Background

Because the often-catastrophic consequences of dam failure are unacceptable, the need for trained personnel is essential. This seminar provides attendees with comprehensive instruction in dam safety examination and evaluation. Although references will be made to organizational procedures and units of Reclamation, the principles, concepts, and procedures are readily adaptable to any organization conducting a regulatory or in-house dam safety program for existing dams.

Scope

The basic seminar emphasizes the importance of dam safety and provides information and instruction in dam safety surveillance, including periodic review of pertinent records, visual examination, and monitoring of instrumentation. Hydrologic considerations, concrete repair, remedial measures for dams, and emergency action planning are also discussed. The seminar is suitable for engineers, technicians, maintenance personnel, and administrators responsible for dams.

The seminar includes a visit to local Colorado dams to practice inspection techniques.

In addition to the basic seminar, three concurrent workshops are being presented on Thursday afternoon to provide more information on the following subject areas:

• Engineering Geology and Dam Safety Workshop presents an introduction to geologic investigation and evaluation relative to dam safety static and seismic issues.
• Evaluation and Response to Seepage, Uplift, and Piping Concerns presents seepage process and failure modes, types of sinkhole formations, and approaches for investigating and responding to seepage piping and uplift conditions.
• Emergency Management presents key elements of a dam owner's responsibilities to the population at risk, namely detection, decision making, and notification.

Training Staff

The seminar instructors will be a group of professional engineers and geologists who have a great deal of experience and knowledge in the areas of design, construction, operation, maintenance, instrumentation, and dam safety evaluation. Many of these personnel were involved in developing Reclamation's Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams (SEED) Manual and in conducting training programs for Reclamation and other US and foreign personnel involved in dam safety.

Transportation

Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Denver International Airport. Shuttle service (Super Shuttle, www.supershuttledenver.com , 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826), or phone 303-370-1300) is available to the Holiday Inn - Denver West Village. The fare is $30.00 each way for each passenger. Reclamation will provide transportation to and from the dam sites during the week.

Lodging

The seminar will be held at the Holiday Inn - Denver West Village, 14707 W. Colfax Ave, Golden, CO. A block of rooms has been reserved for the nights of May 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. As of the date of this posting, room rates are $89 per night single (before taxes). To make hotel reservations, call the Holiday Inn before April 25, 2008 at 303-279-7611 and ask for "IN HOUSE RESERVATIONS" and refer to your Group "Bureau of Reclamation SEED SEMINAR" to receive the special rate.

Lodging includes complimentary full breakfast buffet.

Agenda

May 12, Monday - 8:00-4:15

• Registration
• Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Dam Safety Perspectives
• Operation and Maintenance Perspectives
• Lessons from Dam Incidents
• Identification of Failure Modes
• Hydrologic Considerations
• Geology and Dam Safety

May 13, Tuesday - 8:00-4:15

• Examination of Embankment Dams
• Examination of Concrete Dams
• Examination of Appurtenant Works
• Examination and Testing of Mechanical Equipment
• Evaluation of Facility Emergency Preparedness
• Instrumented Monitoring of Dams
• Preparation for Field Examinations

May 14, Wednesday - 7:30-4:00

• Field Examination of Dams (May be moved or canceled due to weather)

May 15, Thursday - 8:00-4:15

• Response to Dam Incidents
• Dam Security
• Emergency Action Planning
• Early Warning Systems
• Overtopping Protection
• Concrete Repair

Concurrent Afternoon Workshops:

Evaluation and Response to Seepage, Uplift, and Piping Concerns

• Characteristics of Physical Processes
• Sinkhole Formations
• Investigations and Response

Engineering Geology and Dam Safety

• Remote Video Inspection of Toe Drains, Pipelines, and Conduits
• Drilling and Sampling Methods
• Drilling in Embankment Dams
• Foundation Preparation and Cleanup
• Geophysical Testing Tools
• Case History – A.V. Watkins Dam, Utah

Emergency Management (EM)

• EM Process
• Emergency Action Plans and Local Emergency Operation Plans
• Dam Owner Responsibilities
  • Detection
  • Decision Making
  • Notification
• Areas to Assist Downstream Agencies
  • Developing warning and evacuation plans
  • Digitized inundation maps
  • Dam specific annex

May 16, Friday - 8:00-11:30

• Risk Assessment
• Case Histories: Corrective Action for Embankment Dams
• Case Histories: Corrective Action for Concrete Dams and Appurtenances
• Closing

Registration and Seminar Fee

To register, please fill out the registration form and return it no later than April 25, 2008. Registration will be limited, and applications for attendance will receive consideration according to the order in which they are received. The registration fee is expected to be $800 per person for the seminar which includes a seminar notebook (not available separately); Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams Manual; the book, "Dams and Public Safety," and some additional material to supplement the lectures. It is suggested that you leave space in your luggage for these books.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Full seminar completion is approximately 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Each CEU equals 10 Professional Development Hours or 10 contact hours of instruction. Full seminar completion is approved for about 3 CEUs. Certificates of attendance will be available at the conclusion of the seminar.

Further Information

If you have any questions regarding registration, please call Ms. Lena Bickford at (303) 445-2740. If you require further technical information about the seminar, please call Mr. Bill Bouley at (303) 445-2754.