subsection is true and correct in their professional judgment. Such certification shall include the engineer's signature, printed name, Virginia number, date, and the engineer's Virginia seal.
24. Owner's signature certifying receipt of the information provided pursuant to this subsection.
C. A plan of construction is a required element of a complete permit application for a Construction Permit and shall include:
1. A construction sequence with milestones.
2. Elements of the work plan that should be considered include, but are not limited to, foundation and abutment treatment, stream or river diversion, excavation and material fill processes, phased fill and compaction, testing and control procedures, construction of permanent spillway and drainage devices.
3. The erosion and sediment control plan, as approved by the local government, which minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation during all phases of construction.
4. The stormwater management plan or stormwater management facility plan, as approved by the local government, if the impounding structure is a stormwater management best management practice.
D. A Temporary Emergency Action Plan is a required element of a complete application for a Construction Permit and shall include:
1. A notification list of state and local emergency response agencies;
2. Provisions for notification of potentially affected residences and structures;
3. Construction site evacuation routes; and
4. Any other special notes particular to the project.
E. Within 120 days of receipt of a complete Construction Permit Application the board shall act on the application. If the application is not acceptable, the director shall inform the applicant within 60 days of receipt and shall explain what changes are required for an acceptable application. A complete Construction Permit Application consists of the following:
1. A final design report, submitted on the department form (Design Report for the Construction or Alteration of Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures), with attachments as needed, and certified by the owner and the owner's engineer;
2. A plan of construction that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section; and
3. A Temporary Emergency Action Plan that meets the requirements of subsection D of this section.
F. Prior to and during construction the owner shall provide the director with any proposed changes from the approved design, plans, specifications, or plan of construction. Approval shall be obtained from the director prior to the construction or installation of any changes that will affect the integrity or impounding capacity of the impounding structure.
G. The Construction Permit shall be valid for the plan of construction specified in the Construction Permit Application.
H. Construction must commence within two years after the permit is issued. If construction does not commence within two years after the permit is issued, the permit shall expire, except that the applicant may petition the board for extension of the two-year period and the board may extend such period for good cause with an appropriately updated plan of construction and Temporary Emergency Action Plan.
I. The board, the director, or both may take any necessary action consistent with the Dam Safety Act (§ 10.1-604 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) if any terms of this section or of the permit are violated, if the activities of the owner are not in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, if construction is conducted in a manner hazardous to downstream life or property, or for other cause as described in the Act.
J. Within 90 days after completion of the construction of an impounding structure, the owner shall submit:
1. A complete set of record drawings signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and signed by the owner:
2. A complete Record Report (Record Report for Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures) signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and signed by the owner that includes:
a. Project information including the name and inventory number of the structure, name of the reservoir, and whether the report is associated with a new or old structure;
b. Location of the impounding structure including the city or county, number of feet or miles upstream or downstream of a highway and the highway number, name of the river or the stream, and the latitude and longitude;
c. Owner's name or representative if corporation, mailing address, residential and business telephone numbers, and other means of communication;
d. Information on the design report, including who it was prepared by, the date of design report preparation, whether it was for new construction or for an alteration, and the permit issuance date;
e. Owner's engineer's name, firm, professional engineer Virginia number, mailing address, and business telephone number;
f. Impounding structure data including type of material (earth, concrete, masonry or other) and the following configurations:
(1) Top of impounding structure (elevation);
(2) Downstream toe – lowest (elevation);
(3) Height of impounding structure (feet);
(4) Crest length – exclusive of spillway (feet);
(5) Crest width (feet);
(6) Upstream slope (horizontal to vertical); and
(7) Downstream slope (horizontal to vertical).
g. Reservoir data including the following:
(1) Maximum capacity (acre-feet);
(2) Maximum pool (elevation);
(3) Maximum pool surface area (acres);
(4) Normal capacity (acre-feet);
(5) Normal pool (elevation);
(6) Normal pool surface area (acres); and
(7) Freeboard (feet).
