Dam Safety Program

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is responsible for reviewing and approving the dam emergency action plans (EAP) for the high and significant dams statewide identified by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). Each plan identifies threats and impacts and establishes activation thresholds and appropriate official(s) to contact in case of a dam failure.

Classification

Description
High Hazard Failure or misoperation will result in a probable loss of human life.
Significant Hazard Failure or misoperation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause major economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities or impact other concerns detrimental to the public's health, safety, or welfare.
Low Hazard Failure or misoperation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic losses.

Dam Emergency Action Plan Template

To encourage and facilitate development of EAPs at all high and significant hazard dams in Rhode Island, RIEMA, in coordination with RIDEM, developed the Rhode Island Dam EAP Template. This document can easily be edited for a specific dam and needs of the community. To request a copy of an editable version of the Dam EAP Template, please contact planning at ema.planning@ema.ri.gov

Additional Resources