Minnesota Legislature
Office of the Revisor of Statutes
Minnesota Administrative Rules
6115.0360 INSPECTIONS.
Subpart 1.
Hazard classification.
The commissioner shall make initial inspections of each dam in the state to determine the appropriate hazard classification or exemption according to criteria in part 6115.0340.
Subp. 2.
Dam safety.
The commissioner shall make an initial detailed systematic technical inspection and evaluations of every Class I, II, or III dam in order to assess the general safety conditions including:
B.
a visual inspection of the dam and downstream and upstream areas:
(1)
an examination of significant structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, and hydrologic features including, where applicable, electrical and mechanical equipment for the operation of control facilities;
(2)
evidence of leakage, erosion, seepage, slope instability, undue settlement, displacement, tilting, cracking, deterioration, and improper functioning of drains and relief wells; and
C.
a report on general condition including, when possible, an assessment of storage capacity, hydraulic and hydrologic capabilities, structural stabilities, and any other conditions which constitute a hazard based upon current prudent design considering the size and hazard class of the dam.
The safety evaluations involve constraints on water control such as blocked entrances, restrictions on operation of spillway and outlet gates, if any, inadequate energy dissipators or restrictive channel conditions, significant reduction in impoundment capacity by sediment deposits and for waste impoundments, the material balance. Where essential design data are lacking, evaluations of watershed characteristics, rainfall, and impoundment records may be used to evaluate effects of the dam.
The report shall determine the need for emergency measures or actions; corrective actions relating to design, construction, and operation; and additional detailed studies, investigations, and analyses.
Subp. 3.
Timing.
Subject to the availability of staff and funds:
A.
The commissioner shall make initial inspections of all Class I, II, and III dams as soon as reasonably possible based on the degree of hazard involved.
B.
After the initial detailed inspections, the commissioner shall make periodic inspections of dams based on the following schedule: Class I dams, at least one time every year; Class II dams, at least one time every four years; and Class III dams, at least one time every eight years. The commissioner shall utilize the services of governmental agencies to the maximum extent feasible to provide for periodic inspections.
Subp. 4.
Reports on inspections.
Upon completion of each inspection, the commissioner shall notify the owner of the dam, in writing, of the results of the inspection and if the dam needs corrective action, the commissioner shall order such action.
History:
25 SR 1916
Published Electronically:
June 11, 2008
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes