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-723 - Existing Structures

A. All dams constructed or under construction prior to promulgation of these Rules will be reviewed to assess their disposition under the program regulations. Each dam is unique and must be judged on the basis of its own particular set of circumstances. Based on the circumstances of each individual case, a judgment will be made of what modifications or repairs are necessary to meet program standards. It is the intent of the program to eventually have every dam upgraded to meet program standards. The DOTD will be the sole judge of whether an existing deficiency creates an unacceptable risk to the general public. While it is not the intent of this program to lower the standards for existing dams, the DOTD recognizes that it is not practical to require all dam owners to immediately retrofit their structures to meet new minimum Inflow Design Flood standards.

B. An "Impoundment Permit" is required for existing dams and will be issued after reviewing all historical data (designs, plans, specifications, operation and maintenance records, etc.) and performing a technical inspection (or inspections) to adequately assess the safety of the dam. The owner shall provide all historical data, if available.