Resources
Dams & Reservoirs
Organizations and Web sites with information regarding specific dams, reservoirs, and projects are listed alphabetically by name. Additional sections include abstracts, articles and reports specific to dams and reservoirs, links to dams, reservoirs, and projects in regional river basins, and a special section on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with links for additional information.
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Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) is a non-profit association made up from state and federal dam safety regulators, dam owners and operators, engineering consultants and many other interested in dam safety. The organization provides a strong, unified voice to institute effective programs and policies to regulate dam safety. For the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, contact Max Fowler, P.E., State Dam Safety Engineer, NC Department of Environmental & Natural Resources, Land Quality Section, Phone: 919/733-4574 E-mail: Max.Fowler@ncmail.net or James D. Simons, P.E., 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Phone: 919-733-4574 Fax: 919-733-2876 Email: jim.simons@ncmail.net Website: www.dlr.enr.state.nc.us
The Association of State Floodplain Managers is a respected organization of professionals who represent flood hazard specialists involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning and recovery. Recognized internationally and nationally, they promote the wise use of natural and beneficial functions of floodplains and mitigate the losses, costs and human suffering caused by flooding. Website: http://www.floods.org/TheOrganization/
This site supplies background information on the Aswan
Dam that borders Egypt and the Sudan. Website: http://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa012698.htm?once=true&
Necessity drove David Doolaege to come up with a unique invention for dealing
with floodwaters, after sandbagging was deemed environmentally unfriendly back
in the 1980’s, especially under the Clean Water Act guidelines. AquaDams
are quick, temporary dams that use water to control water problems, thus avoiding
severe environmental damage. To find out more, visit: http://www.damitdams.com/
Christmas Eve, 1931, residents near the Osage River basin
received a brilliant present and a spectacular light display, the Bagnell
Dam was completed and electric service in the area began. Thousands came
to the area seeking employment as the country was still in the grips of the
Great Depression when construction on the dam began. More than 20,500 people
worked 9 to 12 hours a day and construction went on around the clock.
Find out more at: http://www.odd.net/ozarks/baghist.htm
The PBS website has a section entitled Building Big Dams that has everything and starts with the basics. Take the Dam challenge and find out why some dams last and others fail. Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/dam/
Costing about $86 million, the Bull
Shoals Dam was completed in 1963. Constructed in the upper White River
Basin in Arkansas, the resulting lake is one of four multiple-purpose projects
designed not only for flood control and power generation, but also for recreational
opportunities.
Website: http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/bullshoals/damandlake.htm
Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the monitoring of the dams, power plants and canals constructed in 17 western states. Today they are the largest wholesaler of water in the country. Their mission is to environmentally and economically manage, develop and protect water and related resources with the interests of the American public in mind. - Learn more about who they are and what they do at their website: http://www.usbr.gov/
For information on dams in California, visit the California Dams Database. The Division of Safety of Dams reviews plans and specifications for new dam construction, repairs or alterations to existing dams and even the removal of dams. They also conduct periodic inspections of dams. Website: http://damsafety.water.ca.gov/
The Canadian Dam Association, founded in 1989, ensure dams operate in a safe manner. They promote adoption of regulatory policies and safety guidelines for dams and reservoirs throughout Canada, sharing their knowledge and information with other agencies interested in dam safety from around the world. Website: http://www.cda.ca/
Here’s a real interesting site from SimScience that
focuses on computer simulations to assist in scientific discoveries. Cracking
Dams features information on just that: cracks in dams. The site is broken
down into different grade levels: Beginning at grades K-4 or general beginners;
intermediate for grades 5 – 8 and advanced for grades 9 – 12. Each
level takes you through the steps of what happens to a dam when there are cracks,
why they crack and quite a bit of information on dams in general. See some great
footage of dams breaking (taken from some of your favorite movies). So, get
cracking!
