Report on the proposed law regarding the security of dams : presented to the Commission on Transport and the Environment

Text of a submission of comments by the Quebec Order of Engineers to the Parliamentary Commission on Transports and the Environment on the proposed legislation regarding the security of dams is contained in this document. The Order of Engineers recommends that the applicability of the law be more clearly defined, pointing out that legislation that applies only to structures erected on rivers and lakes does not protect the safety of structures designed to retain industrial wastes or to store drinking water. Protection of these types of dams is equally important. Other recommendations concern the measurement of water height on erected structures, the need to establish an index of dam sites to ensure systematic application of the legislation. The Order of Engineers also recommends establishment of a body to control and oversee the proper administration of the ensuing regulations. For the sake of credibility and transparency, this body should be independent of the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife