Conflicting federal policies regarding the sharing of dam-failure inundation maps are creating challenges for thousands of residents in flood-prone areas across the United States. These policies, put in place after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, have led to a situation where communities are unable to access crucial information about the risks posed by dams built upstream from their homes and worksites. As a result, residents may end up paying more for flood insurance or remain unaware of the potential dangers they face.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires communities to map out all the homes, businesses, and critical facilities that could be affected by a potential dam failure in order to qualify for the best discount on flood insurance. However, other federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, restrict the release of such information for the dams they own or regulate, citing security risks.
This issue has been ongoing for years, with federal officials being made aware of its implications. A California emergency services official highlighted the impact of the lack of information sharing on communities, homeowners, and potentially citizens‘ lives during a presentation to FEMA’s National Dam Safety Review Board in January 2020.
In response to these concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started publicly posting maps of areas that could be flooded in the event of a dam failure. However, similar information remains restricted by other federal agencies, leading to continued challenges for communities seeking to reduce flood risks and qualify for insurance discounts.
One community that has been significantly affected by the information-sharing gap is Sacramento, California, which is at high risk for catastrophic flooding due to its proximity to the Folsom Dam. Despite achieving a high score in FEMA’s rating system, Sacramento County did not qualify for the top flood insurance discount due to restrictions imposed by the Bureau of Reclamation regarding the Folsom Dam.
As climate change leads to more intense storms and increased flood risks, the importance of accurate and accessible information about dam safety becomes even more critical. Recent incidents of dam failures across the country have highlighted the potential for widespread damage and the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks.
While FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage to millions of policyholders in flood-prone areas, the lack of coordination between federal agencies and the restrictions on sharing dam-failure information continue to pose challenges for communities seeking to reduce flood risks and protect their residents.
Efforts to revise FEMA’s Community Rating System and incentivize communities to take steps to reduce flood risks have been met with challenges, including the complexity of the rating system and the reluctance of federal agencies to share critical information. As communities grapple with the costs and complexities of participating in the rating system, the need for a more streamlined and collaborative approach to dam safety and flood risk reduction becomes increasingly apparent.