Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

test, MD Dam No.

()

National Inventory of Dams (NID) No.

, Maryland

Insert local area map showing specific location of dam LOCATION OF DAM

Reviewed and Updated:

_________________________________

, ,	Chief, Maryland Dam Safety Division

___________________	__________________
Date	Date

Copy of .

Table of Contents

Basic EAP Data	3

EAP Overview	4

Roles and Responsibilities	4

The Five-step EAP Process

Step 1	Event Detection	7

Step 2	Emergency Level Determination	7

Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level	9

Emergency Situations	10

Step 3	Notification and Communication	12

Notification Charts	15

Other Emergency Services Contacts	18

Step 4	Expected Actions	19

Step 5	Termination	22

Maintenance—EAP Review and Revision	23

Record of Holders of Control Copies of this EAP	24

Record of Revisions and Updates Made to EAP	25

Concurrences	26

Appendices—Forms, Glossary, Maps, and Supporting Data	27

Appendix A

Appendix A–1	Contact Checklist	28

Appendix A–2	Unusual or Emergency Event Log Form	29

Appendix A–3	Dam Emergency Situation Report Form	30

Appendix A–4	Glossary of Terms	31

Appendix B

Appendix B–1	Resources Available	34

Appendix B–2	Location and Vicinity Maps	35

Appendix B–3	Watershed Project Map	36

Appendix B–4	Evacuation Map	37

Appendix B–5	Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk	38

Appendix B-6	Flood Summary Table	39

Appendix B–7	Plan View of Dam	40

Appendix B–8	Profile of Principal Spillway	41

Appendix B–9	Reservoir Elevation-area-volume and Spillway Capacity Data	42

Appendix B–10	National Inventory of Dams (NID) Data	43

Basic EAP Data

Purpose

The purpose of this EAP is to reduce the risk of human life loss and injury and minimize property damage during an unusual or emergency event at , MD Dam No. .

Potential Impacted Area

See Evacuation Map tab (Appendix B–4) and People at Risk tab (Appendix B–5) for the locations and contact information of the following residents and businesses that may be flooded if the dam should fail and the estimated time for the flood wave to travel from the dam to these locations:

(Describe homes, businesses, schools, emergency services and roads in downstream evacuation area)

Dam Description

Height: ft	Drainage Area: sq. mi
Built:	Hazard Classification:
Dam Operator:	Major Property Owner:
Latitude: Longitude:	Dam Designer:
National Inventory of Dams No.:

See detailed design data in Appendix B tab.

Directions to dam (See Location and Vicinity Map; Appendix B–2.)

Provide directions from nearest large city or town. Indicate distances and road names. If possible, avoid roads that are within dam breach inundation area. Also provide information necessary to access dam (e.g. Keys for the lock on the gate are available from the County Engineer at 523 Second Street, Rock City, MD.) Example: The primary route to the dam from Exist 15 on I-22 westbound. Take a left off of the exit onto Route 43. Travel for 3 miles, then take a right onto Main Street (Route 101). Follow this road for 0.5 miles, then take the right fork to continue north. The Dam is located 0.2 miles past the fork on the right.

Provide an alternate route where possible. Example: An alternate route to the dam is available approximately 0.5 miles south of Rock Creek on Highway 44; turn right on an ungated dirt road that goes to the right abutment of the dam. Note that Highway 44 may be inundated or the bridge may be damaged, so access to this alternate route may have to be gained from Highway 44 south of the dam.

EAP Overview

Roles and Responsibilities

Dam Inspectors or Operator’s (Dam Inspector or Operator Name)

As soon as an emergency event is observed or reported, immediately determine the emergency level (see Emergency Levels tab).

Level 1: unusual event, slowly developing

Level 2: potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing

Level 3: Critical flooding is occurring, or dam failure appears imminent or is in progress

Immediately notify the personnel in the order shown on the notification chart for the appropriate level (see Notification Charts tab).

Provide updates of the situation to the County Office of Emergency Management dispatcher to assist them in making timely and accurate decisions regarding warnings and evacuations.

Provide leadership to assure the EAP is reviewed and updated annually and copies of the revised EAP are distributed to all who received copies of the original EAP.

Office of Emergency Management

Serve as the primary contact responsible for coordination of all emergency actions.

When a Level 2 situation occurs, prepare for possible evacuations.

When a Level 3 situation occurs:

Initiate warnings and order evacuation of people at risk downstream of the dam.

Carry out the evacuation of people and close roads within the evacuation area (see Evacuation Map tab).

Decide when to terminate the downstream emergency when the emergency at the dam is over.

Participate in an annual review and update of the EAP.

Police & Fire Department

In accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), a Unified Command will be established on the scene but outside of the flood threat area. Unified Command is a management system in which the Command members from the different stake holding agencies (i.e. Police, Fire, Local DPW, etc.) make collective decisions on the response and management activities of the incident (i.e. evacuation, road closure, sheltering, etc.)

The Operations Section of the Unified Command will ensure that roads and bridges that are being flooded are barricaded to safeguard traffic in the flooded areas.

The Unified Command will ensure that evacuee notification and escape route information is conducted to advise the population at risk to prepare for a possible evacuation.

Participate in annual review and update of the EAP.

Dam Operator’s Technical Representatives or Engineer

Advise the Dam Operator of the emergency level determination, if time permits.

Advise the Dam Operator of remedial actions to take if Level 2 event occurs, if time permits.

Maryland Dam Safety

Provide assistance in determining the emergency level, if time permits.

Provide advice of remedial actions to be taken, if time permits.

Provide advice when to terminate the Emergency Action Plan.

The Five-step EAP Process

Step 1	Event Detection

This step describes the detection of an unusual or emergency event and provides information to assist the dam Operator in determining the appropriate emergency level for the event.

