Creating statewide inundation maps
The team assisted in performing and checking inundation maps for all 2,200+ state-regulated dams using DSS-WISE Lite.
Client
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Markets
South Carolina strengthens statewide dam safety oversight after historic flood impacts
In 2015, record rainfall from Hurricane Joaquin triggered severe flooding that breached 34 dams and forced emergency draining of 76 reservoirs. Outdated systems, limited funding and staffing shortages made rapid response difficult, prompting the state to seek external expertise to protect long-term dam infrastructure.
Inspecting dams at scale
Engineers completed robust visual inspections: crests, slopes, spillways, outlet works, and downstream structures.
Supporting permitting and compliance
All permits, designs, and bid packages were reviewed to ensure projects met safety, regulatory and technical standards.
Managing complex decommissioning
Teams coordinated safe decommissioning of 3 state-action dams, working with owners to reduce risks.
By embedding technical experts within the agency, CDM Smith strengthened capabilities in hydrology, hydraulics, geotechnical and structural engineering. Since the project start, work has expanded to include risk-based frameworks, statewide analyses, data tools, guidance and training, building a more proactive program prepared to protect communities and reduce future hazards.
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Client
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Location
Columbia, South Carolina