Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 56 - PUBLIC WORKS
Part III - Flood Control and Water Management
Subpart 1 - Water Resources and Flood Control
Chapter 7 - Dam Safety Program
Subchapter A - Dam Safety
Section III-703 - Purpose

A. The purpose of R.S. 38:21-28 is to recognize the inherent dangers posed by impoundments of significant volumes of water, and to require that owners of structures which impound water (or other liquids) assume the responsibility for that danger by ensuring that such structures are designed, constructed, and maintained so as to minimize the risk to life and property. Regardless of the circumstances of failure, the owner is ultimately responsible for loss of life and property damages that may occur from the failure of his dam. *The Department of Transportation and Development, Public Works and Flood Control Directorate, is charged with the responsibility for developing and enforcing a regulatory program to ensure that public safety and welfare is not compromised by the presence of dams or other impoundment facilities. The Louisiana Dam Safety Program defines the minimum standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of dams in the state of Louisiana, and the DOTD has the responsibility and the authority to enforce the standards of the program. This rule documents the minimum standards for design, construction, operation and maintenance of dams and impoundment structures and the policies for the enforcement of those standards.