(Albuquerque, NM)—Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau Chief Charles Thompson, P.E. is reminding New Mexico’s over 300 dam owners to monitor the safety of their dams as the monsoon season begins. Dam owners are responsible to ensure that their dams have met all safety requirements and are approved by the Dam Safety Bureau of the NMOSE.
 
“Years of extensive drought may have negatively impacted New Mexico’s dams. Also, residents below dams may not realize how vulnerable they are to potential flooding brought by summer rains,” said Dam Safety Bureau Chief Charles Thompson, P.E. “Therefore, we are reaching out to dam owners, many of whom are private, and reminding them to pay close attention to the condition and operation of the dams for which they are responsible. Our team of engineers is standing by to help any dam owners who have questions or need information.”
 
The Dam Safety Bureau regulates dams in New Mexico. The Bureau inspects dams, provides guidance on operations and maintenance, reviews instrumentation data, reviews plans for new construction, modifications and or repairs, issues operations and construction permits, inspects construction and reviews dam operation and maintenance plans. Dams with a potential to cause loss of life or interruption of lifeline infrastructure are required to hold and exercise an Emergency Action Plan. The Dam Safety Bureau reviews these plans and works with owners and their emergency responders to refine the plan.
 
“Too often, droughts end in floods. Our team is working with dam owners to ensure that dams are safe and prepared for summer monsoons,” said State Engineer Scott Verhines. “Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) did a great job last week ensuring the Amole Dam in the South Valley of Albuquerque was sound. Summer rains brought that dam to its highest capacity in the record of the structure. AMAFCA protected the entire region from flooding by maintaining a safe dam. They are an example to everyone to be mindful of floods and take steps to ensure safety.”
 
For more information, contact Charles Thompson, P.E. at (505) 383-4134. Dam safety information can be found on the OSE website at http://www.ose.state.nm.us/water_info_dam_safety.html. Additional information on dams and living with dams can be found at www.ASDSO.org.