Table of Contents
Part 500 Introduction
500.0Purpose
500.1Abbreviations
500.2Policy
Part 501 Authorizations
Subpart A Review and Approval
501.0General
501.1Scope
501.2TechnicalQuality
501.3ComplianceofEngineeringWorkWithLawsandRegulations
501.4EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
501.5EngineeringJobReview
501.6EngineeringWorkReviewedforOtherAgencies
501.7ClassificationofEngineeringJobs
501.8EngineeringJobClassificationsThatUtilizeControllingFactors
501.9EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
Subpart B Repair and Rehabilitation
501.20General
501.21Scope
501.22ApplicableStandards
501.23DamsInstalledWithoutNRCSAssistance
501.24SpecialConditions
Subpart C Variance and Changes
501.30General
501.31NationalHandbookofConservationPractices
501.32ChannelStabilityCriteria
Subpart D Engineering Work on National Forests
501.40General
Subpart E Assistance of Shoreline Erosion Control
501.50General
501.51Scope
501.52CoordinationwithU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)
501.53RequirementsforAssistance
Part 503 Safety
Subpart A Engineering Activities Affecting Utilities
503.0General
503.1Scope
503.2GeneralConsiderations
503.3Investigations
503.4BuriedUtilities
503.5Documentation
503.6StateLaws
Subpart B Public Safety at Structure Sites
503.10General
503.11Scope
503.12RecommendedSafetyMeasures
503.13MaintenanceofSteepSlopes
Subpart C Safety During Geologic Investigations
503.20General
503.21Scope
503.22HazardPotential
Subpart D Dam Safety
503.50InvolvementWithDams
503.51USDAInvolvement
503.52NRCSDamSafetyOfficer
503.53InteragencyInvolvement
503.54Other(Nongovernmental)Involvement
503.55NRCS-State Relationships
503.56ResponsibilityforDams
503.57NRCSAssistance
503.58KeyFactors
503.59InterimAssistance
503.60DepartmentofHomelandSecurity
Subpart E Prohibited Technical Assistance
503.70General
503.71ProhibitedActivities
Part 504 Special Investigations, Studies, and Reports
Subpart A Problems and Deficiencies
504.0General
504.1Scope
504.2ReportingProblems,Deficiencies,andFailures
504.3CommitteeAssignments
504.4Procedures
504.5EngineeringReport
504.6ReportReviewandAcceptance
504.7ReleaseandDistributionofReports
Subpart B Emergency Spillway Performance
504.10General
504.11Scope
504.12ReportingMajorFlows
504.13Assignments
504.14Procedures
504.15Report
504.16ReviewandApproval
Subpart C Reservoir Sedimentation Surveys
504.20General
504.21Procedures
504.22Reports
Subpart D Field Trials and Evaluations
504.30General
504.31Scope
504.32ApprovalProcedures
504.33StudyPlan
504.34Reports
Part 505 Non-NRCS Engineering Services
Subpart A Introduction
505.0General
505.1StateCriteria
505.2ExchangeofTechnicalServicesBetweenGovernmentAgencies
505.3ReviewofTechnicalServicesPerformedbyOthers
Subpart B Use of Non-NRCS Engineering Services
505.10General
505.11Non-Project Activities
505.12ProjectActivities
505.13RiverBasinStudies
505.14EngineeringServicesNotProvidedbyNRCS
Subpart C Criteria
505.20Non-Project Activities
505.21ProjectActivities
Subpart D Procedures
505.30EngineeringServices,Contracts,andAgreements
505.31SelectionofNon-NRCS Engineering Services
505.32ResponsibilityforEngineeringServicesPerformedUnderEngineeringServices,Contracts,and Agreements
Subpart E Exhibits
505.40Reserved
505.41Reserved
505.42ConservationContractor Sample Letter
505.43LandownerUseofaConsultant- Sample Letter
Part 506 Technical Materials
506.0General
506.1Definitions
506.2OrganizationofPermanentMaterials
506.3Reserved
506.4DevelopingNEHMaterials
506.5DistributionofEngineeringTechnicalMaterialsWithinNRCS
506.6DistributionofEngineeringTechnicalMaterialsOutsideNRCS
Part 510 Planning
510.0General
510.1Scope
510.2Documentation
510.3EngineeringDatatoSupportPlans
510.4Criteria
510.5CostEstimates
510.6PostDesignLifeConsiderations
Part 511 Design
Subpart A Procedures
511.0General
511.1Scope
511.2DesignStages
511.3OperatingProcedures
511.4DesignAnalysis
511.5DesignCheckingandReview
511.6ExternalReviews
511.7DesignCriteria
511.8ConstructionDrawingsandSpecifications
Subpart B - Documentation
511.10Scope
511.11DesignFolders
Subpart C Instrumentation
511.20General
511.21Scope
511.22NeedforReliableInstruments
511.23UseofInstrumentation
511.24InstrumentationPlans
511.25InstrumentationMonitoringandReporting
Part 512 Construction
Subpart A General Information
512.0Introduction
512.1Scope
512.2Definitions
512.3ValueEngineering
Subpart B Preconstruction Activities
512.10SelectionoftheContractor
512.11PrebidorProposalMeeting(SiteShowing)
512.12EvaluationofBidders
512.13PreconstructionConference
512.14Partnering
Subpart C Evaluation Of Construction Materials
512.20General
512.21EvaluationProcedures
512.22WaiversofMaterialCertifications
512.23PrequalificationofMaterials
Subpart D Quality Assurance Activities
512.30General
512.31Definitions
512.32QAProcedures
512.33InspectionofMaterials
Subpart E Equipment, Records, And Coordination
512.40EngineeringEquipment
512.41Records
512.42CoordinationBetweenDisciplines
Subpart F As-Builts
512.50General
512.51Scope
512.52Documentation
512.53Disposition
Subpart G Safety
512.60General
512.61PersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)
512.62Training
Part 520 Soil and Water Resource Development
Subpart A Erosion and Sediment Control
520.0General
520.1MinimizingErosionandSedimentDuringConstruction
Subpart B Floodplain Management
520.10General
520.11Scope
520.12Description
520.13TypesofMeasures
520.14RisktoLifeandProperty
Subpart C Dams
520.20General
520.21DefinitionandClasses
520.22DesignCriteria
520.23Classification
520.24SpecialConsiderations
520.25ClearingReservoirs
520.26ExternalReviewsforDamSafety
520.27EmergencyActionPlans High Hazard Dams
520.28PotentialImpactArea Low Hazard Dams of Inventory Size and All Significant Hazard Dams
Subpart D Open Channels
520.30General
520.31Definition
520.32DesignCriteria
Part 521 Pollution Abatement and Water Quality Improvement
521.0General
521.1PollutionAbatementinConservationOperations
521.2PollutionAbatementinProjectActivities
521.3EffectofNRCSActivitiesonWaterQuality
521.4EffectofWaterQualityonNRCSActivities
Part 522 Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
522.0General
522.1AuthorityandRequestforAssistance
522.2Responsibility
522.3NRCSTechnicalReview
522.4ReservoirOperationsGuideReview
Part 523 Irrigation
523.0General
523.1Scope
Part 524 Drainage
524.0General
524.1Scope
Part 529 Pollution Abatement and Air Quality Improvement
529.0General
529.1AirEmissionsManagementinConservationOperations
529.2AirEmissionsManagementinProjectActivities
529.3EffectofNRCSActivitiesonAtmosphericResources
Part 530 Hydrology
Subpart A Hydrologic Investigations
530.0General
530.1AvailableHydrometeorologicalInformation
530.2HydrometeorologicalInstrumentation
530.3HydrologicReports
Subpart B Hydrologic Procedures and Criteria
530.10General
530.11HydrologicProcedures
530.12HydrologicCriteria
Part 531 Geology
Subpart A Geologic Investigations
531.0General
531.1ScopeandIntensityofGeologicInvestigations
531.2RequirementsforAllGeologicInvestigations
531.3ClassificationofDamSitesforGeologicInvestigation
531.4Repair,Rehabilitation,andDecommissioningofDams
Subpart B Geologic Investigations of Group I Dam Sites
531.10GeologicInvestigationsofGroup1Dam Sites
531.11RequirementsforGeologicInvestigationofGroupIDamsDuringConstructionandProjectImplementation(As-Built)
Subpart C Geologic Investigations for Group II Dam Sites and Embankments
531.20EmbankmentsandOtherGround-Disturbing Practices
Subpart D Geomorphic, Erosion, and Sedimentation Investigations
531.30GeomorphicInvestigationsofWatershedErosionandSedimentation
531.31InvestigationofStructuralProblemsCausedbyErosionorSedimentation
531.32WatershedSedimentYieldStudiesforDamsandConservation Practices
531.33GeologicInvestigationofSedimentationandErosionProcessesintheStreamChanneland Stream Corridor
531.34EvaluationofRockforErosionControl
Subpart E Hydrogeologic Investigations
531.40General
531.41GroundwaterHydrology for Conservation Engineering
531.42GroundwaterQualityManagement
531.43GroundwaterResourcesDevelopment
Part 532 Reserved
Part 533 Soil Engineering
Subpart A Engineering Classification of Soils
533.0General
533.1Scope
533.2SoilClassificationSystems
Subpart B Operations
533.10General
533.11DataCollection
533.12Testing
533.13SoilEngineeringAnalyses
533.14NationalBenefitActivities
Subpart C Engineering Interpretations of Soil Surveys
533.20General
533.21Scope
533.22EngineeringResponsibilities
Part 535 Landscape Architecture
535.0General
535.1Scope
535.2Definitions
535.3NRCSTechnicalAssistanceforLandscapeArchitecture
Part 536 Structural Engineering
536.0General
536.1through536.9Reserved
536.10Method
536.11Function
536.12Loads
536.13though536.19Reserved
536.20DesignCriteriaforReinforcedConcrete
536.21through536.29Reserved
536.30DesignCriteriaforSteelStructures
536.31through536.39Reserved
536.40DesignCriteriaforWoodStructures
536.41through536.49Reserved
536.50DesignCriteriaforMasonryStructures
536.51through536.59Reserved
536.60DesignCriteriaforBridges
536.61through636.69Reserved
536.70StandardDrawings
536.71StandardDetailDrawings
536.72UseofStandardDetailDrawings
536.73AdaptationofStandardDetailDrawings
536.74RevisionofStandardDetailDrawings
536.75AvailabilityofStandardDetailDrawingstothePublic
536.76NationalStandardDetailDrawings
536.77NDCSMCStandardDetailDrawings
536.78StateStandardDetailDrawings
536.79StandardDetailDrawingsPreparedbyNon-NRCS Engineers
Part 537 Reserved
Part 540 Field Surveys
540.0General
540.1Responsibility
540.2Format
540.3PrecisionandAccuracy
540.4Staking
540.5ContractorSurveys
540.6Checking
Part 541 Drafting and Drawings
541.0General
541.1Media
541.2SheetSize
541.3TitleBlocks
541.4CoverSheet
541.5Orientation
541.6StyleandContent
541.7StandardTitleBlockforANSIA(8.5x11)Sheet
541.8StandardTitleBlockforANSIB(11x17)andANSID(22x34)Sheets
541.9StandardANSIA(8.5x11)Sheets
541.10StandardANSID(22x34)andANSIB(11x17)Sheets
Part 542 Specifications
Subpart A Construction Specifications
542.0General
542.1Scope
542.2PreparationofStandardSpecifications
542.3ReferenceSpecifications
Subpart B EngineeringServicesSpecifications
542.10General
542.11TechnicalServices
Subpart C Exhibits
542.20ListofReferenceSpecifications
Part 543 Materials
543.0General
543.1Scope
543.2UseofNewMaterials
543.3 New Material Specification Preparation
Part 544 Equipment
544.0General
544.1RadiationUsePermits
544.2TransportingEquipment
544.3AdjustmentandCalibration
544.4Maintenance
544.5Storage
544.6StateProcedures
Part 500 - Introduction
500.0Purpose
A.ThismanualpresentsengineeringpolicyclearlyandcompletelysothatNRCSengineeringactivitiescanbeeffectivelyandefficientlyimplemented.Thesepoliciesareprovidedforthepurposeofestablishing and maintaining the technical excellence in engineering that results from a knowledge of engineeringprinciplesandtheabilitytoapplythatknowledgeeffectively.Thismanualalsoservestocoordinate an interdisciplinary team approach to engineering activity.
