Innovations in Dam Safety
Innovations in Dam Safety
The 32nd FEMA National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar (NDSPTS) is scheduled for Feb. 19-20, 2025, at the The National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s theme “Innovations in Dam Safety: Collaborative State and Federal Efforts”.
This seminar will provide a comprehensive platform for state and federal agencies to collaborate on dam safety by featuring specialized sessions on dam modeling tools, updated resources, and grant requirements for state dam safety programs. Participants will also review evolving dam safety strategies, provide feedback on FEMA publications, and engage in a panel discussion on cross-sector collaborative efforts. The goal is to enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and resilience in dam infrastructure through shared expertise and resources.
Each year, the NDSP Technical Seminar unites professional dam safety practitioners to explore emerging challenges, research, technologies, and regulations vital for the effective operation of our national dam infrastructure. This year's seminar emphasizes the crucial collaboration between state and federal agencies, highlighting joint efforts to address diverse challenges and enhance dam safety through shared expertise and resources.
If you're a dam safety professional, follow the guide below to discover how you can participate in this valuable opportunity to engage with peers, contribute to collaborative discussions, and advance our collective knowledge in the field.
The 2025 Seminar Schedule/Format
(Agenda Coming Soon)
This year's NDSP Technical Seminar introduces a dynamic new format designed to enhance learning and collaboration among dam safety professionals. The seminar will blend training, workshops, and traditional presentations, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing dam safety challenges and innovations.
This refreshed format is designed to foster a more interactive and collaborative environment. Participants will be able to engage in targeted training, hands-on workshops, and insightful discussions while benefiting from the latest research and regulatory updates in dam safety.
What is covered in Day 1 and Day 2:
Day 1 will feature a mix of advanced technical sessions and traditional presentations. The morning will focus on cutting-edge advancements in hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling technologies, providing a detailed overview of current and future developments in key dam modeling tools. The afternoon will offer insights into federal guidelines, particularly the latest updates on resources, with a call for abstracts highlighting state and federal innovations.
Day 2 will split into two specialized tracks will provide in-depth guidance on compliance with FEMA NDSP and HHPD grant requirements, including training on environmental and historical preservation considerations, tracking compliance, and updated floodplain management guidance. Meanwhile, the second track will present innovations, featuring a call for abstracts focused on technical advancement.
The afternoon will bring stakeholders together for a collaborative session on updates to FEMA publications, featuring breakout groups for feedback and a panel discussion on collaborative efforts in dam safety. This panel will include experts from state, federal, and private sectors, exploring successful collaborations, challenges, and future directions.
NDSPTS Course
The E8535: National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar will be held at the NETC campus building E auditorium, Feb. 19-20, 2025.
This seminar is limited to professional staff of dam safety programs at the Federal, state, territorial, and tribal level; professional staff of dam safety programs at the local level of government who are nominated to represent their state by their state Dam Safety Officer; and those from the private sector, such as engineering firms. Student stipends will not be provided.
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E8535: National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar
How to Apply
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Verify Qualification
This seminar is limited to professional staff of dam safety programs, including:
- Federal, state, territorial, and tribal staff
- Professional staff of dam safety programs at the local level of government who are nominated to represent their state by their state Dam Safety Officer, and those from the private sector, such as engineering firms.
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Apply Online
Candidates register through the NETC Online Admissions Application using their SID or PIV information.
- Deadline for applications is Jan. 19, 2025
- The course code is E8535
- The course dates are Feb. 19-20, 2025
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Complete the Application
Once the selection review process has completed, you will be notified of the selection status via the email address provided during application.
Accommodations and Travel
Accommodations and Travel are handled through the NETC Application process. Please refer to the NETC Welcome Package for more travel information. Student stipends will not be provided.
Campus Dining
Meal tickets must be purchased at https://netcmealtickets.com/ no more than 2 weeks prior to the course start date and no later than 2 days prior to your arrival date to purchase the meal ticket.
The meal ticket will cover your evening meal on the arrival date through breakfast on your departure date based on your acceptance email. Students are no longer be able to purchase meal tickets at registration, or upon arrival to the NETC Campus.
For detailed explanation of the campus dining policies, please refer to the NETC Welcome Package.
Previous NDSP Technical Seminars
| Year | Host | Seminar Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | NDSPTS | Dam Safety 101: Design, Analysis, Construction, and Risk Management #31 |
| 2023 | NDSPTS | Managing and Regulating Dams into The Future #30 |
| 2022 | NDSPTS | Managing Aging Dam and Levee Infrastructure NDSPTS #29 |
| 2021 | NDSPTS | Risk Informed Decision Making and Benefit Cost Analysis for Dam and Levee Projects #28 |
| 2020 | NDSPTS | Dam and Levee Resiliency in the Era of Intensifying Natural Hazards and Climate Conditions #27 |
| 2019 | NDSPTS | Information Sharing and Risk Communication on the Hazards Associated with Dams and Levees #26 |
| 2018 | NDSPTS | Sustaining Public Trust through Effective Emergency Management #25 |
| 2017 | NDSPTS | Interim Risk Reduction Measures and Rehabilitation #24 |
| 2016 | NDSPTS | Internal Evaluation Techniques for Earthen Dams #23 |
| 2015 | NDSPTS | Dam Breach Modeling and Consequence Assessment #22 |
| 2014 | NDSPTS | Current and Available Guidelines, Tools, and Resources for Dam Design, Evaluation, Remediation, Operation, and Maintenance #21 |
| 2013 | NDSPTS | Overtopping Protection for Dams #20 |
| 2012 | NDSPTS | Filters, Drains, and Geotextiles in Dams and Levees #19 |
| 2011 | NDSPTS | Instrumentation and Remote Operations #18 |
| 2010 | NDSPTS | Risk and Risk Management in Dam Safety #17 |
| 2009 | NDSPTS | Handling Dam Safety Emergencies #16 |
| 2008 | NDSPTS | Lessons Learned from Dam Failures and Incidents #15 |
| 2007 | NDSPTS | Pitfalls of Embankment Dams #14 |
| 2006 | NDSPTS | Implementing Remedial Measures #13 |
| 2005 | NDSPTS | Potential Failure Mode Analysis and Monitoring #12 |
| 2004 | NDSPTS | Addressing Hydrologic Inadequacy #11 |
| 2003 | NDSPTS | Dam Site Security, Threat, Consequences, Vulnerability #10 |
| 2002 | NDSPTS | Responding to Dam Safety Emergencies #9 |
| 2001 | NDSPTS | Inspections, Evaluation and Follow-up #8 |
| 2000 | NDSPTS | Spillway Gates - Critical Aspect of Dam Safety #7 |
| 1999 | ICODS | Piping Associated with Conduits through Embankment Dams #6 |
| 1998 | ICODS | Application of Mitigation Strategies for Dam Safety #5 |
| 1997 | ICODS | Development of Ground Motion Parameters for Dams Safety Evaluation #4 |
| 1996 | ICODS | Dam Breach Analysis and Maximum Precipitation #3 |
| 1995 | ICODS | Seepage, Piping, and Remedial Measures #2 |
| 1993 | ICODS | Earthquake Engineering #1 |
Contact Information
For further information, or questions regarding the NDSP Technical Seminar, please contact the Mitigation team.
For all lodging, dining, and travel questions, please contact NETC admissions.
