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3. DSC Requirements

DSC Requirements

To undertake its functions under the Dams Safety Act 1978, the DSC obtains basic information on dams through a series of requests sent out to dam owners (see DSC14 for details) at various key stages in the development of a dam. For new dams, the DSC's initial objective is to ensure that they are designed and constructed according to appropriate engineering standards and safety criteria. Accordingly, owners and designers must provide details of proposed dams for the DSC's consideration at an early stage.

After construction, dam safety is monitored by requiring prescribed dam owners to arrange for:

1. Proper operation and maintenance of their dams using trained personnel (see DSC12);

2. Regular dam surveillance using trained personnel (see DSC12, DSC15);

3. Appropriate dam safety emergency plans to be in plase for those dams whose failure could cause loss of non-itinerant life (see DSC12);

4. Ongoing assessment of dam behaviour on the basis of surveillance information (see DSC15);

5. Periodic review of their dam's compliance with current DSC requirements (see DSC11 to DSC19);

6. Review of all dam information and assessments by experienced personnel (see DSC2, DSC14 & DSC15);

7. Actions, in response to dam assessments, to ensure that their dams are maintained in a safe condition (see DSC2).

However, if the DSC considers that a prescribed dam is unsafe, or may become unsafe, it may give notice, under S.18 of the Dams Safety Act 1978, requiring the dam owner to take actions necessary to ensure the dam's safety.

The DSC also has statutory functions und the Mining Act 1992 to oversight mining operations (predominantly coal) allowed near prescribed dams. To ensure the ongoing safety of these prescribed dams and their storages, the DSC:

1. Defines Notification Areas around prescribed dams and recommends to the responsible Minister the extent and type of mining which should be allowed in these Areas taking into consideration mining layout, the proximity to dams and storages, and the local geology (see DSC32 and DSC33 for details). Generally, substantial mining near a major dam structure is not permitted;

2. Recommends and oversights the related surveillance requirements for the mining operations and the dam (see DSC34). As part of these surveillance requirements, DSC members and staff regularly inspect underground workings of mines;

3. Requires mining companies to develop contingency plans to mitigate any significant inflows (see DSC35).

In addition, the DSC may also oversight and control mining around dams under relevant provisions of the Dams Safety Act 1978.