h. Spillway data including the type, construction material, design configuration, and invert elevation for the low level drain, the principal spillway, and the emergency spillway; a description of the low level drain and principal spillway including dimensions, trash guard information, and orientation of intake and discharge to impounding structure if looking downstream; and a description of the emergency spillway including dimensions and orientation to impounding structure if looking downstream;
i. Watershed data including drainage area (square miles); type and extent of watershed development; time of concentration (hours); routing procedure; spillway design flood used and state source; design inflow hydrograph volume (acre-feet), peak inflow (cfs), and rainfall duration (hours); and freeboard during passage of the spillway design flood (feet);
j. Impounding structure history including the date construction was completed, who it was designed by and the date, who it was built by and the date, who performed inspections and dates, description of repairs, and confirmation as to whether the impounding structure has ever been overtopped;
k. A narrative describing the impounding structure procedures for operation, maintenance, filling, emergency action plan implementation, and structure evaluation;
l. A narrative describing the hydraulic and hydrologic data on the spillway design flood, hydrologic records, flood experience, flood potential, reservoir regulation, and comments or recommendations regarding these attributes;
m. A narrative describing stability of the foundation and abutments, embankment materials, and a written evaluation of each;
n. A complete set of record drawings signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and signed by the owner;
o. Certification by the owner's engineer that the information provided pursuant to subdivision J 2 of this section is true and correct in their professional judgment. Such certification shall include the engineer's signature, printed name, Virginia number, date, and the engineer's Virginia seal; and
p. Owner's signature certifying receipt of the information provided pursuant to subdivision J 2 of this section.
3. Certification from the licensed professional engineer who has monitored construction of the impounding structure during construction that, to the best of the engineer's judgment, knowledge and belief, the impounding structure and its appurtenances were constructed in conformance with the plans, specifications, drawings and other requirements approved by the board;
4. Operation and Maintenance Certificate Application (Operation and Maintenance Certificate Application for Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures) in accordance with 4VAC50-20-105; and
5. Emergency Action Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plan in accordance with 4VAC50-20-175 or 4VAC50-20-177.
K. Upon completion of construction, the impoundment may be filled upon board issuance of an Operation and Maintenance Certificate.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR625-01-00 § 2.2, eff. February 1, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 14, eff. July 1, 2002; Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2008.
4VAC50-20-80. Alterations permits.
A. Alterations which would potentially affect the structural integrity of an impounding structure include, but are not limited to, changing the height or otherwise enlarging the dam, increasing normal pool or principal spillway elevation or physical dimensions, changing the elevation or physical dimensions of the emergency spillway, conducting necessary repairs or structural maintenance, or removing the impounding structure. Structural maintenance does not include routine maintenance.
B. An applicant for an Alteration Permit shall submit a design report. A form for the design report is available from the department (Design Report for the Construction or Alteration of Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures). The design report shall be prepared in accordance with 4VAC50-20-240. The design report shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
1. Project information including a description and benefits of the proposed alteration, name of the impounding structure, inventory number if available, name of the reservoir, and the purpose of the reservoir.
2. The hazard potential classification in conformance with Table 1 in 4VAC50-20-50.
3. Location of the impounding structure including the city or county, number of feet or miles upstream or downstream of a highway and the highway number, name of the river or the stream, and the latitude and longitude.
4. Owner's name or representative if corporation, mailing address, residential and business telephone numbers, and other means of communication.
5. Owner's engineer's name, firm, professional engineer Virginia number, mailing address, and business telephone number.
6. Impounding structure data including type of material (earth, concrete, masonry or other) and the following configurations (note both existing and design configurations for each):
a. Top of impounding structure (elevation);
b. Downstream toe – lowest (elevation);
c. Height of impounding structure (feet);
d. Crest length – exclusive of spillway (feet);
e. Crest width (feet);
f. Upstream slope (horizontal to vertical); and
g. Downstream slope (horizontal to vertical).
7. Reservoir data including the following (note both existing and design configurations for each):
a. Maximum capacity (acre-feet);
b. Maximum pool (elevation);
c. Maximum pool surface area (acres);
d. Normal capacity (acre-feet);
e. Normal pool (elevation);
f. Normal pool surface area (acres); and
g. Freeboard (feet).
8. Spillway data including the type, construction material, design configuration, and invert elevation for the low level drain, the principal spillway, and the emergency spillway.
9. Watershed data including drainage area (square miles); type and extent of watershed development; time of concentration (hours); routing procedure; spillway design flood used and state source; design inflow hydrograph volume (acre-feet), peak inflow (cfs), and rainfall duration (hours); and freeboard during passage of the spillway design flood (feet).
10. Evidence that the local government has been notified of the alteration and repair plan.
11. Plans and specifications as required by 4VAC50-20-310. The plan view of the impounding structure site should represent all significant structures and improvements that illustrate the location of all proposed work.
12. A report of the geotechnical investigations of the foundation soils, bedrock, or both in the areas affected by the proposed alterations and of the materials to be used to alter the impounding structure.
13. Design assumptions and analyses sufficient to indicate that the impounding structure will be stable during the alteration of the impounding structure under all conditions of reservoir operations.
14. Calculations and assumptions relative to design of the improved spillway or spillways, if applicable.
15. Provisions to ensure that the impounding structure and appurtenances during the alteration will be protected against unacceptable deterioration or erosion due to freezing and thawing, wind, wave action and rain or any combination thereof.
16. Other pertinent design data, assumptions and analyses commensurate with the nature of the particular impounding structure and specific site conditions, including when required by this chapter, a plan and water surface profile of the dam break inundation zone.
17. If applicable, a description of the techniques to be used to divert stream flow during alteration work so as to prevent hazard to life, health and property, including a detailed plan and procedures to maintain a stable impounding structure during storm events, a drawing showing temporary diversion devices, and a description of the potential impoundment during the alteration. Such diversion plans shall be in accordance with the applicable environmental laws.
18. A plan for project construction monitoring and quality control testing to confirm that materials used in the alteration work and that performance standards meet the design requirements set forth in the specifications.
19. Certification by the owner's engineer that the information provided pursuant to this subsection is true and correct in their professional judgment. Such certification shall include the engineer's signature, printed name, Virginia number, date, and the engineer's Virginia seal.
20. Owner's signature certifying receipt of the information provided pursuant to this subsection.
C. A plan of construction is a required element of complete permit application and shall include:
1. A construction sequence with milestones.
2. Elements of the work plan that should be considered include, but are not limited to, foundation and abutment treatment, excavation and material fill processes, phased fill and compaction, testing and control procedures, construction of permanent spillway and drainage devices, if applicable.
3. The erosion and sediment control plan, as approved by the local government, which minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation during all phases of construction.
D. Within 120 days of receipt of a complete Alteration Permit Application, the board shall act on the application. If the application is not acceptable, the director shall inform the applicant within 60 days of receipt and shall explain what changes are required for an acceptable application. A complete Alteration Permit Application consists of the following:
1. A final design report with attachments as needed, and certified by the owner;
2. A plan of construction that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section;
3. Any necessary interim provisions to the current Emergency Action Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plan. Interim provisions shall be submitted to the local organization for emergency management, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and the department; and
4. If the owner is requesting the deregulation of an impounding structure, the application shall specify whether the impounding structure is to be removed so that the impounding structure is incapable of storing water, either temporarily or permanently; or whether the impounding structure is to be altered in such a manner that either the height or storage capacity of the impounding structure causes the impounding structure to be of less than regulated size.
E. During the alteration work, the owner shall provide the director with any proposed changes from the approved design, plans, specifications, or a plan of construction. Approval shall be obtained from the director prior to the alteration or installation of any changes that will affect the integrity or impounding capacity of the impounding structure.
F. The Alteration Permit shall be valid for the construction sequence with milestones specified in the approved Alteration Permit Application.
G. Work identified in the Alteration Permit must commence within the time frame identified in the Alteration Permit. If work does not commence within the prescribed time frame, the permit shall expire, except that the applicant may petition the board for extension of the prescribed time frame and the board may extend such period for good cause with an updated construction sequence with milestones.
H. The board, the director, or both may take any necessary action consistent with the Dam Safety Act (§ 10.1-604 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) if any terms of this section or of the permit are violated, if the activities of the owner are not in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, if the alteration is conducted in a manner hazardous to downstream life or property, or for other cause as described in the Act.
I. Within 90 days after completion of the alteration of an impounding structure, the owner shall submit a complete Record Report. A form for the Record Report is available from the department (Record Report for Virginia Regulated Impounding Structures). The Record Report shall be signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and signed by the owner and shall be sent to the department indicating that the modifications made to the structural features of the impounding structure have been completed. This report is not required when the Alteration Permit has been issued for the removal of an impounding structure. The Record Report shall include the following:
1. Project information including the name and inventory number of the structure, name of the reservoir, and whether the report is associated with a new or old structure;
2. Location of the impounding structure including the city or county, number of feet or miles upstream or downstream of a highway and the highway number, name of the river or the stream, and the latitude and longitude;
3. Owner's name or representative if corporation, mailing address, residential and business telephone numbers, and other means of communication;
4. Information on the design report, including who it was prepared by, the date of design report preparation, whether it was for new construction or for an alteration, and the permit issuance date;
5. Owner's engineer's name, firm, professional engineer Virginia number, mailing address, and business telephone number;
6. Impounding structure data including type of material (earth, concrete, masonry or other) and the following configurations:
a. Top of impounding structure (elevation);
b. Downstream toe – lowest (elevation);
c. Height of impounding structure (feet);
d. Crest length – exclusive of spillway (feet);
e. Crest width (feet);
f. Upstream slope (horizontal to vertical); and
g. Downstream slope (horizontal to vertical).
