Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
secretary
Natural and Historic Resources
Agency
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Board
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board
Mandate 1497

Mandate Information
Mandate Title:
Dam Safety Act
Purpose of legislation
This legislation lowers the statutory match requirements for the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund, making these funds more accessible to dam owners. It revises the general permit process for low hazard dams, which are dams that would have little to no impact on surrounding property and individuals if they were to fail. It clarifies the Department’s authority in emergency situations to work with local governments. Finally, it shifts responsibility for developing a remediation plan for an out-of-compliance dam from the Soil and Water Conservation Board to the dam owner, and streamlines and simplifies the current enforcement process for dams that pose a threat of failure but do not warrant emergency action.
Legislation mandating a change HB2000 (2025) SB857 (2025)
VAC chapters to be amended
4 vac 50 - 20 : Impounding Structure Regulations
Associated Regulatory Actions
Action 6454: Amend Provisions of Impounding Structure Regulations Following Periodic Review
Latest Stage: Final
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