Agency
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Board
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board
chapter
Impounding Structure Regulations [4 VAC 50 ‑ 20]
Action:
Amend provisions of the regulations to improve clarity and enhance consistency
Action 7041
 
General Information
Action Summary The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board intends to amend portions of 4VAC50-20, Impounding Structure Regulations, to improve regulatory clarity, enhance consistency in implementation, and align certain provisions with current engineering practices. This regulatory action will focus on revisions to definitions used to determine maximum impounding capacity, updating hazard potential classification criteria and the definition of significant hazard potential, revising the methodology used for conducting incremental damage analysis, establishing minimum design standards for dam decommissioning projects, and updating the emergency action plan requirements for high and significant hazard potential dams. The intent of this regulatory action is to ensure that impounding structures are classified and regulated based on current risk assessment practices and clearly defined criteria, while providing dam owners and engineers with more consistent and predictable regulatory requirements. The amendments are expected to improve public safety by supporting more accurate evaluation of potential downstream consequences associated with dam failures, establishing design standards for dam decommissioning activities, and improving the effectiveness and usability of emergency action plans for high and significant hazard potential impounding structures.
Chapters Affected Only affects this chapter.
Executive Branch Review This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process.
RIS Project No project yet assigned to this action
New Periodic Review This action will not be used to conduct a new periodic review.
 
Stages
Stages associated with this regulatory action.
Stage ID Stage Type Status
11217 NOIRA DPB review in progress.
 
Contact Information
Name / Title: Lisa McGee  / Policy and Planning Director
Address: 600 East Main Street, 24th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: lisa.mcgee@dcr.virginia.gov
Phone: (804)786-4378    FAX: (804)786-6141    TDD: ()-

This person is the primary contact for this agency.