NAC535.140. Hazard classifications.

     1. The State Engineer will assign a hazard classification to each dam.

     2. The State Engineer will determine the immediate consequences to persons and property located downstream from the dam in the event of a failure of the dam. The State Engineer will classify a dam as:

     (a) High hazard if its failure carries a high probability of causing a loss of human life.

     (b) Significant hazard if its failure carries a:

          (1) Reasonable probability of causing a loss of human life; or

          (2) High probability of causing extensive economic loss or disruption in a lifeline.

     (c) Low hazard if its failure carries a:

          (1) Very low probability of causing a loss of human life; and

          (2) Reasonable probability of causing little, if any, economic loss or disruption in a lifeline.

     3. If changes in the persons or property located downstream from a dam change the immediate consequences in the event of a failure of the dam, the State Engineer will change the hazard classification of the dam accordingly.

     4. The hazard classification of a dam does not constitute a warranty in favor of anyone concerning the actual safety of the dam.

     5. As used in this section, “lifeline” includes, without limitation, a:

     (a) Road that is the sole means of access to a community;

     (b) Major trunk or transmission line for gas or electricity, the disruption of which could pose significant risks to the public health, safety or welfare of the affected community;

     (c) Transmission line for gas or electricity that serves a hospital or other comparable facility; and

     (d) Railroad line used or proposed to be used in interstate commerce.

     (Added to NAC by St. Engineer by R124-02, eff. 5-30-2003)