B.ThepoliciesinthismanualapplytobothFederalemployeesandcontractors.AlthoughitisNRCSpolicy to maintain a viable engineering staff, trained and experienced in the type of skills needed to support the NRCS natural resources conservation program, the agency recognizes that there will be situationsforwhichsufficientstafforexpertiseisnotavailable.Undertheseconditions,contractingisan alternative for expediting engineering activities.
C.Thepoliciesstatedinthismanualapplytoengineeringworkperformedforothersundercooperative working agreements, in memoranda of understanding, or under any other agreement entered into by NRCS.
500.1Abbreviations
A.CED.Conservation Engineering Division
B.NEH.National Engineering Handbook
C.NEM.National Engineering Manual
D.NHCP.National Handbook of Conservation Practices
500.2Policy
All engineering work performed by or for NRCS must conform to the requirements stated in this manual.
Subpart A - Review and Approval
501.0General
A.Engineeringpracticeshavethepotential,uponfailure,toaffectpublichealthandsafetyandcauseloss of life and significant property damage, depending on the size, location, and complexity of the work.Forthisreason,thepracticeofengineeringisregulatedbyStatelawgoverningprofessionalengineering, requiring professional registration as described in Title 210, General Manual (GM), Part 402.
B.Thedevelopmentofengineeringplansorengineeringaspectsofconservationpracticesrequiresthat the approving engineer obtain and integrate the needed assistance from an interdisciplinary team.
C.Engineeringjobapprovalauthorityisthequalityassuranceprocessthatensuresadequateconsideration by competent NRCS employees in the planning, design, and installation of conservation engineering practices that, with proper operation and maintenance, will perform the intended functionsfortheplannedpracticeservicelife.Engineeringjobapprovalauthorityadditionallyservestomaintainthe credibility and trust of NRCS engineering with State engineering boards of licensure and with the public.
D.Allconservationengineeringpracticedesignsmustbeapprovedbyaqualifiedpersonwhohasappropriateengineeringjobapprovalauthority.Theworkmaybedonebyothersunderthedirectionofthequalifiedperson.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,aconservationengineeringpracticeisaconservation practice included in Title 450, National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), with an engineering discipline listed as the responsible lead or co-lead for the practice.
501.1Scope
A.EachNRCSemployeeprovidingengineeringtechnicalassistancemustbeassignedanappropriateengineeringjobapprovalauthoritybasedupontraining,experience,anddemonstratedcompetence.No more than one level of review is required.
B.Non-NRCS employees operating under the technical supervision of an NRCS employee and providingengineering services must be evaluated and assigned an appropriate engineering job approval as provided in Section 501.1(A) with the following additional criteria:
(1)Non-NRCS employees who are Federal employees may be assigned engineering job approval authority on the same basis as NRCS employees. (2)Non-NRCS employees who are licensed to practice engineering in the same State in which the engineering services are offered may be assigned engineering job approval authority on the same basis as NRCS employees. (3)Non-NRCS employees who are not Federal employees and are not licensed to practice engineering in the State in which the engineering services are offered may be assigned engineeringjobapprovalauthoritywhensuchauthoritydoesnotconflictwithStatelaw.Theseemployees include volunteers, employees of cooperative organizations or units of government, and other partners performing public services similarly to NRCS employees and, therefore, appearing to the public as NRCS employees. (4)Policyontheuseofnon-NRCS engineering services is contained in Part 505.
