Risk is easy, decisions are hard. Dam safety risk-informed decision making (RIDM) seems to be everywhere. We hear a lot about potential failure modes and dam safety risk. We take training on various risk analysis processes, we learn about probabilistic loading tools, and we strive to understand the mechanics of how to estimate probabilities of failure. But what are we doing with all of this new-found risk information? Federal government agencies have established clear lines for risk-informed decision making, because they are self-regulated. Outside of the federal government, the actual decision-making environment is murky and decision-making roles and responsibilities are not well-defined. As more and more owners have gained an understanding of their dam safety risks, deciding what to do with their new-found risk information can get complicated. Who are the decision makers? Who decides on the actions a dam owner should take - given risk, confidence and uncertainty? What is the engineering consultant’s role in decision-making? What is regulator’s role? What if the consultant’s recommended actions aren’t aligned with what’s in a owner’s best interest for dam safety risk management? What if the regulator is driving the schedule for dam safety modifications that make no sense considering life safety risk? Let’s discuss the issues and important questions posed above to help regulators, consultants and owners navigate this decision-making environment in order to use limited funding to reduce dam safety risk in the most efficient manner possible.
