Dams & Flood Protection
To protect people against loss of life and property from flood and dam failure, DEC is entrusted with the regulatory power over dams. The department also provides technical support to local governments and owners of dams, and promotes floodplain management in communities across the state.
Dams
Dams are man-made barriers constructed across a channel to impound water. Dams are usually constructed with timber, rock, concrete, earth, steel or a combination of these materials. The department conducts technical reviews of proposed dam construction or modification, makes periodic safety inspection of dams, and works with communities on emergency preparedness. To prevent costly failure, DEC oversees dam maintenance, operation and repair, and monitors remedial work for compliance with dam safety criteria.
Flood Protection and Floodplain Management
The department works with communities throughout the state in finding ways to reduce or protect against physical and property damage caused by flooding. The department works on structural flood control projects to prevent flood waters from damaging communities, but the department also helps communities establish sustainable floodplain management programs to mitigate the potential for flooding. The department works with communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to administer local regulations and building standards for flood damage prevention.
Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is an endless redistribution process that moves sand along the coast continually changing beaches, dunes and bluffs. Human activities, such as construction, boating and recreation can accelerate the erosion of sandy beaches, dunes and bluffs. To mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion, the department works with many communities on the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and many larger rivers throughout the state to administer the Coastal Zone Management Act.
More about Dams & Flood Protection:
- Coastal Erosion - Program which administers or assists communities in administering the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act to protect coastal areas from potentially destructive human activities
- Dam Safety - Statewide program responsible for dam safety inspections, technical review of proposed dam construction or modification, monitoring of remedial work for compliance with dam safety criteria and emergency preparedness
- Flood Control Projects - Statewide program that oversees permitting, construction and rehabilitation of structural flood protection projects
- Floodplain Management - Statewide program which provides technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program and coordinates remapping of floodplains
