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E rosion Control Dams (ECD) are constructed on normally dry water courses for the purpose of controlling soil erosion caused by flash floods. With a standard application form, the height of the dam cannot exceed 15 feet, measured vertically at the upstream tce to emergency spillway crest and the capacity of the reservoir cannot exceed 10 acre feet. An ECD with more than 2 acre-feet capacity must have an ungated principle outlet conduit large enough to pass stored water in excess of two acre-feet within a 36 hour period, but not less than 12-inch diameter. The vertical location of the principle outlet must be at or below the two acre-feet storage volume level. Similar to a Livestock Water Tank, a water right is not required for an ECD The priority for available water is chronological assigned on approval of the application in concert with Livestock Water Tanks on the same stream system. Standard specifications and application forms are available from the Water Commissioner or Water Division Office. The application, along with a 15.00 fee, is submitted to the Water Division Office. Construction may begin upon approval of the application by the Division Engineer. The Soil Conservation Service, also, can assist you in preparing an application. E Xempt Structures are all other type dams not previously described for purposes other than storage of water. The word "exempt" refers to structures governed by statutes pertaining to the activities of State agencies other than the Sate Engineer's Office. For example, mine tailing dams are regulated by the Division of Mined Land Reclamation. The following list are stmctwes normally exempt from regulation by the 09ice of the State Engineer: • Mill Tailings Impoundments • Coal Mine Siltation Structures • LIgWQ Mlll VI MIIIC Tailing Siruciures • Highway or Road Fills • Railroad Embankments • Refuse Embanlonents C O~Or8d0'S oem Safety PCOgr8II1 exists for the purpose of carrying out the various responsibilities of the State Engineer. The requirements and responsibilities in relation to the safety oC dams are set forth by the legislature. Within the Office of the State Engineer, the Dam Safety Branch wordinates and monitors the State's program. The Branch is primarily responsible for reviewing plans for the constmctioo or repair of dams and providing support for the Division Offices. Each Division Office is staffed with afull-time Dam Safety Engineer. The Dam Safety Engineer is responsible for managing the Dam Safety Program at the Division level to ensure the State Engineer's program goals and objectives are met. Periodic safety inspection of over 2,000 jurisdictional dams throughout the State are• conducted by the resident Dam Safety Engineers. Applications for construction or repair of a dam are reviewed to ensure compliance with Rules 8c Regulations and established design practices. By statute, the State Engineer must issue a written decision on the acceptability of the plans within 180 days from the date received. Once approved, the owner of the dam may proceed with conswction. The State's inspector will perform periodic inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the approved plan. A final inspection will also be performed before approval to store water is granted. The Dam Safety Engineers perform periodic inspections of all existing jurisdictional dams in accordance with the State Engineer's policy. To assist in establishing inspection priorities, jurisdictional dams are categorized according to the potential for loss of life and property damage in the event the dam should fail. Dams which pose a threat to life and property should the dam fail (Class I) are the highest priority. Dams where no loss of life is expected, • but damage would be significant (Class II) are next highest priority. Smaller dams with less significant damage potential (Class III & Il>) would be third highest priority. Written reports of inspections provide information to owners about the overall condition of the dam, recommended maimenance or repairs, and the safe storage level. Dam Safety Engineers in the Water Division Office can also assist you end your engineer in preparing construction or repair plans. The Dam Safety Engineer is a very valuable source of information if you are involved in or own a dam. Success of the Dam Safety Program hinges on public awareness of the potential hazards posed by dams, cooperation of the owners, and participation by the engineering community.