Unusual or emergency events may be detected by:

Observations at or near the dam by government personnel (local, state, or Federal), landowners, visitors to the dam, or the public

Evaluation of instrumentation data

Earthquakes felt or reported in the vicinity of the dam

Forewarning of conditions that may cause an unusual event or emergency event at the dam (for example, a severe weather or flash flood forecast)

See Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level table for assistance in evaluating specific events to determine if they are unusual or potential emergency situations.

Step 2	Emergency Level Determination

After an unusual or emergency event is detected or reported, the Dam Observer or his alternate is responsible for classifying the event into one of the following three emergency levels:

Emergency Level 1—Nonemergency, unusual event, slowly developing:

This situation is not normal but has not yet threatened the operation or structural integrity of the dam, but possibly could if it continues to develop. The Dam Owners technical representatives and state dam safety officials should be contacted to investigate the situation and recommend actions to take. The condition of the dam should be closely monitored, especially during storm events, to detect any development of a potential or imminent dam failure situation. The County Office of Emergency Management should be informed if it is determined that the conditions may possibly develop into a worse condition that may require emergency actions.

Emergency Level 2—Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing:

This situation may eventually lead to dam failure and flash flooding downstream, but there is not an immediate threat of dam failure. The County Office of Emergency Management should be notified of this emergency situation and placed on alert. The Dam Operator should closely monitor the condition of the dam and periodically report the status of the situation to the County Office of Emergency Management. If the dam condition worsens and failure becomes imminent, the County Office of Emergency Management must be notified immediately of the change in the emergency level to evacuate the people at risk downstream.

If time permits, the Dam Owners engineer and state dam safety officials should be contacted to evaluate the situation and recommend remedial actions to prevent failure of the dam. The Dam Operator should initiate remedial repairs (note local resources that may be available—see Appendix B–1). Time available to employ remedial actions may be hours or days.

This emergency level is also applicable when flow through the earth spillway has or is expected to result in flooding of downstream areas and people near the channel could be endangered. Emergency services should be on alert to initiate evacuations or road closures if the flooding increases.

Emergency Level 3—Urgent; Critical Flooding OR dam failure appears imminent or is in progress:

This is an extremely urgent situation when critical flooding and/or dam failure is occurring or about to occur and cannot be prevented. This situation is also applicable when flow through the earth spillway is causing downstream flooding of people and roads. The County Office of Emergency Management should be contacted immediately so emergency services can begin evacuations of all at-risk people and close roads as needed (see Evacuation Map tab).

See the following pages for guidance in determining the proper emergency level for various situations.

Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level

Event	Situation	Emergency Level*
Spillways	Principal spillway severely blocked with debris or structurally damaged	1
Principal spillway leaking with muddy flows	1
Emergency spillway severely blocked with debris, soil, or trees	2
Principal spillway blocked with debris and pool is rapidly rising	2
Flooding	National Weather Service issues a flood warning for the area	1
The reservoir elevation reaches the predetermined notification trigger elevation (ft) NGVD. ( )	2
The reservoir elevation reaches the predetermined evacuation trigger elevation (ft) NGVD. ( )	3
Spillway flow is flooding roads and people downstream	3
Flood flows are overtopping the dam	3
Seepage	New seepage areas in or near the dam	1
Boils observed downstream of dam	1
Boils observed downstream of dam with cloudy discharge	2
New seepage areas with cloudy discharge or increasing flow rate	2
Seepage with discharge greater than 10 gallons per minute	3
Sinkholes	Observation of new sinkhole in reservoir area or on embankment	2
Rapidly enlarging sinkhole	3
Embankment Cracking	New cracks in the embankment greater than 1/4-inch wide without seepage	1
Cracks in the embankment with seepage	2
Embankment Movement	Visual movement/slippage of the embankment slope	1
Sudden or rapidly proceeding slides of the embankment slopes	3
Instruments	Instrumentation readings beyond predetermined values	1
Earthquake	Measurable earthquake felt or reported on or within 50 miles of the dam	1
Earthquake resulting in visible damage to the dam or appurtenances	2
Earthquake resulting in uncontrolled release of water from the dam	3
Security Threat	Verified bomb threat that, if carried out, could result in damage to the dam	2
Detonated bomb that has resulted in damage to the dam or appurtenances	3
Sabotage / Vandalism	Damage to dam or appurtenances with no impacts to the functioning of the dam	1
Modification to the dam or appurtenances that could adversely impact the functioning of the dam	1
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in seepage flow	2
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in uncontrolled water release	3

* Emergency level 1: Non-emergency, unusual event, slowly developing

Emergency level 2: Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing

Emergency level 3: Urgent; severe flooding or dam failure appears to be imminent or is in progress.

Emergency Situations

The following are typical examples of conditions that may occur at a dam that usually constitute an emergency situation. Adverse or unusual conditions that can cause the failure of a dam are typically related to aging or design and construction oversights. Extreme weather events that exceed the original designed conditions can cause significant flow through the auxiliary spillway or overtopping of the embankment. However, accidental or intentional damage to the dam may also result in emergency conditions. The conditions have been grouped to identify the most likely emergency level condition. The groupings are provided as guidance only. Not all emergency conditions may be listed and the Dam Operator is urged to use conservative judgment in determining whether a specific condition should be defined as an emergency situation at the dam.

Pre-existing conditions on this dam: Indicate pre-existing conditions (e.g., seepage, concrete deterioration) that may impact the dam in an unusual event. These conditions are typically noted during MDE Dam Safety Inspections. Example: There has been a small seepage area near the downstream toe on the north side of the release channel. This was first noticed in the 1990’s, but has not changed since that time.

