Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizes May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in memory of historic disaster
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially declared May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This proclamation aligns with the national observance that honors the memory of more than 2,000 lives lost in the devastating failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889. That tragedy remains the deadliest dam-related disaster in U.S. history and is observed annually to highlight the critical need for responsible dam maintenance and safety awareness.
Virginia, home to more than 2,500 state-regulated dams, takes this reminder seriously. Among these, 527 are categorized as high or likely high hazard, meaning they pose a significant threat to lives and property if they were to fail. These dams are crucial to managing floodwaters, supporting water supply systems, enabling recreational activities, and maintaining fish habitats.
Aging Infrastructure and Statewide Efforts
“The Youngkin Administration has prioritized addressing the backlog of Virginia’s aging dams,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon. “By emphasizing ownership identification as well as hazard classification, we have been able to identify priority dams that pose risks to the Commonwealth and its citizens. While the Department of Conservation and Recreation has made strides in addressing the backlog, we continue to remind dam owners of the risks and responsibilities that are present.”
The average age of dams in Virginia is 76 years, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Inventory of Dams. This aging infrastructure, paired with growing environmental stressors such as heavy rainfall and poor maintenance practices, increases the likelihood of dam-related incidents if proactive measures are not taken.
Community Engagement and Dam Owner Responsibilities
Matthew Wells, Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), emphasized the importance of collective responsibility. “Dam Safety Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of dam safety and the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to ensure the integrity of dams,” he stated.
DCR encourages dam owners and local communities to be proactive by understanding their dam’s hazard classification, ensuring inspections and maintenance are conducted regularly, and preparing emergency action plans where necessary. Dam owners are also reminded of their duty to report significant maintenance issues and to work with professionals to upgrade aging structures.
With the proclamation of Dam Safety Awareness Day, Virginia underscores the importance of continued investment, vigilance, and education when it comes to safeguarding its residents and natural resources from preventable disasters.
