Strengthening Infrastructure Safety: A Collaborative Effort Between Clemson University and USACE
On July 31, 2024, a significant partnership was forged between the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Clemson University (2024 USNews Ranking: 86) officials to enhance the safety of the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam located on Hartwell Lake. This initiative stems from recent evaluations aimed at bolstering the dam’s security, a critical undertaking given the increasing population in the surrounding area and the potential flood risks that accompany such growth. Over the next few weeks, Clemson University and USACE will conduct further investigations and assessments of the dam’s Saddle Dike to ensure that future safety recommendations are reliable and effective.
The construction of Hartwell Lake Dam began in 1961, and since then, the student population at Clemson University has surged from 4,104 to approximately 23,000, while the local resident count has increased from 1,500 to 17,000. This demographic shift amplifies the potential impact of any flooding risks on both the university and the surrounding community. The regular assessments conducted by USACE are a vital component of the national dam safety risk management process, and the latest evaluations indicate that the Saddle Dike at the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam requires additional scrutiny.
In response to these findings, USACE and Clemson University are closely collaborating to enhance monitoring and evaluation efforts in the area. This includes a multi-site soil sampling operation scheduled for the first three weeks of August 2024. Access to the Saddle Dike area is currently restricted due to the construction of the Clemson Alumni and Visitor Center, eliminating the need for additional access limitations. However, once construction is completed, subsequent operations may impose further restrictions on access to the area.
Moreover, Clemson University, in conjunction with USACE, Pickens County, Oconee County, and the South Carolina Emergency Management Agency, recently conducted a dam safety exercise. This exercise, which occurs biennially, is a crucial component of the dam safety and risk management plan, aimed at updating emergency protocols and ensuring that these plans are continuously revised and improved.
USACE Dam Safety Risk Management Processes
The USACE has established a robust framework for dam safety risk management, which is essential for ensuring the safety of infrastructure across the United States. On July 26, 2024, the Nashville District of USACE emphasized the importance of creating a safe working environment in large construction and operational projects, asserting that this is key to mission success. Leaders within the organization promote a culture of safety by encouraging employees to participate in identifying areas for improvement.
The Nashville District has implemented a Safety and Occupational Health Management System (CE-SOHMS) that adopts a continuous improvement approach through the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle. This system is designed to support a safety culture that prioritizes the identification of hazards associated with work activities. According to Ben Roelbach, the Director of Engineering and Construction for the Nashville District, this strong safety culture ensures that both internal staff and contractors can effectively recognize risks.
Leaders rely on this systematic approach to drive safety initiatives, aiming to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities at construction sites, lakes, dams, locks, power plants, and offices. Paul Bress, the Safety and Occupational Health Director, emphasizes that safety and productivity must be appropriately balanced, ensuring the continuous improvement of the safety culture. The Nashville District plans to conduct quarterly safety stand-downs, allowing employees to pause and reflect on safety issues.
Victor Walker, a safety expert on the Kentucky Lock project on the Tennessee River, highlights that continuous improvement, training, transparent communication, and collaborative safety practices with contractors are crucial for ensuring project safety. The importance of maintaining a safety culture, transparency, and integrity is reiterated by Major General Scott Spellmon, the 55th Chief Engineer of the Army Corps, who emphasizes that reporting safety issues is a vital component of ensuring team safety. The CE-SOHMS standardizes and sustains the continuous improvement of the safety culture within the Corps and the Nashville District.
Impact of Population Growth on Flood Risk in the Clemson Area
The population growth in the Clemson area has significant implications for flood risk management. As noted, the student population at Clemson University has increased dramatically over the decades, leading to a corresponding rise in the local population. This growth intensifies the potential impact of flooding events, as more people and infrastructure are at risk.
In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding in South Carolina, affecting many homes and landscapes. Gary Forrester, an environmental horticulturist at Clemson University, noted that the recovery of lawns post-flooding can be challenging, depending on the severity and duration of the inundation. Generally, grass varieties in the Carolinas can withstand flooding for a few days without significant damage, but prolonged submersion can lead to substantial losses.
The damage caused by flooding is influenced by several factors, including reduced sunlight, soil deposition, decreased microbial activity, diminished soil drainage capacity, and potential contamination. To protect valuable lawns, it is advisable to implement sandbag protection or construct soil berms before flooding occurs. After a flood, recovery steps include debris removal, sediment removal, soil aeration, and the application of fungicides to prevent disease. In cases of total lawn loss, a complete reconstruction process is necessary, which involves cleaning, sediment removal, drainage improvement, and soil activator application.
The flooding also brings the risk of weed seeds, necessitating post-recovery weed control measures. Clemson University provides resources on emergency preparedness and the impacts of hurricanes, offering valuable information to the public.
Collaboration Between Universities and Government Agencies in Infrastructure Safety
The collaboration between universities and government agencies is crucial for enhancing infrastructure safety, as demonstrated by the partnership between Clemson University and USACE. Such collaborations can lead to improved safety protocols, innovative research, and effective emergency preparedness strategies.
For instance, in April 2024, Microsoft announced a significant investment in Japan to bolster its cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This investment, amounting to $2.9 billion over two years, aims to support Japan’s digital transformation and AI adoption. Microsoft plans to provide AI skills training to over three million people and establish its first Asian research lab in Tokyo, further enhancing collaboration with the Japanese government on cybersecurity.
This type of investment and collaboration can serve as a model for how universities and government agencies can work together to address infrastructure safety. By pooling resources and expertise, these partnerships can lead to innovative solutions that enhance public safety and resilience.
Emergency Preparedness Exercises for Dam Safety in South Carolina
Emergency preparedness exercises are a critical component of dam safety management in South Carolina. On May 7, 2024, a dam failure incident at Paul Wallace Lake in Marlboro County raised significant concerns about dam safety across the state. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) emphasized that dam owners are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of their dams. While DHEC does not provide engineering or maintenance services, it offers technical support and information to help dam owners comply with safety regulations.
South Carolina is home to over 10,000 dams, including 34 federally regulated dams and more than 2,317 state-regulated dams. This extensive network underscores the necessity of implementing safety measures to prevent failures and protect downstream communities. According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), these dams are constantly at risk from upstream flooding, earthquakes, negligence, and other factors that could lead to significant water damage to property or further failures downstream.
DHEC regulations mandate regular inspections of dams to ensure their safety. High-hazard dams are inspected twice a year, while significant hazard dams are inspected every three years. The Paul Wallace Lake dam was classified as a high-hazard dam, and DHEC had conducted a routine inspection just days before the failure occurred. Following the incident, DHEC staff collaborated with state and local officials on-site to assess the damage and develop regulatory requirements for restoring the dam to normal operation.
Conclusion
The partnership between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Clemson University represents a proactive approach to enhancing infrastructure safety in the face of growing population pressures and potential flood risks. Through regular assessments, collaborative emergency preparedness exercises, and a commitment to continuous improvement in safety culture, both organizations are working diligently to ensure the safety and resilience of the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam and the surrounding community.
As population growth continues to impact flood risk in the Clemson area, the importance of effective collaboration between universities and government agencies cannot be overstated. By leveraging resources and expertise, these partnerships can lead to innovative solutions that enhance public safety and infrastructure resilience.
In summary, the ongoing efforts to strengthen dam safety through collaboration, rigorous assessments, and emergency preparedness exercises are vital for protecting the community and ensuring the safety of infrastructure in South Carolina. The commitment to safety and proactive risk management will serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient future for all.