501.2TechnicalQuality
Engineering technical assistance for the planning, design, and installation of conservation practices is to provide for practices that
(1)Functionasplanned. (2)Exhibitsoundengineeringprinciples. (3)Performsafely. (4)Arecosteffectivewithconsiderationofinitialoperation,maintenance,andremovalorreplacement costs. (5)Meettherequirementsofsite-specific conditions, are sustainable, and address the indentified resource concerns. (6)ComplywithNRCSandindustry-established practice standards, technical criteria, and policies.
501.3ComplianceofEngineeringWorkWithLawsandRegulations
A.EngineeringworkmustmeetapplicablerequirementsofFederal,State,andlocallaws,regulations,andcodes.Thisisforallworkthatinvolvesengineeringactivitiesduringplanning,design,construction, operation, maintenance, modification, rehabilitation, and removal or replacement.
B.Registeredprofessionalengineersarepermittedtosealdesigns,constructionplans,reports,andother engineering documents.
C.TheStateConservationEngineer(SCE)developspolicyandproceduresforapprovingandsealingengineering plans
(1)ForworksdesignedbyNRCSandbynon-NRCS employees working as partners with NRCS. (2)Thatarerequiredtobesenttoregulatoryagenciesforreview,approval,orthegrantingofpermits. (3)InStatesthathavelawsrequiringthecooperatinglocalorganizationtohaveplansforpublicworks prepared under the direct supervision of a registered professional engineer.
501.4EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
A.TheSCEisdelegatedengineeringjobapprovalauthorityforallengineeringwork.Engineeringjobsareclassifiedwithrespecttohazardpotential,complexity,andsize,asshowninSection501.8.HazardpotentialisdefinedinPart503.TheSCEmustcomplywithreviewrequirementsinSection501.5.
B.StateEngineeringJobApprovalAuthority(ClassesIThroughV).
(1)ConservationengineeringpracticesinClassesIthroughVmustbeoflowhazardpotentialasdefinedinPart503.Examplesincludelow-hazard dams and class-IIIdikes.Forpracticeswiththe potential for higher risk, limitations on selected controlling factors and hazard potential mustbe used to further define the engineering jobs by higher classes. (2)EachSCEmustdeveloppolicyandproceduresforapprovalofengineeringworkcarriedoutintheState.Theseapplytoeveryindividualprovidingengineeringservices,bothNRCSemployeesand non-NRCSemployeesoperatingunderNRCStechnicalsupervision.Theprocedureusedtoassign engineering job approval authority for non-NRCS employees is to be the same as that used for NRCS employees, except as noted in Section 501.1(B). (3)EngineeringjobapprovalauthoritymustbedelegatedwithinaStateaccordingtothejobclassesestablishedintheStateengineeringjobapprovalauthoritychart.Individualengineeringjob approval authority must be assigned considering the employee's training, experience, and demonstratedcompetence.Engineeringjobapprovalauthorityneedonlybeassignedforpracticesapplicableinthegeographicareatheemployeeserves.Section501.9providesaguidefordevelopingandpresentingengineeringjobapprovalauthoritydelegations.Useofavailabledatabasetoolstomanagethejobapprovalauthorityprocessisrecommended.ThepracticeslistedinSection501.9areforexampleonly.TheSCEistoselect,fromClassVjobs,jobtype,controlling factors, units, and engineering job approval authority breakdowns appropriate for the conditionsintheState.ThecontrollingfactorsforthepracticesnotedinSection501.8mustbeused.Additionalfactorsmaybeselectedasneeded. (4)ItisrecommendedthatprofessionalengineersregisteredintheStateandworkingunderNRCS technical supervision be routinely delegated Class IV engineering job approval authority. (5)Theengineertechnicallyresponsibleforengineeringwork(e.g.,fieldorareaengineer)delegates engineering job approval authority to those working under their technical supervision. Theindividuals supervisor must concur in the delegation of the engineering job approval authority.Theengineeringjobapprovalauthoritydelegationmustnotbegreaterthanthatheldbythedelegatingengineer.Individualengineeringjobapprovalauthoritymustbereviewedannually for those in their present position for less than 3 years and updated as necessary, but at least every 3 years, for all others. (6)TheStateengineeringjobapprovalauthoritychartmustbereviewedandconcurredbytheDirector, Conservation Engineering Division (CED).
C.ApprovalofClassVIThroughClassVIIIJobs
(1)ClassVIengineeringjobapprovalauthoritymaybedelegatedtoNRCSprofessionalengineers registered in the State having demonstrated competence for the particular practice. (2)ForClassVIIjobs,theindependentreviewrequiredunderSection501.5mustbecompletedprior to approval by the SCE. (3)ForClassVIIIjobsconcurrenceoftheDirector,CED,isrequired.AllreviewsrequiredunderSection 501.5 and the concurrence of the Director, CED, must be obtained prior to approval by the SCE.
D.EngineeringJobApprovalAuthorityforAdditionalWork
The engineering job approval authority for work to be performed on an existing practice or structure isclassifiedinaccordancewithproceduresaslistedinSection501.7.Thisdeterminationofengineering job approval authority applies to any additional work, such as repair, modification, rehabilitation,orremoval.Theclassificationisdeterminedbythehighestcategoryofanysinglemost-limiting factor for the job.
E.DocumentationofDesignReviewandEngineeringJobApproval
Review and approval of an engineering job, comprising the design, drawings, and specifications, is accomplished in one of the following ways:
(i)Signaturesareplacedonthedesigndocumentationorreportandthecoverorfirstsheetof the construction drawings.(ii)Signaturesaretobeplacedonanaccompanyingmemorandumthatdescribesthespecificjob and scope (including design documentation or report and plans).
F.AssociatedPlansandSpecifications
Interdisciplinary design may produce associated drawings and specifications for erosion control, vegetativeplanting,finalgrading,andothercomponents.Allassociatedplansandspecificationsthat may affect the performance of an engineering job are subject to the engineering job approval process.
501.5EngineeringJobReview
A.DesignReviews
(1)ClassesIthroughV.No more than one level of design review of jobs in engineering job classes I through V is required to ensure technical quality during design. (2)ClassesVIthroughVIII.One level of design review of jobs in engineering job classes VI throughVIIIisrequired. (3)Designreviewswillbeperformedasfollows: (i)ClassesIV.As determined by the SCE. (ii)ClassVI.State staff review if review capability exists within the State as determined by the SCE; otherwise, independent staff review is required. (iii)ClassVII.Independent staff review is required. (iv)ClassVIII.Director, CED, review and concurrence is required. (v)AnindependentstaffreviewisconductedbyastaffthatisnotsupervisedbytheSCEandthatdidnotparticipateinthedesign.TheDirector,CED,willconcurintheselectionofanindependent reviewer if outside NRCS.
(4)ThepolicyoncheckingandreviewingengineeringworkiscontainedinSection511.5.
B.PostReviews
Postreviewsareindependentreviewsmadeaftertheinstallationofthepracticeorstructure.Spotchecks, as required by GM-450,Part407,areexamplesofpostreviews.Postreviewsarevaluablefor quality assurance, determination of technical competence and experience, determination of the need for additional training, and determination of the need for revision of engineering procedures andcriteria.Supportingdata,drawings,andspecificationsforthejobsselectedforpostreviewmustbeexamined.Thematerialswillbereviewedforconformancetonationalpolicy,standards,criteria,andsoundengineeringpractice.Onsitereviewsmaybenecessary,dependingonthejob'scomplexity,safetyandhealthrisks,orenvironmentalrisks.Aftereachjobisreviewed,thepostreviewermustprepareawrittenreporttotheSCE.AcopywillbesenttotheDirector,CED,forallClass VII and VIII jobs and for Class I through VI jobs if the findings indicate changes in national policy, procedures, or standards may be needed.
