By Adam Spiller
Regional Practice Leader
Water & Environment
The recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 marks a significant advancement in the United States’ commitment to enhancing water infrastructure and dam safety.
This legislation reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program and, notably, incorporates low-head dams into the National Inventory of Dams—a critical step in mitigating hazards associated with these structures.
At KCI, our team is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and resilience in water infrastructure. The provisions of WRDA 2024 directly align with our mission and have significant implications for our work and clients.
Dam Safety in Focus
Low-head dams pose unique dangers to recreational water users due to their turbulent currents, which can lead to instances of drowning. By bringing these structures into the National Inventory of Dams, the legislation emphasizes enhanced monitoring, risk assessment, and remediation efforts. KCI’s engineers and scientists have long been at the forefront of dam safety, with extensive expertise in inspecting, assessing, and rehabilitating dam infrastructure.
For example, our work on the Bloede Dam Removal project demonstrates how we’ve addressed significant safety concerns while improving environmental conditions. This project involved removing a hazardous dam on the Patapsco River in Maryland, which had long been a public safety risk and an impediment to fish migration. By eliminating the structure, KCI not only mitigated risks to recreational users but also restored natural river flow, improved water quality, and reconnected critical aquatic habitats.
Similarly, the Sam Davis Dam Removal project highlights our ability to balance dam safety with environmental restoration. This project involved removing an aging dam in Tennessee to improve community safety and restore the natural stream ecosystem.
KCI has also been involved in several dam removal initiatives across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Our team conducted landowner research and outreach for over 150 dams that have been identified for removal, which will then allow these dams to be incorporated into inventories and noted for future removal efforts. These examples showcase how proactive measures can have both safety and environmental benefits.
Implications for Our Clients
The legislative changes introduced by WRDA 2024 bring new opportunities and challenges for dam owners and operators. The inclusion of low-head dams in the national inventory means that these structures will now be subject to more rigorous assessment and oversight. KCI is prepared to help clients navigate these changes, offering comprehensive services such as:
- Safety Inspections: Evaluating the structural integrity and risks associated with dams to ensure compliance with national standards.
- Risk Assessments: Identifying potential failure modes and their consequences to prioritize safety improvements.
- Removal and Rehabilitation Design: Developing and implementing strategies to modify or remove unsafe dams while restoring natural ecosystems.
- Regulatory Guidance: Assisting clients in understanding and meeting the requirements of the National Dam Safety Program.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Solutions
The passage of WRDA 2024 underscores a national commitment to improving water infrastructure and safeguarding communities. At KCI, we are poised to partner with our clients to navigate these changes, leveraging our expertise to enhance dam safety and promote sustainable water management practices.
As we move forward, we encourage dam owners and operators to proactively engage in safety assessments and to consider the benefits of early compliance with the new legislative requirements. Together, we can work towards a safer and more resilient water infrastructure system.
For more information on how KCI can assist with dam safety and water infrastructure projects, please visit our Water and Environmental services page.
