Dams
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Permits and/or approvals
Permits or approvals are required for the activities listed below. The permits are required for large and small dams on both navigable and nonnavigable waterways (streams, creeks, or rivers). A fee is required.
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Responsibilities of a Dam Owner
Dam owners have obligations. To help you minimize exposure to liability due to ownership and/or operation, this fact sheet helps with basic information about owning a dam. Owner responsibility fact sheet Owner responsible inspections (large dams…
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Dam Safety Newsletters
To stay in touch with what's going on in the Wisconsin Dam Safety Program, subscribe to Dam Safety News. (On your first time you will be asked to enter your email address.) Dam Safety News is an electronic newsletter highlighting updates and…
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New dam construction
Dam construction A dam is any artificial barrier in or across a watercourse which has the primary purpose of impounding or diverting water. A dam includes all appurtenant works, such as a dike, canal or powerhouse.
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Inspections
Owners of dams are responsible to participate in the safety of their dams by performing regular and frequent inspections. Recurring inspections by owners (all dams) The owner of a dam needs to inspect their dam on a regular basis and after any…
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History of Dams in Wisconsin
The first dam built in Wisconsin was built in 1809 to provide power for a sawmill on the Fox River, DePere. Black River saw its first sawmill in 1819 and in 1831 one was built on the Wisconsin River. These early dams aided people in providing…
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Hydroelectric generation
Hydroelectric generation is the production of power using flowing water. Hydroelectric dams in Wisconsin are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, many are also regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory…
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Dam related grants
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been able to provide some assistance in the form of grants to dam owners. Section 31.385, Wis. Stats., has established two grants. Municipal dam grant Dam removal grant Links for municipal dam…
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Emergency information
Contact proper authorities to report dam failure or public concern for dam safety.