(i)ClassesIVI.The SCE will develop the procedure for post review of representative engineering jobs Classes I through VI to ensure technical quality that conforms with GM-450, Part 407.(ii)ClassesVIIVIII.The Director, CED, will determine the need for post reviews of engineering job Classes VII and VIII.
501.6EngineeringWorkReviewedforOtherAgencies
A.EngineeringWorkReviewedforRegulatoryAgencies
(1)Approvalproceduresmustalsocontainprovisionsforreviewingtheengineeringdesigncomponents of plans for cooperating regulatory agencies and determining if the plans comply withNRCStechnicalstandards.Theapprovalauthorityforthistypeofreviewistobethesameas assigned for engineering job approval authority. (2)NRCSemployeesarenottoreviewdesignsthatareoutsideNRCS'sareaoftechnicalexpertise.Forexample,NRCSisnottoreviewthestructuralstrengthofabuildingwithrooftopstorageusedforrunoffmanagement.Forthisdesign,thereviewshouldbeforthefunctionalaspectsoftheplan,includingstorageandreleaserates.Anyapparentdeficienciesinspecificdesigns noted during the review should be called to the attention of the responsible agency, even though they are outside the scope of the review. (3)Reviewresponsesmustbeexpressedintermsofcomplianceornoncomplianceofidentifieditemsandnotintermsofapprovalordisapproval.Responsecommentsmustindicatetheextentornatureofthereview,suchas:Review was conducted in accordance with practice standard ___andthefollowingwasdetermined.Reviewhasbeenlimitedtothefunctionallayoutandsize in accordance with the requirements of Regulation ___. (4)Inallcases,applicablerequirementsofFederal,State,andlocallaws,regulations,andcodes must be met.
B.EngineeringWorkReviewedforStateandOtherFederalAgencies
If engineering work is reviewed for other Federal or State agencies, the work must be checked against NRCS criteria (conservation practice standards) and sound engineering practices appropriateforthesizeandtypeofjob.ThereviewreportprovidedtotheagencymustindicatecomplianceornoncompliancetoNRCSstandardsandcriteria.Theapprovalofthereviewreportisatthesamelevel as engineering job approval for similar NRCS designs.
501.7ClassificationofEngineeringJobs
A.TheengineeringjobclassificationsthatutilizecontrollingfactorsaredisplayedbyconservationengineeringpracticeinSection501.8.Ifthevalueofanyoneofthecontrollingfactorsisexceeded,the job becomes the next higher class.
B.ApprovalauthorityforalloftheconservationengineeringpracticeslistedasClassVmaybedelegatedasClassesIthroughVandthoselistedasClassVImaybedelegatedasClassVIbySCEs.The listed values of the controlling factors are maximums; therefore, SCEs may specify lower values of the controlling factors than those listed.
C.ApprovalauthorityforthoseconservationengineeringpracticesthatarenotlistedinExhibit1alsomay be delegated as Classes I through V by SCEs unless the hazard classification is significant, high, or classified differently by the Director, CED. Hazard classification criteria for practices other than damsparallel those for dams (See Part 520 Subpart C Dams,Section520.21definitionsandclasses).Additionally, any practice may be designated significant hazard where failure may result in impairment of water quality, environmental damage impacting wildlife or human health, or presents unacceptable economicrisk.Anypracticemaybedesignatedhighhazardwherefailurewouldresultinlossoflife.
D.ThosejobscoveredbyinterimconservationpracticesstandardswillbeclassifiedbytheDirector,CED, when the interim conservation practice standards are approved.
501.8EngineeringJobClassificationsThatUtilizeControllingFactors
The Engineering Job Classifications That Utilize Controlling Factors contains the maximum values for engineering job Classes V and VI that can be used by States.
Click here for a copy of the Engineering Job Classifications That Utilized Controlling Factors
501.9EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
The Engineering Job Approval Authority is a guide for a State to use in developing an engineering job approvalauthoritychart.Thepracticeslistedareexamplesonly.Section501.4describestheprocessby which the SCE is to delegate engineering job approval authority.