Website: http://simscience.org/cracks/
The Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Guide features a section on “Dams and Obstructions in the Chicago area”. Their website also features this section and lists the dams by river and river mile. There are photos of each dam, along with the longitude and latitude. Website: http://pages.ripco.net/~jwn/dam.html
The United Nations Environment Programme includes a Dams and Development Project designed to promote improved decision-making, planning and management of dams and their alternatives. Following the guidelines set by the World Commission on Dams, the program takes a neutral stance on any request for assistance and focus on opening dialogue between the participants, supplying access to experts, information material and examples, as well as possible financial resources. Website: http://www.unep-dams.org/
The Center for Columbia River History believes that dams along the Columbia River has brought about unexpected consequences many believe is the price of progress. Learn more about the “Dams of the Columbia Basin & Their Effects on the Native Fishery” by visiting: http://www.ccrh.org/comm/river/dintro.htm
In New South Wales, Australia, the Dams Safety Committee’s main function is to ensure the safety of a dam and to monitor for potential problems. They ensure that downstream residents and property are not in danger from a dam breach of structure or storage integrity. Their site features information in German, Spanish, French, Indonesian and English. Website: http://www.damsafety.nsw.gov.au/default.htm
Elan Dams & Reservoirs were built to provide the people of Birmingham, England with water. Construction of the first dam began in 1893, in 1904 King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra ceremoniously opened the dam. It took three years for a railway line to be constructed for the transport of the 50,000 men who were employed on the project. Learn more fascinating facts about this area: http://www.elanvalley.org.uk/dams.htm
Along the Ohio River are the Emsworth
Locks and Dam, which opened in 1921 at a cost of almost $6 million. Between
1981-1986, $30 million was spent to conduct a major rehabilitation of the dam.
On the average, 550 commercial vessels and between 350 to 400 pleasure craft
make use of the locks during the summer months.
Website: http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/nav/ems.htm
Fort Peck Dam Interpretive
Center and Museum will serve as a memorial to those who worked so hard
and suffered through the construction of Fort Peck Dam, a project begun during
the Great Depression in 1934 and finished in 1940. At that time, it was the
largest “hydraulic fill” dam in the world. Fort Peck Lake is noted
for it’s fishing and for its outstanding dinosaur fossils. The Fort Peck
Dam Interpretive Center & Museum, currently under construction, will be
a World Class center promoting new archeological digs and supplying a history
into the Fort Peck Lake Dam.
Website: http://garfieldweb.com/fortpeck/index.html
Additional website: http://www.fortpeckdam.com/
Geoguide Dams! Ever
wonder why people build dams? This site will explore the impact, both good and
bad, that a dam may have on a community. You can study an artist’s rendition
of what happens to the surrounding landscape as a dam is being built. There
is also section for family activities that include creating your own miniature
dam and things to look for at a reservoir.
Website: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/geoguide/dams/
The Grand Coulee Dam is the largest concrete structure (12 million cubic yards of concrete) in the United States, it produces 6.5 million kilowatts of power and irrigates over a half a million acres of the Columbia River basin. Started in the 1930s, an effort to provide water to the fertile but arid lands of the Columbia River basin in Central Washington. The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Roosevelt contains 9 million acre-feet of water and stretches over 150 miles back to the Canadian border. Find out more and see some amazing photographs at the web site: http://users.owt.com/chubbard/gcdam/index.html
While we commonly think of dams trapping water at the
surface in a reservoir, Groundwater Dams obstruct
and intercept the natural flow of groundwater in order for it to be stored underground.
This reduces the risk of contamination and evaporation. This principle is used
in many parts of the world like India, Africa and Brazil.
Website: http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/methods/modern/gwdams.htm
GuideMe.com features
many books on the subject of dams and hydroelectric power.
Their website is: http://www.guideme.com/Bookstores/DAMS.HTM
Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir – Truman Reservoir is the largest flood control lake in Missouri. It has a storage capacity of more than 5 million acre-feet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains both the dam and the wetlands surrounding it, providing grain and legume plantings for wildlife, performing water quality testing, flood control and soil conservation. Visit their website for further information: http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/harryst/hst_home.htm
Hoover Dam was built
to control floods, improve navigation and regulation of the Colorado River,
to store and deliver river water for reclamation of public lands and for hydroelectric
power production. Learning packs are available from their website that give
background information about Hoover Dam and the surrounding area. The packets
offer historical information, a look at the wildlife in the area and the water
resources. Learn more at the following website: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
Additional website: http://www.sunsetcities.com/hoover-dam.html
Hungry Horse Reservoir
was created in 1953 after the completion of Hungry Horse Dam, the uppermost
dam in the Columbia River Hydro-power system. The Montana Department of Fish,
Wildlife & Parks monitors the watershed and instrumental in reducing the
threat to native fish. They work along side the Department of Reclamation. When
you go to there website, look for how the dam received it’s name.
