Impacts of Animals on Earthen Dams
There are about 80,000 dams in the United States, and many of them are nearing the end of their expected lives. Proper maintenance and control of problems associated with animals can extend the useful life of many dams. Towards this end, FEMA and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials conducted research on the national problem of animal intrusion damage to earthen dams. The findings of their research were compiled into a comprehensive guidance on dams and wildlife management practices to the dam professionals and owners.
This course introduces the basic principles of identifying problems in existing earthen dams caused by animal activity. It reviews 23 species with regard to habitat, behavior, threat to dams, food habits, identifying characteristics, and management options. This course also provides details on animal activity that can potentially damage earthen dams beyond repair, and emphasizes the concept that delayed control and repair of animal activity usually results in increased total costs of repair.
Once you complete your course review, you need to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of fifty (50) questions to earn 10 PDH credit.
Learning Objectives
This course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Overview of dam safety
- Impacts of wildlife on earthen dams
- Overview of nuisance wildlife including behavior, habitat, and identification
- Identification of damage caused by animal penetrations and other activities
- Prevention strategies
- State of the practice mitigation and repair methods for animal burrows on dams
- Analysis of dam safety conditions
- Fiscal considerations for dam owners
Download the Course to review and begin earning your PDH credits.
We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This courses is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, ID, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.
