Overview

The Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association Dam Safety committee is comprised of consulting engineers, contractors, and representatives from the state and localities that also own or regulate dams in Virginia.

The committee’s goal is to further the understanding of dam ownership and promote the responsible maintenance and regulation of dams in Virginia.  Working with dams and the dam regulations every day, the committee stays abreast of new developments and is a useful resource to Virginia Dam Owners.  Watch this page for announcements and helpful references.

The Dam Committee conducts an annual VLWA sponsored Dam Owner Training class at the Water Conference in Richmond, VA.  Additional Dam Owner Training classes may be held in different parts of Virginia at different times of the year.

The Dam Committee presents VLWA Dam Awards at the Annual Water Conference.  Dams may be recognized for a number of categories, i.e. Best Maintained and Best Rehabilitation Project for both public and privately owned dams.  A fundamental criteria of the awards is that the dam must have a current Regular Operating Permit from VA DCR, which is what all Virginia Dam Owners should be working towards.  To suggest a dam for one of these awards, see the link for the Dam Nomination form.

2018 Dam Award – Crab Orchard Dam – Best Private Rehabilitation Project

Committee Members

  • David Krisnitski, Chair
  • Tom Roberts
  • Steve Snell
  • Mike Claud
  • Rebecca Stewart
  • Alex Shavari
  • Arash Basari
  • Jon Phillippe
  • Adrienne Shaner
  • Cameron Smith
  • Maridee Romero Graves
  • Daniel Papa

Dam Safety Award application

  • Judging will include regulatory status of the dam (only dams with regular operating certificates should apply), structural integrity of the dam, and attention to dam safety maintenance standards of practice. A site visit to the dam will be conducted by a member of the Dam Safety Committee.

    To provide the committee time to review applications, please submit by December 31 each year.

    Nominator should give a brief description (1 page or less) regarding why this dam should be recognized.

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    Do you have questions about this committee or want to get involved?

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