Website: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/hhorse.html
The Idaho Department of Water
Resources regulates 546 water storage dams and 21 mine tailings structures.
Every other year, these facilities are inspected unless a problem arises. Their
Dam Safety Program site has links to photographs and information on dams in
Idaho including the risk and size classifications given to each dam.
Website: http://www.idwr.state.id.us/water/stream_dam/dams/dams.htm
IFC Environment features a report that appeared September, 1996 on the “Safety of Dams”. It’s available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and English. Website: http://www.ifc.org/enviro/EnvSoc/Q_As/OP_4_37/safety.htm
Infoplease.com is a great site to search for information on just about everything. Search for the World’s largest Dams, or the highest. Just type in what you want to search for and press go! Website: http://www.infoplease.com/index.html
Working with groups from 82 countries, the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) works toward the advancement of the art and science of water resources. Created in 1928, the commission leads the profession of dam engineering to develop safe, ecologically and socioeconomically sustainable dams. Practicing engineers, geologist and scientists comprise the over 7,000 individual members, along with government and private organizations, consulting firms, universities, laboratories and construction companies. Website: http://www.icold-cigb.org/index.html
The International Journal
on Hydropower & Dams is a bi-monthly publication that deals with
the technical, environmental, social and economics aspects of hydro plants and
multipurpose water resources development. Over 176 countries read the publication
and each issue includes a regional focus and business news on state-of-the-art
technology.
Website: http://www.hydropower-dams.com/
The International Rivers Network
has completed a guide on how to use the World Commission on Dams report in their
fight for justice and human rights. Eventually the report will be available
in several languages. This “Citizens’ Guide” to the report
provides information on the best ways to produce and distribute electricity.
It also points out there are far greater negative impacts of large dams than
were previously thought. The site also contains information about rivers and
dams worldwide, as well as links to reports and articles on dams, global warming
and other social and environmental impacts.
Website: http://www.irn.org/wcd/
The Jerome Park Conservancy,
founded in 1994, is a grassroots organization formed to fight New York City’s
plans to build a filtration plant at the Jerome Park Reservoir. The reservoir
supplies 10% of New York City’s water and is the largest body of water
in the Bronx. The group seeks to preserve and restore the 125-acre park at the
reservoir to make it an educational ecological resource for New York City’s
schoolchildren.
Website: http://www.lehman.cuny.edu/whatisnew/landmarkstatus/
Ladybower and the Derwent
Dams in Britain were constructed in the early twentieth century; Derwent
Dam between 1901 and 1916, and Ladybower was begun in 1935, finished in 1943
(the reservoir took an additional two years to fill). The Royal Air Force came
up with an unusual usage for the Derwent Dam during World War II, it became
their practice model for the famous raid on the Ruhr dams in Germany.
Website: http://www.cressbrook.co.uk/hopev/ladybwr.htm
The Lake Sedimentation Project is for researchers
to develop geophysical, analytical, and modeling techniques to assess reservoir
sedimentation and water yield. Using advanced technologies, project researchers
are able to build models that will calculate lake and reservoir sedimentation
and enable reservoir managers to better assess them.
Website: http://www3.baylor.edu/Geology/lake/lake.html
Covering almost 40% of the United States and about one-eighth
of North America, the Mississippi River Basin
measures 4.76 million square kilometers. A series of dams with locks traverse
this third largest river in the world, preventing floods and providing wetlands
and marshes for wildlife, as well as plants, along the way.
Website: http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/ms137.htm
The National Dam Safety Program
“Successes and Challenges: National Dam Safety Program 2002” by
the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. (www.damsafety.org)
A report on the dams of North Carolina,
Web site: http://www.damsafety.org/documents/pdf/North%20Carolina.pdf
The National Inventory of
Dams has information on almost 76,000 U.S. dams. The site contains links
to many state and federal sites related to dams.
Website: http://crunch.tec.army.mil/nid/webpages/nid.cfm
Established in an effort to provide support for improving dam designs, operations, engineering and public policy, the formation of the National Performance of Dams Programs became final in 1994. A cooperative effort of engineers and dam safety professionals, the NPDP retrieves, archives and disseminates information about dam performance. Website: http://npdp.stanford.edu/index.html
The Nature of Water Power from The Foundation for Water and Energy Education provides a hands-on science curriculum for students. The Foundation provides a look at both sides of an issue regarding the use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest. Website: http://www.fwee.org/mission.html
New Deal Network has
a site with information on almost all the major dams in the U.S. The site contains
information and photographs of the dams at various stages of construction, as
well as photos of the sites before the dams were in place.