FLOODING

Emergency Level 1 – Flood Warning issued by National Weather Service

Flooding is expected to occur in low lying areas that triggers surveillance of the dam, or predicted rainfall is to exceed 5 inches in 24 hours, 4 inches in 12 hours, or 3 inches in 6 hours.

Emergency Level 2 - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing

The reservoir elevation has reached the predetermined trigger elevation of (ft) NGVD () that requires Emergency Level 2 notification.

Flow through the spillways is expected to cause flooding that could threaten people, homes, and/or roads downstream from the dam.

Emergency Level 3 – Urgent; Severe Flooding is occurring to roads, houses and loss of life is probable

The reservoir elevation has reached the predetermined trigger elevation of (ft) NGVD () that requires Emergency Level 3 notification

Significant flooding is occurring to downstream roads, houses, buildings, and people are at risk of flood dangers from spillway flows.

SEEPAGE AND SINKHOLES

Emergency Level 2 - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing

Cloudy seepage or soil deposits are observed at seepage exit points or from internal drain outlet pipes.

New or increased areas of wet or muddy soils are present on the downstream slope, abutment,	and/or foundation of the dam, and there is an easily detectable and unusual increase in volume of	downstream seepage.

Significant new or enlarging sinkhole(s) near the dam or settlement of the dam is observed.

Reservoir level is falling without apparent cause.

The following known dam defects are or will soon be inundated by a rise in the reservoir:

Sinkhole(s) located on the upstream slope, crest, abutment, and/or foundation of the dam; or

Transverse cracks extending through the dam, abutments, or foundation.

Emergency Level 3 – Urgent; Dam Failure Appears to be Imminent or is in Progress

Rapidly increasing cloudy seepage or soil deposits at seepage exit points to the extent that failure	appears imminent or is in progress.

Rapid increase in volume of downstream seepage to the extent that failure appears imminent or is in progress.

Water flowing out of holes in the downstream slope, abutment, and/or foundation of the dam to the extent that failure appears imminent or is in progress.

Whirlpools or other evidence exists indicating that the reservoir is draining rapidly through the dam or foundation.

Rapidly enlarging sinkhole(s) are forming on the dam or abutments to the extent that failure appears imminent or is in progress.

Rapidly increasing flow through crack(s) eroding materials to the extent that failure appears imminent or is in progress.

EMBANKMENT MOVEMENT AND CRACKING

Emergency Level 2- Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing

Settlement of the crest, slopes, abutments and/or foundation of the dam, which may eventually	result in breaching of the dam.

Significant increase in length, width, or offset of cracks in the crest, slopes, abutments, and/or	foundation of the dam that may eventually result in breaching of the dam.

Emergency Level 3 – Urgent; Dam Failure Appears to be Imminent or is in Progress

Sudden or rapidly proceeding slides, settlement, or cracking of the embankment crest, slopes,	abutments, and/or foundation, and breaching of the dam appears imminent or is in progress.

Step 3	Notification and Communication

Notification

After the emergency level has been determined, the people on the following notification charts for the appropriate emergency level shall be notified immediately.

Communication

Emergency Level 1—Nonemergency, unusual event; slowly developing:

The Dam Owner or Operator should contact their designated engineer and the Maryland Dam Safety Division. Describe the situation, and request technical assistance on next steps to take.

Emergency Level 2—Emergency event, potential dam failure situation; rapidly developing:

The following message may be used to help describe the emergency situation to the County Office of Emergency Management or emergency management personnel:

“This is _____(Identify yourself; name and position) _________.

We have an emergency condition at , MD Dam No. , located miles of .

We have activated the Emergency Action Plan for this dam and are currently under Emergency Level 2.

We are implementing predetermined actions to respond to a rapidly developing situation that could result in dam failure.

Please prepare to evacuate the area along low-lying portions of (Indicate name of stream or valley downstream of dam).

Reference the evacuation map in your copy of the Emergency Action Plan.

We will advise you when the situation is resolved or if the situation gets worse.

I can be contacted at the following number (Phone Number). If you cannot reach me, please call the following alternative number (Phone Number).”

Emergency Level 3—Urgent event dam failure appears imminent or is in progress, or severe flooding is occurring:

The County Office of Emergency Management should be contacted immediately and the area evacuated (see Evacuation Map tab). The following actions should be taken:

Call the County Office of Emergency Management’s dispatch center. Be sure to say, “This is an emergency.” They will call other authorities and the media and begin the evacuation. The following message may be used to help describe the emergency situation to the County Office of Emergency Management:

“This is an emergency. This is _____(Identify yourself; name and position) _________.

, MD Dam No. , located miles of has reached a critical flooding stage (or is failing). The downstream area must be evacuated immediately. Repeat, , MD Dam No. , has reached a critical flooding stage (or is failing); evacuate the area along low-lying portions of (Indicate name of stream or valley downstream of dam).

We have activated the Emergency Action Plan for this dam and are currently under Emergency Level 3. Reference the evacuation map in your copy of the Emergency Action Plan.

I can be contacted at the following number (Phone Number). If you cannot reach me, please call the following alternative number (Phone Number).”

Do whatever is necessary to bring people in immediate danger (anyone on the dam, downstream from the dam, boating on the reservoir, or evacuees) to safety if directed by the County Office of Emergency Management.

Keep in frequent contact with the County Office of Emergency Management and emergency services to keep them up-to-date on the condition of the dam. They will tell you how you can help handle the emergency.

If all means of communication are lost: (1) try to find out why, (2) try to get to another radio or telephone that works, or (3) get someone else to try to re-establish communications. If these means fail, handle the immediate problems as well as you can, and periodically try to re-establish contact with the County Office of Emergency Management and emergency services.

