Hydropower Emergency Reservoir Drawdown Checklist
This hydropower emergency reservoir drawdown checklist ensures compliance with FERC Emergency Action Plan (EAP) requirements, USACE emergency drawdown procedures, ASDSO dam safety guidelines for emergency operations, and state emergency management coordination protocols. Designed for hydro plant operators and dam safety engineers to execute emergency reservoir drawdowns in response to dam safety concerns, including seepage anomalies, structural distress, or extreme flood inflows.
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: Continuous until completion
- Role: Plant Manager / Dam Safety Engineer
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FERC Emergency Action Plan Requirements, USACE Emergency Drawdown Procedures, ASDSO Emergency Operations Guidelines, FEMA Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety Emergency Response, State Emergency Management Agency Coordination Requirements
Initial Notifications
Required emergency notifications.
- FERC Operations Center notified?
- State dam safety program notified?
- State/local emergency management notified for downstream protection?
- Downstream water intakes and utilities notified?
- Public information officer designated for media inquiries?
Downstream Warning
Downstream population warning and evacuation.
- EAP downstream notification list activated?
- Emergency Alert System (EAS) activation requested?
- Evacuation of inundation zone initiated?
- Downstream roads and bridges closed if needed?
- All notifications logged with time and recipient?
Drawdown Operations
Controlled reservoir level reduction.
- Drawdown rate controlled to avoid downstream flooding?
- All available outlets (spillway, gates, turbines) being utilized?
- Reservoir level being monitored continuously?
- Drawdown rate logged every hour?
- Target reservoir elevation established with engineers?
Enhanced Dam Monitoring
Continuous dam condition monitoring during event.
- Seepage weir readings increased to hourly?
- Dam and downstream area under continuous visual patrol?
- Worsening conditions (cracking, increased seepage) reported immediately?
- Dam safety engineer on site throughout emergency?
- Conditions being documented with time-stamped photos?
Incident Command
Emergency management coordination.
- Incident Command structure established per ICS?
- State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) liaison established?
- Press briefings being coordinated through PIO?
- Resource requests (personnel, equipment) submitted through EOC?
- Operational periods and shift rotations established?
Emergency Documentation
Emergency event log and documentation.
- Chronological event log maintained throughout event?
- All instrument readings logged at each operational period?
- All major decisions documented with rationale?
- All regulatory notifications documented with time and contact?
- Emergency Event Notes
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Why Use This Hydropower Emergency Reservoir Drawdown Checklist?
This hydropower emergency reservoir drawdown checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for plant manager / dam safety engineer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FERC Emergency Action Plan Requirements, USACE Emergency Drawdown Procedures, ASDSO Emergency Operations Guidelines, FEMA Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety Emergency Response, State Emergency Management Agency Coordination Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hydropower Emergency Reservoir Drawdown Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Initial Notifications, Downstream Warning, Drawdown Operations, Enhanced Dam Monitoring, Incident Command, Emergency Documentation. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately Continuous until completion.
Who should use this Hydropower Emergency Reservoir Drawdown Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Plant Manager / Dam Safety Engineer professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.