​Maryland’s Dam Safety Program ensures all dams are designed, constructed, operated and maintained safely to prevent failures and the resulting consequences. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) responsibilities include conducting safety inspections of dams based on their “hazard classification,” evaluating downstream hazard conditions, issuing permits for new construction and repairs to existing structures; and conducting construction inspections. MDE also works with dam owners and emergency management professionals to develop and exercise an “Emergency Action Plan” for dams to be used in the event of imminent dam failure.​

What's New?​​​

• Policy Memorandum ​No. 22 - Determining Embankment Height​

• Policy Memorandum No. 23 - Small Ponds Exempt from Approvals​

• Updated Policy Memo No. 4 - ​Hazard Classification of Small Impoundments​​
  

• Updated EAP Template (2025)​
  

• Dam Information Mapping Tool​​​​​

• Design Review Job Aid for Small Pond and Dam Applications