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-711 - Submittals

A. All designs for work to be permitted under the program will be submitted for review and approval with all necessary supportive documentation (See §739, Appendix 6). Normally it is expected that an owner or prospective owner will establish contact with the DOTD to apply for a permit to construct or modify a dam. An example of a letter notifying the DOTD of intent to construct or modify a dam is provided (See §741, Appendix 7). In some cases, however, structures are built and water is impounded without the knowledge or approval of the DOTD. When such structures are discovered, the owners will be contacted by the DOTD and required to furnish documentation that their structure meets the safety requirements of the program. In either case, the applicant shall be guided by the Water Resources Design and Development Section throughout the review and approval process. The documentation required shall be formal engineering designs and calculations, supported by sufficient field information, and certified by a professional civil engineer registered to practice in Louisiana. Because each step in the design of a dam is dependant upon the quality of the design judgments made in the previous steps, the applicant is advised to coordinate each of the design stages identified in the next Section with the DOTD review team prior to proceeding to the next step.

B. After general designs have been approved, the applicant may proceed with plans and specifications, which will also require approval before construction can begin. Plans and specifications will be of professional engineering detail and quality and will include all information and directions necessary to construct the dam in accordance with the design intent.