Dam Engineering Services

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For over 80 years, RKR Hess has provided outstanding dam design services to both public and private clients throughout Pennsylvania.Keeping up with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Dam Safety Program and fiscal responsibility regulations can be a daunting task for dam owners. Fortunately, our engineers remain well versed on the latest federal and state dam inspection and safety regulations and requirements.

With current clients that include community associations, municipalities, hunting clubs, non-profit camps and individual dam owners, RKR Hess is committed to developing cost effective solutions for each client’s dam design and rehabilitation task needs. RKR Hess’ cadre of highly qualified and experienced Professional Engineers can assist with a multitude of dam safety and engineering services. Services include:

 

Dam Investigation and Analysis Services

  • Annual dam inspections
  • Dam investigations
  • Prepare dam breach analysis
  • Prepare incremental breach analyses
  • Hydrology and hydraulics
  • Evaluate spillway capacities
  • Prepare inundation maps
  • Prepare Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
  • Prepare 5-year EAP updates
  • Spillway alternative cost analysis
  • Coordinate outlet inspection and report
  • Outlet drawdown system analyses
  • Coordinate subsurface investigations with geotechnical engineers
  • Coordinate wetland investigations
  • Evaluate embankment leaks

Dam Design and Maintenance Services

  • Design spillway repairs
  • Design slope and shore stabilization
  • Design dam overtopping protection to accommodate spillway design flood
  • Conduct topographic surveys of dam
  • Conduct surveys of dam surface on lake side
  • Design outlet drawdown system repairs
  • Design low flow monitoring device
  • Design spillway replacement
  • Provide construction administration
  • Design dam breach repairs
  • Design permanent dam breaches
  • Design wetland mitigations sites for wetlands disturbed during dam rehabilitations
  • Perform construction observations

Dam Permit and Certification Services

  • Prepare dam permit applications
  • Prepare submissions for Letter of Authorizations
  • Assist with long-range planning for dam repairs
  • Prepare contract documents and technical specifications for dam rehabilitation
  • Prepare final certification to PA DEP Dam Safety Program
  • Assist municipal clients with funding for their projects through Local Share Account Grants, PennVEST loans, USDA RUS Loans and other funding sources
  • Prepare related permit application packages for stream crossings, Join Permit applications, erosion and sediment pollution control design

Sample Projects

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Project: East Stroudsburg Dam Rehabilitation, Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, Pa.

Overview: We provided dam rehabilitation design services, including overtopping protection, spillway replacement and repairs, drawdown system repairs, and stabilization measures. Design elements include modifications to the existing dam and appurtenances, erosion and sediment pollution control, grading, access, staging areas, drawdown siphon, and drainage system flow monitoring stations. We also designed a half-acre wetlands replacement site. Our engineering team prepared permit applications and plans for approval, including a PA DEP Safety Letter of Authorization a NPDES Permit for storm water discharges, and an ESPC Plan. Additionally, we prepared applications for a PA H2O Grant and a PennVEST Loan, and managed payment applications.

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Project Recognition: Our firm was honored with the 2012 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the Lehigh Valley Section, American Society of Civil Engineers.

To view images of this project, visit our projects page.