Guidelines for the design construction maintenance and safety of small detention dams

Guidelines for the design construction maintenance and safety of small detention dams

These guidelines outline the design process for small flood detention dams (earthfill dams), that do not require specific structural or geotechnical design. 

The objective of this document is to provide direction to designers/owners of small flood detention dams who wish to ensure their earthfill dams are reliable at detaining floodwaters without posing risk to people and property.

This document is for use by anyone who owns and/or is responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining small flood detention dams. The document covers the general fundamentals of the use of small flood detention dams including planning and site investigation, design, construction, maintenance, emergency works and safety review requirements. 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Guideline 2022/01
Prepared by Jessica Newlands and Kathy Thiel-Lardon