Policy Development
The primary goal of the DSC is that risks to community interests from the potential for dam failure are demonstrated to be tolerable, the owner's determination in this regard being satisfactory to the DSC. If such a demonstration cannot be made, the DSC expects the owner to formulate safety improvements that would, once implemented, allow the demonstration of tolerable risks. The DSC requires that risks to community interests are:
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Detect, identified and assessed;
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Reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), when necessary, and as soon as reasonably practicable, in a way that best serves community interests; and
- Kept under review throughout the life cycle of the dams.
To meet this goal the DSC has developed a risk-based policy framework which was endorsed by the NSW Government in August 2006 (see DSC1B). It comprises high level generic principles and accompanying notes, tables and figures that amplify the principles or indicate their application. It is being progressively implemented by the DSC with accompanying Information Sheets prepared by the DSC to assist dam owners and interested parties in their implementation. The DSC's normal criteria are set out in these Guidance Sheets. However, the DSC's overriding policy is to determine its requirements in any particular case on the merits of the case and the DSC will consider any substantiated proposals for a departure from the DSC's normal criteria.
Background to Policy Changes
For several years the Dams Safety Committee (DSC) has been reviewing its traditional standards-based dam safety policies, in consultation with some stakeholders and other contributors, with a view to progressively absorbing its policies into a risk management framework consistent with the national standard on Risk Management-AS/NZS 4360:2004. The DSC believes this will contribute to better dam safety outcomes and will facilitate a whole-of-Government approach to public safety.
Risk Management Policy Framework
In mid-2006 a proposed Risk Management Policy Framework for Dam Safety was finalised by the DSC. This policy framework was endorsed by the NSW Government in August 2006.
| Policy Framework | Risk Management Policy Framework for Dam Safety - June 2006 Endorsed by Cabinet 22 August 2006. |
Proposed Implementation Strategy
The DSC is now moving to implement the new policy framework by developing detailed requirements and guidance, to be published in the form of a new set of DSC Guidance Sheets. Drafts of the key new or modified Guidance Sheets will be circulated to dam owners and consultants for comment, hopefully beginning in 2009. Following the circulation of the draft sheets, the DSC plans to convene industry seminars for explanation, discussion and feedback before finalisation of these Guidance Sheets.
Interim Guidance to Practitioners
Dam practitioners are advised to take guidance from the endorsed policy framework in their interpretation of the existing DSC Guidance Sheets. If there is doubt as to DSC expectations on any point, clarification should be sought from the DSC.