7. Reservoir data including the following:
a. Maximum capacity (acre-feet);
b. Maximum pool (elevation);
c. Maximum pool surface area (acres);
d. Normal capacity (acre-feet);
e. Normal pool (elevation);
f. Normal pool surface area (acres); and
g. Freeboard (feet).
8. Spillway data including the type, construction material, design configuration, and invert elevation for the low level drain, the principal spillway, and the emergency spillway; a description of the low level drain and principal spillway including dimensions, trash guard information, and orientation of intake and discharge to impounding structure if looking downstream; and a description of the emergency spillway including dimensions and orientation to impounding structure if looking downstream;
9. Watershed data including drainage area (square miles); type and extent of watershed development; time of concentration (hours); routing procedure; spillway design flood used and state source; design inflow hydrograph volume (acre-feet), peak inflow (cfs), and rainfall duration (hours); and freeboard during passage of the spillway design flood (feet);
10. Impounding structure history including the date construction was completed, who it was designed by and the date, who it was built by and the date, who performed inspections and dates, description of repairs, and confirmation as to whether the impounding structure has ever been overtopped;
11. A narrative describing the impounding structure procedures for operation, maintenance, emergency action plan implementation, and structure evaluation;
12. A narrative describing the hydraulic and hydrologic data on the spillway design flood, hydrologic records, flood experience, flood potential, reservoir regulation, and comments or recommendations regarding these attributes;
13. A narrative describing stability of the foundation and abutments, embankment materials, and a written evaluation of each;
14. A complete set of record drawings signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and signed by the owner;
15. Certification by the owner's engineer that the information provided pursuant to this subsection is true and correct in their professional judgment. Such certification shall include the engineer's signature, printed name, Virginia number, date, and the engineer's Virginia seal; and
16. Owner's signature certifying receipt of the information provided pursuant to this subsection.
J. For altered impounding structures, a certification from a licensed professional engineer who has monitored the alteration of the impounding structure that, to the best of the engineer's judgment, knowledge, and belief, the impounding structure and its appurtenances were altered in conformance with the plans, specifications, drawings and other requirements approved by the board.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR625-01-00 § 2.3, eff. February 1, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2008.
4VAC50-20-90. Transfer of permits.
A. Prior to the transfer of ownership of a permitted impounding structure the permittee shall notify the director in writing and the new owner shall file a transfer notification with the department. A form for the transfer notification is available from the department (Transfer of Impounding Structure Notification form Past Owner to New Owner). The new owner shall amend the existing permit application as necessary and shall certify to the director that he is aware of and will comply with all of the requirements and conditions of the permit.
B. The transfer notification shall include the following required information:
1. Project information including the name and inventory number of the structure, name of the reservoir, and impoundment hazard classification;
2. Location of the impounding structure including the city or county, number of feet or miles upstream or downstream of a highway and the highway number, name of the river or the stream, and the latitude and longitude;
3. Type of certificates and permits to be transferred including effective date and expiration date of all certificates and permits;
4. Past owner's name, mailing address, and residential and business telephone numbers;
5. New owner's name, mailing address, and residential and business telephone numbers;
6. Request to transfer certification statement signed and dated by the past owner;
7. Certification of compliance with permit or certificate with all said terms and conditions signed and dated by the new owner; and
8. Contact information updates for Emergency Action Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plan provided by the new owner. Such updates shall include the name, mailing address, and residential and business telephone numbers for the impounding structure owner, impounding structure operator, rainfall and staff gage observer, and alternate observer.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR625-01-00 § 2.4, eff. February 1, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2008.
4VAC50-20-100. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR625-01-00 § 3.1, eff. February 1, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2008.
4VAC50-20-101. General permit requirements for low hazard potential impounding structures.
Any impounding structure owner whose registration statement is approved by the board will receive the following permit and shall comply with the requirements in it. If the failure of a low hazard potential impounding structure is not expected to cause loss of human life or economic damage to any property except property owned by the owner, the owner may follow the special criteria established for certain low hazard impounding structures in accordance with 4VAC50-20-51 in lieu of coverage under the general permit.
General Permit No.: Dam Safety 1
Effective Date: (Date of Issuance of Coverage)
Expiration Date: (6 years following Date of Issuance of Coverage)
GENERAL PERMIT FOR OPERATION OF A LOW HAZARD POTENTIAL IMPOUNDING STRUCTURE
In compliance with the provisions of the Dam Safety Act and attendant regulations, owners of an impounding structure covered by this permit are authorized to operate and maintain a low hazard potential impounding structure. The owner shall be subject to the following requirements as set forth herein.
1. The spillway design of the owner's impounding structure shall be able to safely pass a 100-year flood. When appropriate, the spillway design flood requirement may be further reduced to the 50-year flood in accordance with an incremental damage analysis conducted by the owner's engineer.