Website: http://newdeal.feri.org/library/t_p.htm
The Nine Dams of The Tennessee
River were built to protect the people of the Tennessee Valley from flooding
and to provide adequate transportation. In addition, industries and residents
received electricity, a recreation area and water supplies for times of drought.
This site covers it all and has some fantastic photos.
Website: http://www2.una.edu/geography/tn_web/Dams/
Construction on Oldman River Dam in Alberta, Canada started in 1984. Initially, the dam was to regulate the flow on the river and to store water for irrigation, industrial and residential uses. It took until 1998 for a hydroelectric generating unit to be developed and constructed. There was quite a bit of controversy over the construction of the dam, to find out more, follow this link: http://www.edcanada.org/map/oldman.html
O’Shaughnessy Dam
was dedicated in 1923 and thought to be the largest single structure on the
West Coast. Named after Michael Maurice O’Shaughnessy, considered one
of the finest engineers of his time, the dam and resulting reservoir were determined
to be the best answer to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the growing
number of residents in San Francisco. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
manages the dam and the reservoir and is dedicated to providing customers with
reliable, high quality affordable water, while protecting the aquatic environment
by using safe, reliable and efficient collection, treatment and disposal of
San Francisco’s wastewater. See their website for further information
and photographs.
Website: http://www.wpiweb.com/watersys/sfpuc/home.htm
Parker Dam, located
on the Colorado River between Arizona and California is 155 miles downstream
from Hoover Dam. It was built between 1934 and 1938 to bring water and power
to the residents of the lower Colorado River Basin. Lake Havasu, the reservoir
behind the dam, provides clear, desilted water for the Colorado River Aqueduct
and serves the Central Arizona Project, it is also tapped by the San Diego Aqueduct.
Parker Dam is the deepest dam in the world, it provides flood control and helps
regulate water releases from Hoover and Davis power plans.
Website: http://www.desertusa.com/colorado/parker_dam/du_parkerdam.html
Are you interested in seeing some photographs of amazing dams? Photovault has images of Hoover Dam, Aswan Dam, Bonneville Dam and many others, along with pumping plants, turbines and rotors. Website: http://www.photovault.com/Link/Technology/Power/Hydroelectric/TPHVolume01.html
Randleman Dam is currently under construction. The dam was first proposed in 1937 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, however, it wasn’t until August 7, 2001 that construction began. It will provide a safe and dependable water supply for the North Carolina Piedmont Triad for a period of 50 years. Over 3,000 acres will be established for the reservoir and another 3,000 acres to create a buffer zone will also serve as a nature preserve. To find out more and to see some construction photos, follow the links: http://www.tl.infi.net/~ptrwa/index.htm also, http://www.ptrwa.org/facts.htm
The River Alliance of Wisconsin features a “Small Dams Program” the goal of which is to improve dam removal and provides information on the merits of selective dam removal. The program began in 1999, you can read about their accomplishments at the following website: http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/SmallDams/prog_dams.html
Often times, boats and people get trapped in the backwash of a dam. The danger is usually not realized until it’s too late. For safety tips and information on boating near a dam, visit Safe.com’s Nautical Know How site- Basic Boating Safety Certification Course: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/9_3.htm
The Saudi Arabian Information
Resource has information about the five dams constructed in the Riyadh
region. These dams were constructed to conserve rain water for human consumption
and to increase underground water reserves.
Website: http://www.saudinf.com/main/a8132.htm
Related item: http://www.saudinf.com/main/f44.htm
Save Our Dams campaigns
to clear up misinformation and to stop the manipulation of the dam breaching
movement. This site contains a host of information for you to read and learn
about the issues. Dams Removed, Dams Relicensing, The truth about Dams and Dam
Breaching are just a few of the areas to explore.
