DAMS
In terms of the National Water Act, dams are divided into two general groups: small dams and dams with a safety risk.
SMALL DAMS - These dams are unclassified and do not meet the criteria for a Dam with a Safety Risk.
DAMS WITH A SAFTY RISK - These dams have:
- A capacity of greater than 50 000 m3
and
- An embankment height of more than 5 m.
Dams with a safety risk are further classified into categories based on their size, risk potential (the potential loss of life), the economic loss and the impact on the environment in the event of a failure.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR DAMS
Storey ENG APP: Our in-house Approved Professional Person (APP) works on Category II and III earth embankment dams of up to 29 m in height, and with an associate on higher and different types of dams.
NEW DAMS
Identify/locate a site for a dam.
Hydrological studies.
Geotechnical investigations.
Design the dam embankment/wall, spillways, outlet structures and erosion protection.
Prepare detailed specifications, bills of quantities and tender (contract) documents.
Obtain the licence to construct the dam
Monitor construction work for compliance with designs and specifications.
Control testing.
Veryfy executed work quantities.
Certify payments claims made by contractor.
Upon completion, prepare and submit various certificates, construction reports, and operation and maintenenace manuals to relevant authorities.
Submit the completion report and obtain the licence to impound water
FAILURES AND REMEDIAL WORKS
Investigate cause(s) of dam failures.
Design remedial works.
DAM SAFETY EVALUATIONS
Dam safety inspections of Category II and Category III dams which by law must undergo periodic safety inspections. Inspections comprise:
- A visual on-site inspection of the dam.
- Assessment of the dam's condition.
- Preparation of a dam safety inspection report.
- Submission of dam safety report to the Dam Safety Office (DSO) of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
- A review of the results of the assessment with the dam owner.
DECOMMISSIONING OF DAMS
Apply for the decommissioning of a dam.
Oversee the decommissioning operations.