Watermark > Fall 2003 > Feature: Flood protection works – inspecting and flood fighting techniques
Features
- Understanding P3 Delivery Options: BCWWA P3 Committee
- What the GVRD is doing to keep our drinking water safe
- Fit to drink — and that’s the problem
- Flood protection works – inspecting and flood fighting techniques
- Liquid Waste Management Plan guideline update
Flood protection works – inspecting and flood fighting techniques
Don Finlay, Flood Safety Officer, Deputy Inspector of Dikes – Vancouver Island
Inspection
It is the responsibility of the diking maintenance authority, or the private dike owner, to conduct routine and periodic inspections of their flood protection works. The entire flood protection system should be inspected in detail at least once every year. Such inspections should be scheduled prior to the high flow season allowing sufficient time to carry out any repair work needed to put the works back into design standards. Such routine observations, recording and reporting, followed by repairs, help to ensure that flood protection structures operate effectively and safely. As part of its ongoing program to support diking authorities, the Water Management Branch of the Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks (now the Environmental Management Branch of the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection) produced several publications, one of which is called “Flood Protection Works Inspection Guide – March 2000.” A copy of which is available on the ministry website: www.wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wat/ flood/structural.html
Flood fighting
During high water events, a different kind of inspection must be done – that of dike patrols. Observations and decisions made based upon those patrols are often critical to the integrity of the flood protection system. Basic terminology and flood fighting procedures should be known and understood by all critical personnel. Unnecessary delays, miscommunication and missed early warning signs can be disastrous. Proven flood fighting techniques should be known and used where necessary. A copy of the BC Flood Plan can be found on the Web Site at: www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_plans/floodplan2002/Flood_ Plan_2002.pdf The Public Safety and Prevention Initiatives Section of the Environmental Management Branch, in cooperation with the BCWWA, are planning a series of workshops on these two critical subjects starting as early as this fall. All course attendees will receive a BCWWA certificate upon successful completion of the course. If a utility wishes to arrange a Flood Works Protection workshop in their area, please contact Diana Dempsey: ddempsey@bcwwa.org., telephone (877) 433-4389.
