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#Post#: 1538--------------------------------------------------
SURPRISE! SURPRISE! USA Dams & Levees get a D Rating,
Lessons Learned
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: June 14, 2021, 5:57 pm
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HTML https://youtu.be/vejGKvDPUus
and
HTML https://youtu.be/kQly1ADhkcE
HTML https://skepticalscience.com/US-dams-leees-get-D-grades.html
#Post#: 1659--------------------------------------------------
LESSON LEARNED! By The Association of State Dam Safety Officials
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: July 29, 2021, 5:50 am
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This article explains why woody vegetation is very undesirable
on a dam.
HTML https://damfailures.org/lessons-learned/uncontrolled-vegetation-on-and-around-dams-can-hinder-inspection-and-lead-to-serious-structural-damage-significant-maintenance-costs-and-possible-failure/
One very valid point made here is that even though this
vegetation may not be the MAJOR cause of failure, it certainly
contributes to it for a number of reasons.
Relative to the number of trees known to exist on dams and a
review of past dam failure case studies, it is generally
uncommon for woody vegetation alone to cause dam failure;
however, numerous dam failure case histories identify woody
vegetation as a contributing factor in the dam failure process.
For this reason, it is important to eliminate woody vegetation
on and around dams and levees to minimize the potential for
internal erosion and structural damage while maintaining
beneficial grassy vegetation to reduce the potential for surface
erosion.
[attachimg=1]
The article states - While it is reasonable to anticipate some
benefit will be realized by allowing woody vegetation to remain,
it only takes one weak link to initiate failure , BUT, it is
important to note that in this instance, they are discussing
LEVEES.
This is something that those in opposition to the vegetation
removal simply do not understand. They are stuck and continue to
say, no trees have ever caused a problem.
The permanent reservoir loading at active storage dams creates a
much higher likelihood that adverse consequences might occur.
(Hydrostatic Pressure)
In conclusion, state and federal dam safety officials and
industry experts generally agree that trees and woody vegetation
should be eliminated from all water impounding structures.
It doesn't get any clearer than that folks!
#Post#: 1663--------------------------------------------------
Sierra Club observations of Taum Tuck Dam Failure
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: July 30, 2021, 5:02 am
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HTML https://www.sierraclub.org/missouri/blog/2013/06/causes-taum-sauk-reservoir-breach
An interesting read, and a few similarities with our dams.
Steepness of outboard slope, sand filled, long history of
leakage. etc.
In the following report from the ASDSO, they state,
Contributors to Failure
Traditionally, it has commonly been assumed that safety is the
default for dams and other systems, and that failures are
therefore due to atypical physical factors (eg, ‘Acts of God’)
and/or egregious ‘human errors’. However, research over the past
few decades suggests that this paradigm should be reversed, with
the new default view being that a natural tendency is for
systems to move towards disorder and failure (in line with the
concept of increasing entropy), and with continual human effort
thus being needed to maintain order and prevent failure.
#Post#: 1664--------------------------------------------------
When you ignore the professionals DAMS COLLAPSE!
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: July 30, 2021, 5:11 am
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Learn how a lack of engineering education, and ignorance, can
spell disaster.
Also note how our 'officials' ignore all the warnings from our
current experts like FEMA, NYPA, ASDSO and USACE. It's a recipe
for disaster, all spelled out in this article.
HTML https://damfailures.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alvi_HumanFactors.pdf
And don't forget who built the Great Embankment Dam.
Non-professionals.
HTML https://ecna.createaforum.com/general-discussion/erie-canal-built-by-non-professionals!/
#Post#: 1665--------------------------------------------------
Re: LESSON LEARNED! By The Association of State Dam Safety
Officials
DIR By: Erie Canal Brockport
Date: July 30, 2021, 12:44 pm
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Lesson learned, right on the Erie Canal. Almost 2 months since
this "land" washed out. From where this breach was located, it's
part of the original Erie Canal near the Lock 30/29 pool.
Almost 2 months to repair the Embankment, with a new coffee dam.
Look how much earth it took to replace what washed away: about
2,500 cubic yards of granular fill and 190 ft. of steel sheet
piling
HTML https://mobile.twitter.com/NYSCanalCorp/status/1420475869836029955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3ANYSCanalCorp%7Ctwgr%5EeyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NwYWNlX2NhcmQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib2ZmIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH19&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canals.ny.gov%2Findex.shtml
#Post#: 1667--------------------------------------------------
Re: LESSON LEARNED! By The Association of State Dam Safety
Officials
DIR By: Doug K
Date: July 30, 2021, 5:15 pm
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Didn't this Oxbow tree blowdown the same way?
Inward, toward the impounded water, leaving a weakened
depression near the top the embankment, that can start to weep.
HTML https://ecna.createaforum.com/perinton-canal-embankment-discussion/tree-blowdown-at-the-oxbow/
#Post#: 1669--------------------------------------------------
UNSAFE DAMS!
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: August 1, 2021, 9:07 am
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I just came across an old post, but it's worth bumping to the
fore again!
UNSAFE DAMS
HTML https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distribution/public/amp/science/2020/05/problem-america-neglected-too-long-deteriorating-dams
#Post#: 1670--------------------------------------------------
Re: UNSAFE DAMS!
DIR By: Doug K
Date: August 1, 2021, 12:50 pm
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The main point of this Nat Geo article was about Dam Safety in
America, and it was written right after the Midland Michigan
area had two dams collapse as a result of heavy rains.
What was very interesting is the published update, and the link
provided to the independent investigation called for by the
governor of Michigan.
Here's the National Geographic Story highlights:
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
And here are a couple charts from the article that show the
issues with Unsafe & Hazardous Dams in America
[attachimg=3]
And maybe the most profound statement from the entire article
was at the end.
[attachimg=4]
Also followed that linked story about Michigan's Governor
calling for an investigation, it's a good read and also shows
why fixing unsound dams ion our state, and our country, is
crucial.
[attachimg=5]
Anyone thinking that the current NY State Governor will listen
to anyone, any group or individual, who isn't concerned about
Erie Canal Embankment Safety, and is saying things like "Erie
Canal Embankments are Fine", hasn't understood the term "state
liability" very well. Insuring Public Safety, isn't a choice at
the Governor's level, it's table stakes, no question about it.
There is NO OTHER OPTION than to fix the Canal Embankments,
because the Governor of this state will not put himself in this
same situation as Michigan's Governor.
That is evident from his recent decision to give the aging,
failing NYS Canal System to another State Agency that can repair
it, properly inspect and maintain it.
And that state agency, NYPA, won't allow what happened in
Midland, Michigan to happen in Fairport, Brockport or anywhere
else there are raised earthen embankments holding back canal
water.
So , it's REALLY about NOT having the State of New York sued by
it's residents, for catastrophic flood damage and lost lives...
Safety First.
Because "NY Lives Matter"
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