The following prescripted message may be used as a guide for the County Office of Emergency Management or emergency services personnel to communicate the status of the emergency with the public:

Attention: This is the County Office of Emergency Management. Listen carefully. Your life may depend on immediate action.

, MD Dam No. , located miles of , has reached a critical flooding stage (or is failing). Repeat. , MD Dam No. , located miles of , has reached a critical flooding stage (or is failing).

If you are in or near this area, proceed immediately to high ground away from the valley. Do not travel on Indicate names of roads that may be flooded Indicate direction of Indicate nearest City/Town downstream of dam or return to your home to recover your possessions. You cannot outrun or drive away from the flood wave. Proceed immediately to high ground away from the valley.

Repeat message.

Emergency Level 1 Notifications

Non-Emergency

Unusual Event; Slowly Developing, or Rainfall Is To Exceed 5 Inches In 24 Hours, 4 Inches In 12 Hours, Or 3 Inches In 6 Hours

MARYLAND DAM SAFETY OFFICIAL First Name Last Name Regional Engineer 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) MDE After Hour Emergencies 1-866-633-4686 Dam Inspectors	Inspector Agency	Alternate Inspector Agency First Name Last Name	Alternate First Name Last Name	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Cell)	410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home)	410-555-XXXX (Home) Dam Operator’s Engineer First Name Last Name, Company Name 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) See Emer. Services Contacts tab for contact information for back-ups to the persons shown above and other emergency personnel. Note: 1, 2, etc., denotes call sequence Legend: Calls by Operator	______ Second level calls - - - - - (1) (2)

Emergency Level 2 Notifications

Emergency Event, Potential Dam Failure

Situation Rapidly Developing; or Predetermined Trigger Elevation Of ft Has Been Reached. ( )

Local News Media Outlet: Contact Name Channel/Frequency 410-555-XXXX MARYLAND DAM SAFETY OFFICIAL First Name Last Name Regional Engineer 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) MDE After Hour Emergencies 1-866-633-4686 County Name Police Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX Dam Inspectors	Inspector Agency	Alternate Inspector Agency First Name Last Name	Alternate First Name Last Name	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Cell)	410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home)	410-555-XXXX (Home) Incident Commander County Office of Emergency Management Call 911 410-555-XXXX (Office) Dam Operator’s Engineer First Name Last Name, Company Name 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) County Name Emergency Management Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX See Communications tab for prescripted messages. National Weather Service 410-555-XXXX See Emer. Services Contacts tab for contact information for back-ups to the persons shown above and other emergency personnel. (3) (2) (1)

MD State Police Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX

Note: 1, 2, etc., denotes call sequence Legend: Calls by Operator _______ Second level calls - - - - - -

Emergency Level 3 Notifications

Urgent Event, Dam Failure Appears Imminent or is in Progress, or Predetermined Trigger Elevation of ft Has Been Reached. ( )

MD State Police Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX County Name Police Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX National Weather Service 410-555-XXXX MARYLAND DAM SAFETY OFFICIAL First Name Last Name Regional Engineer 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) MDE After Hour Emergencies 1-866-633-4686 Local News Media Outlet: Contact Name Channel/Frequency 410-555-XXXX See Communications tab for prescripted messages. Dam Inspectors	Inspector Agency	Alternate Inspector Agency First Name Last Name	Alternate First Name Last Name	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Office)	410-555-XXXX (Cell)	410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home)	410-555-XXXX (Home) County Name Emergency Management Dispatcher 410-555-XXXX Dam Operator’s Engineer First Name Last Name, Company Name 410-555-XXXX (Office) 410-555-XXXX (Cell) 410-555-XXXX (Home) See Emer. Services Contacts tab for contact information for back-ups to the persons shown above and other emergency personnel. Note: 1, 2, etc., denotes call sequence Legend Calls by Operator _______ Second level calls - - - - - Incident Commander County Office of Emergency Management Call 911 or 410-555-XXXX (Office) (3) (2) (1)

Emergency Services & Other Contacts

Agency / Organization	Principal Contact & Email Address	Address	Office telephone number	Alternate telephone numbers
County Name Road Department / DPW	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
County Name Director of Emergency Management	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
County Name TV Station (Channel)	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
Landowner of Dam No. ###	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
National Weather Service	Dave Manning Climatologist David.manning@noaa.gov	44087 Weather Service Rd Sterling, VA	1-800-523-4129	1-703-260-0107
Maryland State Highway Administration	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
Maryland State Police District # Office	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
MDE - Dam Safety Division Regional Engineer	First Name Last Name email@email.com Regional Engineer	1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230	410-555-XXX MDE After Hours Emergency 1-866-633-4686	410-555-XXXX
MDE - Dam Safety Division Chief	First Name Last Name email@email.com Chief of Dam Safety	1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXX
County Name Emergency Management Coordinator	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
County Name Fire Department	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
County Name Police	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX
County Name Radio Station (Frequency)	First Name Last Name email@email.com	Number Street City, State	410-555-XXXX	410-555-XXXX

Step 4	Expected Actions

If the Police or emergency management staff receive a 911 call regarding observations of an unusual or emergency event at the dam, they should immediately contact the Dam Owner, Operator and/or the dam inspectors. After the Dam Owner and Operator determine the emergency level, the following actions should be taken. If time permits the technical representative and the Maryland Dam Safety Division should be contacted for technical consultation.

Emergency Level 1: Non-emergency, Unusual Event; Slowly Developing:

The Dam Owner or Operator, and technical representative should inspect the dam. At a minimum, inspect the full length of the upstream slope, crest, downstream toe, and downstream slope. Also check the reservoir area, abutments, and downstream channel for signs of changing conditions. IF INCREASED SEEPAGE, EROSION, CRACKING, OR SETTLEMENT ARE OBSERVED, IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE OBSERVED CONDITIONS TO THE STATE DAM SAFETY OFFICE; REFER TO THE EMERGENCY LEVEL TABLE FOR GUIDANCE IN DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE EVENT LEVEL FOR THE NEW CONDITION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS.

Record all of the contacts that were made on the Contact Checklist (Appendix A-1). Record all information, observations, and actions taken on the Event Log Form (Appendix A-2). Note the time of changing conditions. Document the situation with photographs and video if possible.

The Dam Owner or Operator should contact the State Dam Safety Office, and request technical staff to investigate the situation and recommend corrective actions.

Emergency Level 2: Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing:

The Dam Owner or Operator should contact the State Dam Safety Office to report the situation and, if time permits, request technical staff to investigate the situation and recommend corrective actions.

The Dam Owner or Operator should contact the County Office of Emergency Management, and the State Dam Safety Office to inform them that the emergency action plan has been activated and if current conditions get worse, an emergency situation may require evacuation. Preparations should be made for possible road closures and evacuations.

Provide updates to the County Office of Emergency Management and emergency services personnel to assist them in making timely decisions concerning the need for warnings, road closures, and evacuations.

If time permits, the Dam Owner, Operator, and/or his technical representative should inspect the dam. At a minimum, inspect the full length of the upstream slope, crest, downstream toe, and downstream slope. Also check the reservoir area, abutments, and downstream channel for signs of changing conditions. IF PIPING, INCREASED SEEPAGE, EROSION, CRACKING, OR SETTLEMENT ARE OBSERVED, IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE OBSERVED CONDITIONS TO THE STATE DAM SAFETY OFFICE; REFER TO THE EMERGENCY LEVEL TABLE FOR GUIDANCE IN DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE EVENT LEVEL FOR THE NEW CONDITION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS.

Record all of the contacts that were made on the Contact Checklist (Appendix A-1).Record all information, observations, and actions taken on the Event Log Form (Appendix A-2). Note the time of changing conditions. Document the situation with photographs and video if possible.

If time permits, the following emergency remedial actions should be taken as appropriate.

Emergency Level 2: Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing (continued):

Emergency Remedial Actions

If time permits, the following emergency remedial actions should be considered for Emergency Level 2 conditions. Immediate implementation of these remedial actions may delay, moderate, or prevent the failure of the dam. Several of the listed adverse or unusual conditions may be apparent at the dam at the same time, requiring implementation of several modes of remedial actions. Close monitoring of the dam must be maintained to confirm the success of any remedial action taken at the dam. Time permitting, any remedial action should be developed through consultation with the State Dam Safety Office. See Resources Available (Appendix B-1) for sources of equipment and materials to assist with remedial actions.

Embankment Overtopping

If the reservoir is no longer rising, place sandbags along the low areas of the top of the dam to control wave action, reduce the likelihood of flow concentration during minor	overtopping, and to	safely direct more water through the spillway.

Cover the weak areas of the top of the dam and downstream slope with riprap, sandbags, plastic	sheets, or other materials to provide erosion-resistant protection.

Seepage and Sinkholes

Open principal spillway gate to lower the reservoir level as rapidly as possible to a level that stops or decreases the seepage to a non-erosive velocity. If the gate is damaged or blocked, pumping or siphoning may be required. Continue lowering the water level until the seepage stops.

If the entrance to the seepage origination point is observed in the reservoir (possible whirlpool)	and is accessible, attempt to reduce the flow by plugging the entrance with readily available	materials, including hay bales, bentonite, soil or rock fill, or plastic sheeting.

Cover the seepage exit area(s) with several feet of sand/gravel to hold fine-grained embankment	or foundation materials in place. Alternatively, construct sandbag or other types of ring dikes	around seepage exit areas to retain a pool of water, providing backpressure and reducing the erosive nature of the seepage.

Prevent vehicles and equipment from driving between the seepage exit points and the embankment to avoid potential loss from the collapse of an underground void.

Embankment Movement

Open outlet(s) and lower the reservoir to a safe level at a rate commensurate with the urgency and severity of the condition of the slide or slump. If the gate is damaged or blocked, pumping or siphoning may be required.

Repair settlement of the crest by placing sandbags or earth and rock fill materials in the damaged	area to restore freeboard.

Stabilize slides by placing a soil or rock fill buttress against the toe of the slide.

Earthquake

Immediately conduct a general overall visual inspection of the dam.

Perform field survey to determine if there has been any settlement and movement of the dam	embankment, spillway and low level outlet works.

Drain reservoir if required.

Emergency Level 3: Urgent; Dam Failure Appears to be Imminent or is in Progress or Critical Flooding Is Occurring:

The Dam Owner or Operator shall immediately contact the County Office of Emergency Management and others shown on the notification flow chart.

The County Office of Emergency Management shall lead the efforts to carry out warnings, close roads, and evacuations of people at risk downstream from the dam (see Evacuation Map tab).

Emergency Management services personnel shall alert the general public and immediately evacuate at-risk people and close roads as necessary.

The Dam Owner or Operator shall maintain continuous communication and provide the County Office of Emergency Management with updates of the situation to assist him in making timely decisions concerning warnings and evacuations.

The Dam Owner or Operator should record all of the contacts that were made on the Contact Checklist (Appendix A-1). Record all information, observations, and actions taken on the Events Log Form (Appendix A-2). Note the time of changing conditions. Document the situation with photographs and video if possible.

Advise people monitoring the dam to follow safe procedures. Everyone should stay away from any of the failing structures or slopes and out of the potential breach inundation areas.

