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<br />PRE FACE <br /> <br />The safety of dams and reservoirs is of vital <br />public concern and entails large responsibilities. <br />While the primary duty rests with the owner, the need <br />for governmental supervision is widely recognized. <br /> <br />At the federal level, U.S. government agencies <br />conduct comprehensive dam safety programs for federally <br />owned dams. These have been subjected to periodic <br />review and are generally regarded as effective. <br />However, many states lack similarly effective programs <br />for nonfederal dams. Approximately half of the states <br />hsve inadequate dam safety programs. Even fewer have <br />provided enough funding for proper supervision of dam <br />safety. Yet, many .dams do not meet accepted standards, <br />and there are therefore important hazards that require <br />attention. <br /> <br />The problem is nationwide and calls for a <br />cooperative effort involving the U.S. and state <br />governments and the owners of dams. Although its <br />regulatory authority over the safety of nonfederal dsma <br />is limited, the national leadership is unsvoidably <br />involved. The economic and environmental dSDUlge, not t <br />mention loss of life, that could result from a dam <br />failure warrants concern at all levels of government. <br /> <br />Recognizing the states' fundamental responsibility <br />for public safety, the federal role must be guiding and <br />supportive. It must encourage awareness of the states' <br />duties and facilitate measures that reduce risk. <br /> <br />A principal purpose of the Committee on Safety of <br />Nonfederal Dams has been to consider this role of the <br /> <br />ix <br />