Dam safety
It is essential that all SCA dams meet the requirements of the NSW Dams Safety Committee under the NSW Dams Safety Act (1978). The Dams Safety Commitee is the State's regulator for dam safety. It is responsible to develop and implement policies and procedures for effective dam safety management to protect life, property and the environment from dam failures.
The safe and responsible management of its 21 prescribed dams is also vital to ensure compliance with the SCA's Operating Licence.
The SCA does this through a structured program of surveillance and monitoring procedures that comply with the requirements of the NSW Dams Safety Committee, and national and international best practice. The SCA’s Dam Safety business unit is responsible for maintaining the five-year Dam Safety Management Program.
In accordance with the Guidelines on Dam Safety Management, published by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD), the following surveillance is generally required:
- continuous surveillance by inspection, monitoring, survey, chemical analysis of leakage water, seismic monitoring, and other
- periodical Safety Reviews typically including flood studies, risk assessment
- remedial action where appropriate
- safe operation and maintenance, including keeping up-to-date manuals and procedures
- emergency management, planning and implementation including conducting emergency drills, and
- ongoing personnel training.
Related topics
Warragamba Dam Auxiliary Spillway Project
Hawkesbury-Nepean Floodsafe Project