Website: http://www.saveourdams.com/
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has a history of the Dams and Reservoirs Safety Programs in their state. This can be downloaded and printed, just follow this link: http://www.scdhec.net/eqc/water/html/drshist.html
The Southern Environmental Law Center features articles related to dam construction in the South. In March of 2003, the Savannah District of the Army Corps of Engineers suspended their own permit for a proposed dam and reservoir on Tussahaw Creek in Henry and Butts counties. Website: http://www.selcga.org
Structurae is the International Database and Gallery of Structures. If you are looking for technical information on the different types of dams and retaining structures in the world, this is the site to go to: http://www.structurae.de/en/structures/stype/dam.php
The Swiss Committee on Dams,
a private association, promotes the construction, maintenance, monitoring and
operation of hydraulic structures and the environment. Experiences and proceedings
are gathered and discussed by engineers and entrepreneurs.
Website: http://www.swissdams.ch/Default_e.asp
A different type of dam is a Tailing Dam, a large surface impoundment containing industrial waste or the residue from the milling process of mined ores. Usually placed upstream, these dams pose a risk to the environment, as they are susceptible to seismic ground motion. Website: http://www.antenna.nl/wise/uranium/mdap.html#INTRO
“Ten Ways Dams Damage
Rivers” an article appearing on the American River website, deals
with how dams have depleted fisheries, degraded river ecosystems and resulted
in negative impacts on communities.
Website: http://www.amrivers.org/damremoval/tenreasons.htm
In China, the Three Gorges Project has caused controversy for quite some time. The first proposal for building a dam along the Yangtze was in 1919, at that time the Chinese political climate and economic conditions were not favorable, so the plans were put on hold. Opponents were concerned about altering the ecosystem, along with the extensive logging the dam construction would require. Additionally, the pollutants from factories along the river would no longer be flushed away, not to mention the archeological sites that would be destroyed and the possibility of increased seismic activity. Seventy-four years later, in 1993, the Chinese government began to divert the Yangtze River, relocating the citizens and commencing construction. The Three Gorges Project is expected to have all 26 generators online by 2009. Website: http://www.chinaonline.com/refer/ministry_profiles/threegorgesdam.asp
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, has a breakdown of all the dams in the U.S., listed by state. Each section features a history of the dam and it’s usage. Website: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/h_dam.html
The United States Society on Dams is dedicated to promoting awareness of the role of dams in the beneficial and sustainable development of the nation’s water resources. This nation-wide organization is interested in dam engineering, construction, operation, maintenance and safety. They also encourage socially and environmentally responsible water resources projects. Website: http://www2.privatei.com/~uscold/
Virginia has two natural lakes; Lake Drummond in Dismal Swamp and Mountain Lake in Giles County. The rest of the lakes in Virginia are the result of humans damming streams for the creation of ponds; for livestock watering, swimming holes, drinking water reservoirs and water quality supplies. Get an overview at Virginia Places’ website: http://www.virginiaplaces.org/watersheds/dams.html
Hydroelectric power is just one of the topics you will
learn about on the Water Power site. It also
contains information on tidal power, dams, wave power and waterwheels.
Website: http://waterpower.1-deals.com/index.shtml
What You Need To Know About is a wonderful site for gathering information. Type in what you want to find and it will bring up the information you need to get you started. Website: http://about.com/ Web link for dams: http://geography.about.com/cs/dams/
Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia. If you are looking for a good start to research into dams, this is a good place. It features a basic description of a dam, the different types of dams and they’re usage, as well as a list of dams and reservoirs all over the world. Website: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam
In May of 1998, after a long breakdown of dialogue amongst the private sector, governments and other international organizations on the construction of dams worldwide, the World Commission on Dams came into being. Commissioners from diverse backgrounds reviewed the effectiveness of large dam development and drew up internationally acceptable criteria, guidelines and standards for the construction and maintenance of larges dams. Website: http://www.dams.org/commission/intro.htm
The World Rainforest Movement
works towards raising the awareness of hydroelectric dams and the impact on
people and the surrounding areas. Not only has the ecology suffered, human rights
violations have also become widespread, as well as the spread of disease from
workers brought in to work on the dams.
Website: http://www.wrm.org.uy/bulletin/42/viewpoint.html
The World Wildlife Foundation,
as part of their Living Waters Programme, has a feature entitled “Dam
Right! WWF’s 2003-2004 Dams Initiative”. They point out that not
all dams are bad. While they do have the potential to destroy freshwaster supplies,
ecosystems and livelihoods, there are solutions and guidelines for sustainable
options.
