§ 37-B §1118 — Dam hazard evaluation

1.
Evaluation.
The commissioner shall evaluate all dams to assign or reassign a hazard potential classification in accordance with the following schedule:
2.
Factors considered.
Before assigning a dam a hazard potential classification, the commissioner shall consider the potential risk to public safety and property that may result from the failure or operation of the dam. In addition, when reassigning a hazard potential classification, the commissioner shall review any changes in upstream and downstream conditions since the last hazard classification evaluation.
3.
Hazard report.
Before the commissioner assigns or reassigns a dam hazard potential classification, a state dam inspector shall visually inspect that dam and its upstream and downstream environs and provide a report to the commissioner recommending a hazard classification for that dam. The commissioner shall provide a copy of the report by certified mail to the dam owner, lessee or other person in control of the dam, to the municipality in which the dam is located and to the emergency management director of the county in which the dam is located. The dam owner, lessee or other person in control of the dam must notify the commissioner within 20 days of receipt of the report if the dam owner, lessee or other person in control of the dam disagrees with the recommended hazard classification and must file within 3 months of receipt of the commissioner's classification the basis of the appeal with the commissioner. The commissioner may extend the 3 month period for good cause shown, but not more than an additional 3 months. The commissioner shall consider the evidence presented by the dam owner, lessee or other person in control of the dam as well as the evidence of the state inspector before issuing a final determination.

Legislative History

PL 2001, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 146, §19 (AMD).