DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: September 26, 2006

Department of Land and Natural Resources Holds
Dam Safety Training Seminars For Dam Owners

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be presenting statewide “Hawaii Dam Safety Training” seminars for dam owners in the islands, starting October 25.

“We encourage all dam owners and operators to attend this no-cost three-day seminar that will help attendees learn principles and procedures to apply and improve the effectiveness of their dam safety operations,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

This seminar will be beneficial for dam owners, lessees, facility managers, and operators and maintenance personnel, as well as design engineers, planners and consultants, and others involved in the design, construction, regulation, and emergency response planning for dams and reservoirs.

Each three-day seminar will take place on the four main islands and will cost $20. All dam owners and operators will be invited to attend, at no cost, and will be given priority for seating.

The statewide schedule is as follows:

Hawaii October 25-27, 2006
Department of Agriculture, Waimea Irrigation System conference room

Oahu October 30-Nov. 1, 2006
Ala Moana Hotel, Ilima room

Maui November 29- Dec. 1, 2006
Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Kauai December 4-6, 2006
Kauai Civil Defense – Emergency Operating Center

The course will be presented by trainers from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Chris Veesart, Patrick Wanker, and Jeff Daniels. They will provide specific information and guidance on periodic inspection and evaluation of dams, and emergency planning.

Sample training topics include:

Learn about the various ways embankment dams typically fail.
Recognize the symptoms and initial signs of a possible dam’s failure.
Learn how to conduct dam safety inspections.
Assess your liability as a dam owner, operator, regulator, or consultant.
Identify safe and unsafe practices on dams.
Develop guidelines for emergency planning, how to test your emergency action plan.
Educate attendees about the Dam Safety Program both nationally and in Hawaii.

To obtain the seminar registration form and agenda, or for additional information contact Denise Manuel, DLNR-Engineering Dam Safety Program via email at Denise.M.Manuel@hawaii.gov. Registration deadline is one week prior to start of each session.

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For more information, contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320