Actions Needed to Increase the Safety of Dams

GAO testified and reported previously on federal aspects of dam building and on implementation of the National Dam Inspection Act of 1972. After failure of the Teton Dam, a comparative review was performed of procedures and practices used by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers, the Tennessee Valley Authority, California, and private firms. It was found that the Bureau took unnecessary risks and placed too much reliance on design and that emergency plans were inadequate. The Corps of Engineers, unlike the Bureau, emphasized multiple defenses in its dams to prevent erosion from seepage, and used independent consultants more frequently. Actions taken by the Bureau and the Department of the Interior to correct some of the weaknesses were approved by GAO. Recommendations were made both to the Bureau and the Corps of Engineers to correct procedural gaps and for improving emergency preparedness plans. In testimony on the National Dam Inspection Act of 1972, which is concerned largely with nonfederal dams, GAO noted that progress in achieving the objectives of the act was slow. Approximately 5 years after enactment, the provision for inspection of all dams had not been carried out. A recent directive by the President, aimed at ensuring dam safety, will develop data that should be considered by the Corps of Engineers in developing a national dam safety program.