Vermont to Inspect State’s Dams

By Eagle Times Straff
Montpelier, Vt. — Following historic flooding that has occurred throughout Vermont, the state’s Dam Safety Program is conducting inspections to identify dams that may have been impacted.

The Program, part of the Environmental Conservation Department, will prioritize dams that have the potential to impact life and property such as homes and roads. The inspections are performed by trained engineers at no cost to dam owners.

There are more than 400 dams located within Vermont that impound enough water to pose a risk should the dam fail. A large number of those dams are owned by private individuals.

To date, the Program has not been able to make contact with some dam owners to initiate inspection efforts. As outreach efforts continue, the Program asks that anyone who owns a dam and has not been directly contacted by the Program to email [email protected].

Prompt contact by dam owners is critical to ensure dams are inspected for safety risks. If the Program is not able to obtain access to inspect a dam, the Program may require the owner to conduct an inspection and submit a report to the Program.

For more information on flood recovery resources from the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Department, or the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, visit https://ANR.Vermont.gov/Flood.