Website: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/freshwater/what_we_do/policy_events/dams/index.cfm
Articles, Abstracts and Reports ~ Specific to Dams and Reservoirs
Listed alphabetically by title.
“A River Runs Against It: America’s Evolving View of Dams” an article by Bruce Babbitt talks about creating a balance between the needs of a river and the river users. The article appears on the Open Spaces Quarterly website: http://open-spaces.com/article-v1n4-babbitt.php
“A River Runs through It: An integrated system of dams gives TVA the unique ability to manage the Tennessee River’s potential for a broad range of benefits” is a forum report from Spring 2001, by Jack Davis, Renee Hurst, Morgan Goranflo Jr., and Arland Whitlock. Weblink: http://forum.ra.utk.edu/Archives/Spring2001/davis.pdf
“Basin 6: Hiwassee River”, State Water Supply Plan, by the Division of Water Resources, DENR, January 2001. http://www.dwr.ehnr.state.nc.us/Reports_and_Publications/swsp/swsp_jan2001/final_pdfs/B06_Hiwassee.pdf
“The Battle of the Dams: Those who think some of our rivers are a dammed shame argue for the structures to come down” abstract from an article by Patrick Joseph, Smithsonian Magazine, November 1998. http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues98/nov98/dam.html
“Breakout Session 4: Reservoir Review: Tennessee Valley Authority Reservoir Operations Study” presented by he National Park Service. http://www.gulfrestorationnetwork.org/proceedings/Reservoir%20Review.pdf
“Catawba River Basin Natural Resources Plan” by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, October 2001. Website: http://www.ncwater.org/Reports_and_Publications/Catawba_River_Basin/CRBNRPfinal.pdf
“Damning Dams: Is One of The Greatest Engineering
Marvels Of The Industrial Age Becoming Obsolete?” an article by Elaine
Robbins appears on emagazine.com:
http://www.emagazine.com/january-february_1999/0199curr_dams.html
Excerpts From the Encyclopedia of Southern Appalachian
Forest Ecosystems, USDA Forest Service:
“Dams” by Mark Scott, University of Georgia, 9/26/01 http://forestryencyclopedia.net/index.html?targetId=302&anchorId=293
“Dam Types and Purposes” by Mark Scott, University of Georgia, http://forestryencyclopedia.net/index.html?targetId=303&&anchorId=293
“Dams up for license renewal: Public gets rare chance to improve conditions as part of relicensing process” by Sammy Fretwell, The State.com http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/4599565.htm
“Easley Tours Flood Damage in Cumberland, Hoke Counties” story on WRAL.com, May 28, 2003. http://www.wral.com/news/2233756/detail.html
“Embankment overflow stepped spillway & Earth dam spillways with pre-cast concrete blocks” by Dr. Hubert Chanson, University of Queensland reviews earth dam spillways with pre-cast concrete blocks and their hydraulic design; includes photographs, a bibliography and links to other sites pertaining to spillways and dams. http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/over_st.html
“End nears for once-indestructible dams” by
The Associated Press, August 23, 1998,
http://www.registerguard.com/news/19980823/3b.dambusters.0823.html
“Flooding, Dam Burst Force Evacuations in Cumberland, Hoke Counties” story on WRAL.com, May 26, 2003. http://www.wral.com/news/2227869/detail.html
“Four Dams Break In Two Days” a report on nbc17.com May 27, 2003. http://www.nbc17.com/weather/2228772/detail.html
Grist Magazine delivers “gloom and doom with a sense
of humor.” The “Take Action: Rivers & Dams” section of
their website contains issues being faced around the world about the consequences
of dam construction. Many national and international groups are represented
on this site, from the International Rivers Network to Save Our Wild Salmon
Coalition, to the Sierra Club and Greenpeace USA, as well as numerous others.
Website: http://www.gristmagazine.com/dogood/rivers.asp
“History of The Catawba River Corridor” a report by York Technical College, Rock Hill, SC Website: http://www.yorktech.com/science/water/info.htm
“Holding Back the Waters; Dams as Water Resource Monuments” an article by Joe Gelt appeared in the Arroyo newsletter on June 1996 in Volume 9, No. 2. The article covers information in general about dams, but is specifically about the dams in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Water Resources regulates approximately 212 dams owned by various entities. Website: http://ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER/arroyo/092dams.html
“Initial Consultation Document: Yadkin-Pee Dee River
Project, FERC NO. 2206”, submitted by Progress Energy, Raleigh, North
Carolina, February 2003. This document deals with relicensing the Blewett Falls
and Tillery Developments and is downloadable.
