An overview of the classification, monitoring and emergency preparedness planning for TransAlta Utilities Hydroelectric System

An overview of the process of classifying structures in accordance with dam safety guidelines, and the instrumentation and monitoring requirements for a reliable performance assessment of dams, was given. Rehabilitation requirements due to insufficient spill capacity or inadequate stability, the operation of the system in terms of handling flood flows and the procedures to be followed in the event of a dam incident requiring downstream evacuation were also part of the review. Dam safety studies undertaken, the replacement of antiquated spillway operators with more reliable state-of-the-art control systems, the winterization of gates to ensure year around operation, the current state of emergency preparedness plans and efforts to encourage downstream communities to incorporate the TransAlta Plan into their own municipal emergency preparedness plans were also summarized. 11 refs., 8 figs