Inspection of Embankment Dams

The mine owner and MSHA CMS&H inspectors are largely responsible for the safe operation of embankment dams on coal mine property. These structures can be constructed of mine waste, spoil, common earth materials, mill tailings, or a combination thereof. The safe operation of such dams is primarily to protect miners on mine property, but the courts and reasonable people recognize that non-mine individuals should also be protected and not live in fear of these facilities.

This course will show inspection personnel, both private and Federal, the nuances of examining embankment dams as required under 30 CFR § 77.216. Students will be introduced to nomenclature commonly used in dam design and construction, enabling them to communicate easily and effectively with supervisors and professionals. They will be shown the importance of inspections and the consequences of ignoring evidence which suggests the dam or its appurtenances are not performing as designed and constructed. Failure case studies will be utilized to gain the students' attention where there has been loss of life and/or significant property damage. Both good and bad construction practices will be examined. Some technical issues will be addressed, but only to show why design engineers select specific provisions for the construction drawings. Upon completion, each student should be able to read and understand not only the design drawings, but the all important specifications.

Contents

• An understanding of 30 CFR § 77.216
• Embankment dam and appurtenant nomenclature
• The consequence of dam failures
• Failure case studies
• Site selection
• Hazard classification
• Dam type
• Hydrology
• Hydraulics
• Seepage
• Slope Stability
• Instrumentation
• Inspection procedures
• Observations
• Reporting procedures
• The Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Technical Coordinator: Stephen W. Dmytriw, P.E.
Location: Colorado School of Mines
Course Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $37

Back to Core Courses Page