United States Society on Dams (USSD)

Maine's Aging Dams Highlight Urgent Challenges in Dam Safety Underfunded and understaffed, Maine’s dam safety program faces significant hurdles in managing over 500 aging dams—many with critical safety concerns. Recent public hearings in Bucksport revealed alarming risks, as dam owners prepare to abandon key infrastructure. 🔎 Key concerns include: • Enforcement capacity is minimal, with many safety recommendations unaddressed. • Climate change’s impacts on dam safety are not fully accounted for. • A lack of funding and staff hinders modernization and risk management efforts. While dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to inspect and manage these structures, the need for adequate funding, modern policies, and proactive enforcement is clear. 📖 Learn more about Maine’s challenges and how they mirror national dam safety concerns. https://lnkd.in/eUQ7HDEB #DamSafety #AgingInfrastructure #ClimateResilience

Schnabel Engineering stands out as a leader in dam safety assessments, risk management, and design services. Their expertise extends to hydroelectric, water supply, and flood control dams, along with complex geotechnical, geostructural, and tunnel projects worldwide. As a sustaining member of USSD and ASDSO, Schnabel Engineering exemplifies dedication to advancing the field of dam engineering and promoting safety across the industry. Their commitment to innovation and safety makes them an invaluable partner in addressing the challenges of today’s critical infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/eg8sJ4Vj

📚 Hydropower 101 is in session! 🌊 The latest episode of the Hydro 101 series on the DAM! podcast by Northwest RiverPartners is here, and it’s electrifying! ⚡ This time, we’re diving into the basics of energy measurement. Ever wondered: 🔹 Where do watts come from? 🔹 What do they actually represent? 🔹 How can we quantify energy generation and consumption? Hydropower plays a critical role in the Northwest's energy landscape, and understanding these fundamentals is key to appreciating its impact. Whether you're an energy enthusiast or just curious about how hydropower shapes our environment and lives, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/eDFgFQ-r 💬 What’s your biggest question about hydropower? Let us know in the comments! #Hydropower #EnergyEducation #RenewableEnergy #NorthwestPower

🦃 This Thanksgiving, USSD is reflecting on the incredible dedication of the dam and levee safety community. We're grateful to work alongside professionals committed to advancing safety, innovation, and sustainability—always with future generations in mind. Together, we’re pushing the industry forward, creating a stronger and safer future for all. Thank you for your tireless efforts and passion. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday! 🧡 #DamSafety #Community #Sustainability #USSD

🌊 Have you read Miles Yaw's compelling article, Paleoflood Reconstructions in the Tennessee Valley, in the Fall 2024 USSD Bulletin? 🌊 Explore how paleoflood hydrology uncovers centuries-old flood histories, offering critical insights into dam safety, hydrologic risk, and climate implications. From ancient sediment deposits to modern probabilistic models, Yaw dives deep into the transformative role of paleoflood data in dam safety decision-making. 📖 Don’t miss this fascinating read! Check out the full article in the Fall 2024 Bulletin: https://bit.ly/3ANJdMd #DamSafety #Hydrology #USSD #PaleofloodAnalysis #EngineeringInnovation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced the Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure, providing voluntary guidelines to ensure AI is used safely and securely in critical sectors like energy, water, and transportation. The Framework highlights roles for stakeholders, including cloud providers, AI developers, and infrastructure operators, while addressing vulnerabilities such as AI misuse, cyberattacks, and design flaws. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas calls this “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to bolster U.S. infrastructure resilience while minimizing risks. Learn more about this collaborative step toward responsible AI integration. 🔗https://lnkd.in/ewRbJDeG #CriticalInfrastructure #AI #DHS #InfrastructureSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence

🚧 Attention Dam Engineering Professionals! 🚧 Join us for “Structural Behavior of Dams,” a 3-day advanced course led by Bruce Brand. Designed for experienced engineers, this in-person workshop combines deep theoretical insights with real-world applications in dam engineering. 📅 When: January 22–24, 2025 📍 Where: Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, Atlanta, GA Key topics include: • Beam theory & geometric non-linearities • Seismic loads & hydrodynamics • Fracture mechanics & case histories • Software tools for dam analysis Classes are intentionally small (max 12 participants) for an immersive learning experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your expertise and learn from a leading authority in dam engineering! 🔗 Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3B0MrvR #DamEngineering #ProfessionalDevelopment #USSD #StructuralBehaviorOfDams #EngineeringWorkshop

🚀 Secure Your Spot at the 2025 USSD Annual Conference! 🚀 Exhibit Booth Reservations are NOW OPEN for the 2025 USSD Annual Conference in Kansas City! Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in front of top leaders and decision-makers in the dam and levee industry. What’s in it for you? 🌀Exclusive access to industry professionals 🌀Boost brand visibility 🌀Build & strengthen customer relationships 🌀Network with industry leaders 🌀Showcase your products & services to a targeted audience 🌀Maximize your exposure onsite & online ➡️ Check out floor maps, reservation details, and more here: https://lnkd.in/em4Fppty #USSD2025 #AnnualConference #BoothReservations #NetworkingOpportunity

📢 Call for Papers📢 The 4th edition of this prestigious workshop is coming to the U.S. for the first time, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, in early October 2025! 🌎 This is a unique opportunity for engineers, researchers, and practitioners to share the latest advancements in nonlinear weirs, a vital topic for both new and rehabilitation projects in water resources. Main Topics Include: 💧 Hydraulic & structural design 💧 Performance & field data from existing projects 💧 Planned projects & future developments 💧 Physical & numerical modeling 💧 Recent research innovations 🎓 Why Present? Contribute to the global exchange of knowledge, present your research to an international audience, and have your paper published in a high-quality hardcover book. The workshop fosters a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere prioritizing quality information and knowledge sharing. Important Dates 📆 Abstract Submission Deadline: December 16, 2024 📆 Notification of Acceptance: January 17, 2025 📆 Full Paper Submission: March 17, 2025 📆 Workshop: Early October 2025 (dates TBD) 📑 Submit abstracts (max 250 words) in English with author details to pk-weirs@uliege.be 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eBs9qjEp #HydraulicEngineering #CallForPapers #PKW2025 #WaterResources #EngineeringConference #USSD

🚨 Save the Date! 🚨 🔹2025 Workshop: Alternate Delivery Methods 📍 In-Person: Atlanta, GA 🗓️ Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Dam owners, engineers, contractors—this workshop is for YOU! Join us for an insightful, hands-on workshop focused on alternative delivery methods for dam projects. We’ll dive into strategies like design-build, progressive design, CM/GC, and USACE ECI/IDaC, offering a comprehensive look at how these innovative approaches can streamline project delivery and enhance collaboration. ✅ Panel Discussions: Featuring experts from the worlds of dam ownership, engineering, and contracting, this event will provide valuable perspectives from all sides of the project lifecycle. Dennis J. Hogan, PE, Del Shannon, Brian Dillard, Wade Anderson, P.E., Douglas Gransberg Whether you're looking to explore new methods for your next project or just stay ahead of industry trends, this is a must-attend event! 🌀Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see you in Atlanta! https://bit.ly/3AK4Tsw #DamSafety #Workshop2025 #USSD