Website: http://www.progress-energy.com/aboutenergy/powerplants/hydro/ICD030123.pdf
“Most of Durham’s 21 ‘high-hazard’ dams in good condition” by Laila Weir, The Herald-Sun, Jun 19, 2003. http://www.herald-sun.com/durham/4-363890.html
Graham Foundation Abstract “North American Hydroelectric Dams of the Twentieth Century” by Steven Landau, grant details. http://www.grahamfoundation.org/abstract/grantDetail.asp?abstractNo=96.074
Profile of the “Roanoke River Basin” published
by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2002.
http://149.168.72.84/ee/ecoadr/roanoke2.pdf
“Rains Mill Dam Goes Out With Blast” story on WRAL.com, by Brian Bowman Nov 30, 1999 http://www.wral.com/news/651596/index.html
“Removing Dams, Restoring Rivers, Part 1” by Elizabeth Grossman, Environmental News Network http://www.graduatingengineer.com/articles/feature/12-11-99.html#top
“$736 Million in Flood Damage Prevented” an article published by the Roanoke River Basin Association, Website: http://www.rrba.org/news51.html
“Snake River Dams Will Not Be Breached” an
article appearing September 23, 2002 on the EcoISP website. It talks about how
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have decided to improve fish passages at four
dams along the lower Snake River. The hope is this will improve the survival
of salmon populations without removing the dams entirely. Many environmental
organizations were opposed to this plan.
Website: http://www.ecoisp.com/flashpoints23.asp
“The TVA’s presence in North Carolina” from the Smoky Mountain news, August 16, 2000. http://www.smokymountainnews.com/Templates/issues/08_00/08_16_00/front_tva.shtml#top
“Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin Emergency Drought Management
Protocol for Post-September 15 Operations”, a report from North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources.
Website: http://www.ncwater.org/water_supply_planning/drought_monitoring_council/Yadkin-PeeDee/Post915Protocol-Final.pdf
Descriptions and pertinent data on dams, locks and reservoirs in the Wilmington,
NC area, as well as information on drought management from the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
Cape Fear River Basin
B. Everett Jordan Project, http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/bejdesc.txt
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/bejpert.txt
William O. Huske Dam, http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Recreation/Lock3.htm
Neuse River Basin
Falls Lake Project, http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/neuse.htm
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/fallpert.txt
Roanoke River Basin
John H. Kerr Project, http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/kerrdesc.txt
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/kerrpert.txt
Philpott Lake Project, http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/roanphil.htm
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/philpert.txt
Yadkin River Basin
W. Kerr Scott Project, http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/yadkin.htm
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/wkspert.txt
For more information on Dams and Reservoirs across the nation, please visit
the
US Army Corps of Engineers Web Site, http://www.usace.army.mil/.
According to their vision statement, http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/vision/vision.htm, the US Army Corps is “especially important to the well-being of the nation, and the livelihood of most Americans, through developing, managing, protecting and improving our nation's water resources.” They “are striving to bring synergy between development and environment, seeking the best economic, environmental and social solutions.”
The US Army Corps' environmental operating principles, http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/envprinciples.htm, are as follows:
“Strive to achieve environmental sustainability.
An environment maintained in a healthy, diverse and sustainable condition is
necessary to support life.
Recognize the interdependence of life and the physical environment. Proactively
consider environmental consequences of Corps programs and act accordingly in
all appropriate circumstances.
Seek balance and synergy among human development activities and natural systems
by designing economic and environmental solutions that support and reinforce
one another.
Continue to accept corporate responsibility and accountability under the law
for activities and decisions under our control that impact human health and
welfare and the continued viability of natural systems.
Seeks ways and means to assess and mitigate cumulative impacts to the environment;
bring systems approaches to the full life cycle of our processes and work.
Build and share an integrated scientific, economic, and social knowledge base
that supports a greater understanding of the environment and impacts of our
work.
Respect the views of individuals and groups interested in Corps activities,
listen to them actively, and learn from their perspective in the search to find
innovative win-win solutions to the nation's problems that also protect and
enhance the environment.”