Step 5	Termination

Whenever the EAP has been activated, an emergency level has been declared, all EAP actions have been completed, and the emergency is over, the EAP operations must eventually be terminated and follow-up procedures completed.

Termination Responsibilities

The Dam Owner and Inspectors are responsible for informing the County Office of Emergency Management and Maryland Dam Safety that the emergency at the dam is over. The Director of Emergency Management or designated alternate is responsible for terminating EAP operations and relaying this decision to the Dam Owner and Inspectors. It is then the responsibility of each person to notify the same group of contacts that were notified during the original event notification process to inform those people that the event has been terminated.

Prior to the termination of an Emergency Level 3 event that has not caused actual dam failure, the dam Operator’s engineer and/or State Dam Safety Official will inspect the dam or require the inspection of the dam to determine whether any damage has occurred that could potentially result in loss of life, injury, or property damage. If it is determined that conditions do not pose a threat to people or property, the County Director of Emergency Management or designated alternate will be advised to terminate EAP operations as described above.

The Dam Owner shall assure that the Dam Safety Emergency Situation Report (Appendix A-3) is completed to document the emergency event and all the actions taken. The Dam Owner shall distribute copies of the completed report to the State Dam Safety Office and his technical representative.

Maintenance—EAP Review and Revision

EAP annual review

The Dam Owner or his representative will review and, if needed, update the EAP at least once each year. It is required to contact the MDE Dam Safety Division once a year to verify that the Plan has been reviewed and updated as necessary. The EAP annual review will include the following:

Calling all contacts on the three notification charts in the EAP to verify that the phone numbers and persons in the specified positions are current. The EAP will be revised if any of the contacts have changed.

Contacting the local law enforcement agency to verify the phone numbers and persons in the specified positions. In addition, the Dam Owner or his representative will ask if the person contacted knows where the EAP is kept and if responsibilities described in the EAP are understood.

Calling the locally available resources to verify that the phone numbers, addresses, and services are current.

Revisions

The Dam Owner or his representative is responsible for updating the EAP document. When revisions occur, the Dam Owner will provide the revised pages and a revised revision summary page to all the EAP document holders. The document holders are responsible for revising outdated copy of the respective document(s) whenever revisions are received. Outdated pages shall be immediately discarded to avoid any confusion with the revisions.

EAP Periodic Test

The Dam Owner will host and facilitate a periodic test of the EAP at least once every 5 years.

The periodic test will consist of a meeting, including a tabletop exercise, conducted at the DEP Office. Attendance should include the Dam Owner, dam inspectors, the owners engineer, MDE Dam Safety Division, the emergency management director, and at least one representative of the local law enforcement agency, and others with key responsibilities listed in the EAP. At the discretion of the Dam Owner, other organizations that may be involved with an unusual or emergency event at the dam are encouraged to participate. Before the tabletop exercise begins, meeting participants will visit the dam during the periodic test to familiarize themselves with the dam site.

The tabletop exercise will begin with the facilitator presenting a scenario of an unusual or emergency event at the dam. The scenario will be developed prior to the exercise. Once the scenario has been presented, the participants will discuss the responses and actions that they would take to address and resolve the scenario. The narrator will control the discussion, ensuring realistic responses and developing the scenario throughout the exercise. The Dam Owner or his representative should complete an event log as they would during an actual event.

After the tabletop exercise, the five sections of the EAP will be reviewed and discussed. Mutual aid agreements and other emergency procedures can be discussed. The Dam Owner or his representative will prepare a written summary of the periodic test and revise the EAP, as necessary.

Record of Holders of Control Copies of this EAP

Copy Number	Organization	Person receiving copy
1	Dam Owner Name Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
2	County Name DPW Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
3	County Name DEP Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
4	County Name Director of Emergency Management’s Department Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
5	County Name Emergency Management Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
6	County Name Police Department Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name
7	MDE Dam Safety Division 1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21230	First Name Last Name
8	Other Address City, State, Zip	First Name Last Name

Record of Revisions and Updates Made to EAP

Revision Number	Date	Revisions made	By whom
#	MM/DD/YY	Describe revisions made to the document.	First Name Last Name

Concurrences

By my signature, I acknowledge that I, or my representative, have reviewed this plan and concur with the tasks and responsibilities assigned herein for my organization and me. (Fill in Name, Title, Organization based on “Record Holders of Control Copies of this EAP” Table)

1.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

2.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

3.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

4.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

5.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

6.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

7.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

8.____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Organization Date

Printed name and title: Name, Title, Organization

Appendices—Forms, Glossary, Maps, and
Supporting Data

Appendix A

A–1	Contact Checklist

A–2	Unusual or Emergency Event Log Form

A–3	Dam Emergency Situation Report Form

A–4	Glossary of Terms

Appendix B

B–1	Resources Available

B–2	Evacuation Map

B–3	Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk

Appendix A–1

Contact Checklist

, MD Dam No.

Date: MM/DD/YYYY

The following contacts should be made immediately after the emergency level is determined (see pages
7–9 for guidance to determine the appropriate emergency level for a specific situation). The person making the contacts should initial and record the time of the call and who was notified for each contact made. See the Notification Charts tab for critical contact information and Emer. Services Contacts tab for contact information for other possible emergency services.

Emergency Level 1 (see page 15)	Person	Time	Contacted

Contacted	Contacted	by

___ Dam Owner	_____________	_____________	_____________

___ Dam Owner’s Engineer	_____________	_____________	_____________

___ MD Dam Safety	_____________	_____________	_____________

Emergency Level 2 (see page 16)	Person	Time	Contacted

Contacted	Contacted	by

____ Dam Owner	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ Dam Owner’s Engineer	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ Emergency Management	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ MD Dam Safety	_____________	_____________	_____________

Emergency Level 3 (see page 17)	Person	Time	Contacted

Contacted	Contacted	by

____ Emergency Management	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ Dam Owner	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ Dam Owner’s Engineer	_____________	_____________	_____________

____ MD Dam Safety	_____________	_____________	_____________

Appendix A–2

Unusual or Emergency Event Log

(to be completed during the emergency)

Dam name: , MD Dam No. County:

When and how was the event detected? _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Weather conditions: ____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

General description of the emergency situation: _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Emergency level determination: ______________ Made by: ___________________________

Actions and Event Progression

Date	Time	Action/event progression	Taken by

Report prepared by: _______________________________________ Date: _______________

Appendix A–3

Dam Emergency Situation Report

(to be completed following the termination of the emergency)

Dam name: , MD Dam No.

National Inventory of Dams (NID) No.:

Dam location: miles of Stream/River Name

(City) (County) (Stream/River)

Date: _______________	Time: _______________

Weather conditions: ____________________________________________________________

General description of emergency situation: _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Area(s) of dam affected: _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Extent of dam damage: __________________________________________________________

Possible cause(s): ______________________________________________________________

Effect on dam’s operation: _______________________________________________________

Initial reservoir elevation: ________________________	Time: ______________

Maximum reservoir elevation: ____________________	Time: ______________

Final reservoir elevation: ________________________	Time: ______________

Description of area flooded downstream/damages/injuries/loss of life: ____________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Other data and comments: _____________________________________________________________________________

Observer’s name and telephone number:____________________________________________

Report prepared by_________________________________________ Date: _______________

Appendix A–4
Glossary of Terms

Abutment	That part of the valleyside against which the dam is constructed. The left and right abutments of dams are defined with the observer looking downstream from the dam.

Acre-foot	A unit of volumetric measure that would cover 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot. One acre-foot is equal to 43,560 cubic feet or 325,850 gallons.

Berm	A nearly horizontal step (bench) in the upstream or downstream sloping face of the dam.

Boil	A disruption of the soil surface due to water discharging from below the surface. Eroded soil may be deposited in the form of a ring (miniature volcano) around the disruption.

Breach	An opening through the dam that allows draining of the reservoir. A controlled breach is an intentionally constructed opening. An uncontrolled breach is an unintended failure of the dam.

Conduit	A closed channel (round pipe or rectangular box) that conveys water through, around, or under the dam.

Control section	A usually level segment in the profile of an open channel spillway above which water in the reservoir discharges through the spillway.

Cross section	A slice through the dam showing elevation vertically and direction of natural water flow horizontally from left to right. Also, a slice through a spillway showing elevation vertically and left and right sides of the spillway looking downstream.

Dam	An artificial barrier generally constructed across a watercourse for the purpose of impounding or diverting water.

Dam failure	The uncontrolled release of a dam’s impounded water.

Dam Operator	The person(s) or unit(s) of government with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of dam.

Drain, toe or foundation,	A water collection system of sand and gravel and typically pipes along the

or blanket	downstream portion of the dam to collect seepage and convey it to a safe outlet.

Drainage area (watershed)	The geographic area on which rainfall flows into the dam.

Drawdown	The lowering or releasing of the water level in a reservoir over time or the volume lowered or released over a particular period of time.

Emergency	A condition that develops unexpectedly, endangers the structural integrity of the dam and/or downstream human life and property, and requires immediate action.

Emergency Action Plan	A formal document identifying potential emergency conditions that may

(EAP)	occur at the dam and specifying preplanned actions to minimize potential failure of the dam or minimize failure consequences including loss of life, property damage, and environmental impacts.

Evacuation map	A map showing the geographic area downstream of a dam that should be evacuated if it is threatened to be flooded by a breach of the dam or other large discharge.

Filter	The layers of sand and gravel in a drain that allow seepage through an embankment to discharge into the drain without eroding the embankment soil.

Freeboard	Vertical distance between a stated water level in the reservoir and the top of dam.

Gate, slide or sluice,	An operable, watertight valve to manage the discharge of water from the

or regulating	dam.

Groin	The area along the intersection of the face of a dam and the abutment.

Hazard classification	A system that categorizes dams (high, significant, or low) according to the degree of their potential to create adverse incremental consequences such as loss of life, property damage, or environmental impacts of a failure or misoperation of a dam.

Height of dam	The vertical distance between the lowest point along the top of the dam and the lowest point at the downstream toe, which usually occurs in the bed of the outlet channel.

Hydrograph, inflow or	A graphical representation of either the flow rate or flow depth at a specific

outflow, or breach	point above or below the dam over time for a specific flood occurrence.

Incident Commander	The highest predetermined official available at the scene of an emergency situation.

Instrumentation	An arrangement of devices installed into or near dams that provide measurements to evaluate the structural behavior and other performance parameters of the dam and appurtenant structures.

Inundation area or map	The geographic area downstream of the dam that would be flooded by a breach of the dam or other large discharge.

Notification	To immediately inform appropriate individuals, organizations, or agencies about a potentially emergency situation so they can initiate appropriate actions.

Outlet works	An appurtenant structure that provides for controlled passage of normal

(principal spillway)	water flows through the dam.

Piping	The progressive destruction of an embankment or embankment foundation by internal erosion of the soil by seepage flows.

Probable Maximum	The theoretically greatest precipitation or resulting flood that is

Precipitation (PMP) or	meteorologically feasible for a given duration over a specific drainage area

Flood (PMF)	at a particular geographical location.

Reservoir	The body of water impounded or potentially impounded by the dam.

Riprap	A layer of large rock, precast blocks, bags of cement, or other suitable material, generally placed on an embankment or along a watercourse as protection against wave action, erosion, or scour.

Risk	A measure of the likelihood and severity of an adverse consequence.

Seepage	The natural movement of water through the embankment, foundation, or abutments of the dam.

Slide	The movement of a mass of earth down a slope on the embankment or abutment of the dam.

Spillway (auxiliary	The appurtenant structure that provides the controlled conveyance of

or emergency)	excess water through, over, or around the dam.

Spillway capacity	The maximum discharge the spillway can safely convey with the reservoir at the maximum design elevation.

Spillway crest	The lowest level at which reservoir water can flow into the spillway.

Tailwater	The body of water immediately downstream of the embankment at a specific point in time.

Toe of dam	The junction of the upstream or downstream face of an embankment with the ground surface.

Top of dam (crest of dam)	The elevation of the uppermost surface of an embankment that can safely impound water behind the dam.

Appendix B–1
Resources Available

Locally available equipment, labor, and materials:

Local DPW (or similar) has the following resources that can be utilized in the event of an emergency:

Equipment 1

Equipment 2

Equipment 3

Equipment 4

Materials 1

Materials 2

Materials 3

Contact the Local DPW (or similar) —see Emer. Services Contacts tab.

Other locally available resources include:

Heavy equipment service and rental	Sand and gravel supply	Ready-mix concrete supply
Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX
Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX
Pumps	Diving contractor	Sand bags
Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX	Company Name Address City, State 410-555-XXXX

Appendix B–2
Location and Vicinity Maps

(INSERT MAP, SIZE AS NECESSARY FOR LEGIBILITY)

Appendix B–3
Watershed Project Map

(INSERT MAP, SIZE AS NECESSARY FOR LEGIBILITY)

Appendix B–4
Evacuation Map

(INSERT MAP, SIZE AS NECESSARY FOR LEGIBILITY)

Appendix B–5
Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk

A major flood caused by a sudden breach of the dam is estimated to inundate ### homes, ### businesses, and ### highways. These homes and businesses (marked on the evacuation map) are located (Indicate area using direction, approx. distance, roadways and other features).

House/ business no.*	Resident/business	Address	Phone no.	Distance downstream from dam (ft)	Travel time** (hr)	Max water depth above first floor (ft)
#	Resident Name(s)	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
B-#	Business Name	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
B-#	Business Name	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
B-#	Business Name	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
#	Resident Name(s)	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
#	Resident Name(s)	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
#	Resident Name(s)	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
#	Resident Name(s)	Address, City, State	410-555-XXXX	####	##	##
Highway Name	####	##	##
Highway Name	####	##	##
Highway Name	####	##	##

See Appendix B–4.

** Estimated time for breach wave (peak) to travel from dam to downstream locations

Basis for computation of evacuation area and flooding depths

Breach inundation study completed by: Company Name, Date

Hydraulic model used: TR–20 (routing); TR–60 (peak discharge); TR–66 (hydrograph)

Model assumptions:

Breach type: (Full PMF, Half PMF, Brim-up, 100-year, Sunny Day)

Water surface elevation in reservoir prior to breach = #### (also indicate elevation in relation to top of dam, e.g., “top of dam”)

Total volume of breach hydrograph = #### acre-ft

Height of water at time of breach = #### ft

Peak breach discharge = #### ft3/s

Downstream area defined by field surveys consisting of ## cross sections and ## bridge openings

Appendix B–6
Flood Summary Table

PMF and Sunny Day Failures

Cross Section No.	Location	Flood Depth Sunny Day PMF (ft)	Elevation (ngvd) Sunny Day PMF (ngvd)	Flood Travel Time Sunny Day PMF (hrs)	Distance from Dam (mi)

The flood depth, elevations, and travel times values listed in this table are based on a normal pool failure “sunny day” and a probable maximum flood (PMF) failure. An actual failure may vary from these values depending on the storm duration & amount, and the actual dam breach geometry.

Appendix B–7
Plan View of Dam

(INSERT MAP, SIZE AS NECESSARY FOR LEGIBILITY)

Appendix B–8
Profile of Principal Spillway

(INSERT MAP, SIZE AS NECESSARY FOR LEGIBILITY)

Appendix B–9
Reservoir Elevation-area-volume
and Spillway Capacity Data

test, MD Dam No.

Elevation (ft)	Reservoir Surface (acres)	Reservoir Storage (acre*ft)	Spillway Discharge (ft3/s)
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
Principal Spillway Crest (El. ###)
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
Emergency Spillway Crest (El. ###)
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##
##	##	##	##

Appendix B–10
National Inventory of Dams (NID) Data

Dam name:

State: MD

NID ID:

Longitude:

Latitude:

County:

Stream: Stream Name

Nearest town:

Distance to nearest town: mi

Operator:

Year constructed:

Max. Discharge: #### ft3/s

Max. Storage: ### acre-ft

Normal storage: ## acre-ft

Surface area: ## acre

Drainage area: mi2

Inspection frequency: # yr

State regulated?: Yes/No

State Regulating Agency: MDE- Dam Safety Div

Purpose of Dam: Flood Control/Water Supply/etc.

Service life: ## yrs

O&M insp. resp.: Entity Name

O&M insp. current?: Yes/No

Population at risk: ###

Dam height: ## ft

Dam length: ### ft

Dam volume: #### yd3

Design hazard potential: High/Significant/Low

Current hazard year: YYYY

Hazard Classification:

Sediment storage: ### acre-ft

Flood storage: ### acre-ft

Principal spillway type: Material and Type

Principal spillway conduit diameter: ## in

Auxiliary spillway type: Type and ground cover

Auxiliary spillway width: ## ft