Draft Guidance Sheets
| Why do we need your comments | Draft Guidance Sheet Usage |
| List of draft Guidance Sheets | How to make your comments |
Why do we need your comments?
The Dams Safety Committee (DSC) is a NSW State Government Statutory Authority with the role of ensuring the safety of dams in NSW, and of protecting certain dams from the effects of mining. Click here to find out more about the Committee's role.
In August 2006 the NSW State Government endorsed the NSW Dams Safety Committee's (DSC) proposal to implement a risk based management framework for dam safety in NSW. Over the past two years the DSC has been consulting with its stakeholders in preparing a set of Guidance Sheets, to replace its existing Information Sheets, to assist dam owners in implementing this risk based framework.
This has culminated in the preparation of the following 22 draft Guidance Sheets which the DSC is placing on its website for consideration and comment by the community.
The draft Guidance Sheets present proposed policies and procedures. Although they were produced following a consideration of recently updated national guidelines and have been the subject of considerable discussion among DSC members, staff and related organisations, the DSC recognises the value of wider review and comment and therefore welcomes your input.
The DSC aims to produce practical and effective policies and procedures that are consistent with international standards and that reflect the standards of care expected by the community. We suggest that you can help with this process if:
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You are a dam owner: by reviewing these draft documents with a view to your future implementation of the requirements;
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Your are involved in the dam design, construction or surveillance field: by commenting on the proposed requirements in light of your practical experience or your understanding of existing national or international guidelines;
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You are a member of the public: by commenting on the appropriateness of the levels of safety offered by the proposed requirements.
However comments from anyone in relation to any aspect covered in the draft Guidance Sheets are welcome.
Comments (see relevant hyperlink) are requested by the 30 November 2009 for consideration by the DSC to allow for finalization of the sheets and formal adoption and publication by the DSC in early 2010.
Draft Guidance Sheet Usage
These draft Guidance Sheets have been prepared primarily for review and comment ONLY and at this stage they give an indication of the DSC's intentions for future policies and procedures. It should not be assumed that these draft Guidance Sheets will be adopted in the future. In all cases users should refer to the current Information Sheet for information on the Dams Safety Committee's current policy and procedures. However, until these Guidance Sheets are finalized, the DSC will consider, on a case-by-case basis any reasoned and substantiated proposals by dam owners based on either the existing DSC Information Sheets or the proposed DSC Guidance Sheets.
List of draft Guidance Sheets
| Draft Guidance Sheet No | Draft Guidance Sheet Title | Corresponding Information Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| DSC1A | DSC Background, Functions and Operations | DSC1 & DSC2 |
| DSC1B | Background to DSC Risk Policy Context | N/A |
| DSC2A | Dam Safety Management System (SMS) | N/A |
| DSC2B | Documentation and Information Flow over Dam Life Cycle | DSC14 |
| DSC2C | Surveillance Reports for Dams | DSC15 |
| DSC2D | Demonstration of Safety for Dams | N/A |
| DSC2E | Some Legal Considerations for Dam Owners | DSC5 |
| DSC2F | Operation and Maintenance for Dams | DSC12 |
| DSC2G | Emergency Management for Dams | DSC12 |
| DSC2H | Dam Security | N/A |
| DSC2I | Community Consultation and Communication (CC&C) | N/A |
| DSC3A | Consequence Categories for Dams | DSC13 |
| DSC3B | Acceptable Flood Capacity for Dams | DSC11 |
| DSC3C | Acceptable Earthquake Capacity for Dams | DSC16 |
| DSC3D | Reliability of Spillway Flow Control Systems | N/A |
| DSC3E | Flood Retarding Basins | DSC17 |
| DSC3F | Tailings Dams | DSC19 |
| DSC3G | General Dam Safety Considerations | DSC18 |
| DSC3H | Embankment Dams (available at a later stage) | |
| DSC3I | Concrete Dams (available at a later stage) | |
| DSC4A | Mining near Prescribed Dams - Administrative Procedures | DSC32 |
| DSC4B | Mining near Prescribed Dams - Mining Applications | DSC33 |
| DSC4C | Mining near Prescribed Dams - Management and Monitoring Matters | DSC34 |
| DSC4D | Mining near Prescribed Dams - Contingency Plans | DSC35 |
How to make your comments
The preferred method is by email to comments@damsafety.nsw.gov.au. You may also fax or mail your comments.
Please indicate which draft Guidance Sheet your comments refer to and if possible which section (e.g. DSC2A Section 2.1).