Additionally and according to the Alabama Department of Transportation
(ALDOT) there is somewhat of a precedent for establishing controls for
bridge maintenance and inspection as well as debris removal from roadways
in the event of flooding. The ALDOT’s Maintenance Manual is the
department’s tool and reports the department is responsible for the
removal of debris caused by natural disasters such as flooding events. While
ALDOT has a fairly thorough Maintenance Manual for handling and
managing various types of maintenance responsibilities, the manual does
not address dam maintenance and inspection. This existing condition is a
lost opportunity for the ALDOT to gain important data and assist private
property owners in being more responsible with their private dams so as not
to cause property damage or flooding issues downstream. Due to the state
not having authority over dam safety and inspection, this tool would not
provide information for that area. However, it is possible that this tool could
be easily modified in the event that the State passes a law requiring dam
safety.
Findings
The State of Alabama does not regulate the construction, inspection,
or maintenance of privately‐owned dams. While this has not been
identified as a cause for flooding on Maxwell AFB, a failure in the dam
system could potentially have large impacts on Maxwell AFB.
Maxwell AFB is not represented on the Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee.
The Draft HMP does not consider military compatibility planning
guidelines including coordination with the military.
The State of Alabama does not have a Dam Safety Program, which is a
lost opportunity for potential additional funding and education and
training monies.
Page 5‐20
Background Report
June 2017