of the increasing number of large dams being constructed on less than ideal foundations . In addition , historical evidence indicates that effective dam safety programmes could have prevented the majority of dam incidents progressing to dam failures .
Dam failures continue to occur worldwide emphasising the need for on-going vigilance . Examples of recent dam failures include Shih-Kung Dam , Taiwan which suffered extensive damage in an earthquake in September 1999 and Zeyzoun Dam in Syria which failed in June 2002 . Details of dam incidents are contained in “ Dams and Public Safety ” ( Jansen , 1983 ), “ Deterioration of Dams and Reservoirs ( ICOLD , 1983 ) and “ Lessons from Dam Incidents ” ( ICOLD 1974 ).
Current Dam Safety Management Practice
The current dam safety management practice in the country is largely by self regulation . There is no specific law on dam safety . There is no regulatory body to regulate activities on dam development and operation . Majority of the dam owners practice a limited number of elements of the Dam Safety Management System ( DSMS ). The standards and resources employed by dam owners vary considerably . There is a lack of an overall management system to implement dam safety activities , decision making processes and capacity building among dam owners in the country .
Dam safety management should cover both the assurance of quality in design , construction , surveillance and safety review throughout the life of a dam . The primary objective is preventing dam failure . It also involves preparing to respond to unusual conditions so that hazardous situations can be brought under control . The DSMS should reflect the owner ’ s dam safety policy and provide a structured framework for conducting dam safety activities and addressing dam safety issues . A DSMS should incorporate :
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A dam safety policy , dam safety statement or dam safety standard .
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A description of the elements of the DSMS , dam safety management activities and resources for completing these activities .
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Responsibilities and procedures for implementing the DSMS
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Procedures for checking and reviewing the performance of the dam and the DSMS .
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Procedures for implementing corrective actions on deficiencies and nonconformance .
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Procedures for regular reporting of the performance of the dam and the adequacy of the DSMS to the owner and where appropriate , the regulator .
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Supporting systems for management , staff training , communications , information management and continuous improvement .
The DSMS should incorporate arrangements for governance , a good internal organisational structure , a clear decision-making process , competent staff , and key project data and records . An example of a DSMS is presented in Figure 1 .
Deficiencies Of Current Dam Safety Management Systems
The key elements in a DSMS should include the following :
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Accountability
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Personnel competencies
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Operation and maintenance
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Surveillance
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Dam safety reviews
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Special inspections and dam safety reviews
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Emergency preparedness
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Identifying and managing dam safety issues
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Information management
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Audits and reviews
Countries with dam safety regulations typically stipulate the elements that must be included in the dam safety assurance programme . An effective DSMS not only provides a framework for a dam owner to assure safe dam operation , but also supports asset management and allows owners to maximise the value of the asset .
Currently , most dam owners do not have an established DSMS or practice a limited numbers of the key elements . Common cases of nonconformances or deficiencies of local DSMS which are not in line with good international practice include :
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