NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation Various Dam Engineering Assessments

LaBella provided Engineering Assessment Reports for fourteen dams across the Palisades and Taconic Regions under contract with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP). The portfolio included eleven Class C (High Hazard) dams and three Class B (Intermediate Hazard) dams, each subject to a comprehensive engineering assessment every ten years under state regulations.

The assessments evaluated existing conditions, dam safety, and regulatory compliance through hazard classification reviews, on-site inspections, spillway and structural stability analyses, reservoir drain capacity evaluations, and reviews of Emergency Action Plans and Inspection and Maintenance Plans.

Program Management & Inspections

Given the scale of the program, LaBella worked closely with NYSOPRHP to establish a coordinated project schedule and prioritize inspection and analysis activities across all fourteen dams. Our multidisciplinary team managed the assessments concurrently, coordinating fieldwork and technical evaluations while providing regular progress updates to the client.

LaBella completed desktop reviews and on-site engineering inspections for all fourteen dams.

Engineering Analysis

LaBella conducted dam breach analyses for each structure using HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling to estimate breach flows and unsteady HEC-RAS modeling to evaluate downstream flooding conditions. These models also assessed spillway performance during design storm events and verified reservoir drain outlet capacities.

Additional engineering analyses evaluated the structural stability of earthen and concrete dam components against required safety factors. Our team also reviewed Emergency Action Plans and Inspection and Maintenance Plans to verify their accuracy and alignment with current regulatory requirements.

Reporting & Recommendations

LaBella delivered Engineering Assessment Reports documenting the assessment methodology, engineering findings, and recommendations for each dam. Each report was signed and sealed by a New York State Professional Engineer and provided NYSOPRHP with an evaluation of existing conditions and recommendations to support ongoing dam safety and regulatory compliance.