2. The owner shall develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan in accordance with 4VAC50-20-177. The owner shall update and resubmit the emergency preparedness plan immediately upon becoming aware of necessary changes to keep the plan workable.
3. The owner shall perform an annual inspection of the impounding structure. The owner shall maintain such records and make them available to the department upon request. The department also shall conduct inspections as necessary in accordance with 4VAC50-20-180.
4. The owner shall ensure that the impounding structure is properly and safely maintained and operated and shall have the following documents available for inspection upon request of the department:
a. An operating plan and schedule including narrative on the operation of control gates and spillways and the impoundment drain;
b. For earthen embankment impounding structures, a maintenance plan and schedule for the embankment, principal spillway, emergency spillway, low-level outlet, impoundment area, downstream channel, and staff gages; and
c. For concrete impounding structures, a maintenance plan and schedule for the upstream face, downstream face, crest of dam, galleries, tunnels, abutments, spillways, gates and outlets, and staff gages.
Impounding structure owners shall not permit growth of trees and other woody vegetation and shall remove any such vegetation from the slopes and crest of embankments and the emergency spillway area, and within a distance of 25 feet from the toe of the embankment and abutments of the dam.
5. The owner shall file a dam break inundation zone map developed in accordance with 4VAC50-20-54 with the department and with the offices with plat and plan approval authority or zoning responsibilities as designated by the locality for each locality in which the dam break inundation zone resides.
6. The owner shall notify the department immediately of any change in circumstances that would cause the impounding structure to no longer qualify for coverage under the general permit. In the event of a failure or an imminent failure of the impounding structure, the owner shall immediately notify the local emergency services coordinator, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and the department. The department shall take actions in accordance with § 10.1-608 or 10.1-609 of the Code of Virginia, depending on the degree of hazard and the imminence of failure caused by the unsafe condition.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 2, eff. November 8, 2012.
4VAC50-20-102. Registering for coverage under the general permit for low hazard potential impounding structures.
A. Pursuant to § 10.1-605.3, an impounding structure owner may seek general permit coverage from the board for a low hazard potential impounding structure in lieu of obtaining a Low Hazard Potential Regular Operation and Maintenance Certificate in accordance with 4VAC50-20-105 or a Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificate for Low Hazard Potential impounding structures in accordance with 4VAC50-20-150.
B. An owner shall submit a complete and accurate registration statement in accordance with the requirements of this section prior to the issuance of coverage under the general permit. A complete registration statement shall include the following:
1. The name and address of the owner;
2. The location of the impounding structure;
3. The height of the impounding structure;
4. The volume of water impounded;
5. An Emergency Preparedness Plan prepared in accordance with 4VAC50-20-101;
6. The applicable fee for the processing of registration statements as set out in 4VAC50-20-375;
7. A dam break inundation zone map completed in accordance with 4VAC50-20-54 and evidence that such map has been filed with the offices with plat and plan approval authority or zoning responsibilities as designated by the locality for each locality in which the dam break inundation zone resides; and
8. A certification from the owner that the impounding structure (i) is classified as low hazard pursuant to a determination by the department or the owner's professional engineer in accordance with § 10.1-604.1 and this chapter; (ii) is, to the best of his knowledge, properly and safely constructed and currently has no observable deficiencies; and (iii) shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the provisions of the general permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 2, eff. November 8, 2012.
4VAC50-20-103. Transitioning from regular or conditional certificates to general permit coverage for low hazard potential impounding structures.
A. Holders of a regular certificate to operate a low hazard potential impounding structure shall be eligible for general permit coverage upon the expiration of their regular certificate. In lieu of a regular certificate renewal, registration coverage materials pursuant to 4VAC50-20-102 shall be submitted to the department 90 days prior to the expiration of the regular certificate.
B. Holders of a conditional certificate to operate a low hazard potential impounding structure shall be eligible for general permit coverage upon satisfying the registration requirements for a general permit pursuant to 4VAC50-20-102.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 2, eff. November 8, 2012.
4VAC50-20-104. Maintaining general permit coverage for low hazard potential impounding structures.
Provided that an impounding structure's hazard potential classification does not change, an owner's coverage under the general permit shall be for a six-year term after which time the owner shall reapply for coverage by filing a new registration statement and paying the necessary fee. No inspection of the impounding structure by a licensed professional engineer shall be required if the owner certifies at the time of general permit coverage renewal that conditions at the impounding structure and downstream are unchanged. If such certification is made, the owner is not required to submit an updated dam break inundation zone map.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-605 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 2, eff. November 8, 2012.