Click here for a copy of the Engineering Job Approval Authority
Subpart B - Repair and Rehabilitation
501.20General
Many engineering practices require repair or rehabilitation because of advancements in technology, changesincriteria,landusechanges,ordeteriorationfromage.Arehabilitatedstructureshouldbesafeandfunctionalforanextendedperiodoftimewithnormalmaintenance.Theapplicationofsoundengineering principles in the design of the repair or rehabilitation will result in continued satisfactory performance.
501.21Scope
Repair or rehabilitation of all engineering practices, whether originally installed with NRCS assistance ornot,mustbeperformedinaccordancewithprovisionsofthissubpart.Theseinstructionsdonotapply to operation and maintenance activities.
501.22ApplicableStandards
A.Whenithasbeendeterminedthatassistanceistobeprovidedfortherepairorrehabilitationofapractice that was originally installed with NRCS assistance, the applicable standards must be determined.Normally,thesearethestandardsthatwereusedinpreparingtheoriginaldesignhowever, the individuals with job approval authority (see Section 501.4) must determine whether the original standards are still acceptable in light of new engineering knowledge and current NRCS State andnationalcriteria.Iftheoriginalstandardsareunacceptable,currentstandardsmustbeused.
B.IfNRCSassistanceisprovidedfortherepairorrehabilitationofapracticethatwasoriginallyinstalled without NRCS assistance, the practice or part of a system must conform to current engineeringstandardswhencompleted(seeSection501.23).Thisensuresadurable,functionalpractice that justifies the use of NRCS resources.
C.Ifthepracticeisaninterdependentpartofasystemorifanelementofapracticeistoberepairedorrehabilitated,theentiresystemorpracticeistobecarefullyevaluated.Thesystemmustbesufficiently sound to permit the practice being repaired or rebuilt to function as designed.
501.23DamsInstalledWithoutNRCSAssistance
A.Becauseofthehazardsassociatedwithdams,acarefulanddeliberateapproachisnecessarywhenassistance is requested for the repair or rehabilitation of a dam that was built without NRCS assistance.Beforeanycommitmentforfinancialassistanceismade,theconditionofthedammustbedeterminedandacomprehensiveengineeringreportprepared.Thisreportdescribesthecurrentphysical condition of the dam, specifies the repairs needed to meet NRCS standards, and includes an estimateofthecostsforrepairorrehabilitation.Thereportisthebasisforthedecisiontocommitresources.
B.IfthedamexceedsClassV(seeSection501.4),thereportispreparedbyanon-NRCS registered professionalengineerwhoisexperiencedinthedesignandconstructionofdams.ThereportmustbereviewedinaccordancewiththejobclassasrequiredinSection501.5.Technicalacceptanceofthereport by the State Conservation Engineer (SCE) is necessary before resources can be committed for repair or rehabilitation.
C.IfthedamisofasizenormallyapprovedbytheSCEorotheremployeeswithintheState,thereportmaybepreparedbytheowner,sponsor,orbyNRCSengineers.Thereportmustbeacceptedorapproved by an engineer with appropriate engineering job approval authority before resources can be committed.
501.24 Special Conditions
A.Ifurgentactionisnecessarytosafeguardlifeandpropertyagainstflooddamage,structurefailure,etc.,NRCSmayprovidetechnicalassistancefortemporarymeasurestolessentheimmediatethreat.If NRCS subsequently makes permanent repairs, they must conform to Section 501.22.
B.RepairsorrehabilitationsundertheEmergencyConservationProgramarecarriedoutasspecifiedbytheFarmServiceAgency.Thepracticesnotrestoredtooriginalorcurrentcriteriamustbefunctional, but if the repaired or replaced practices would create a safety hazard, they must be restored to meet current NRCS standards.
C.RepairsorrehabilitationsundertheEmergencyWatershedProtectionProgramorotheremergencyassistance program are carried out as specified for that program, but if the repaired or replaced practice would create a safety hazard, it must be restored to meet current NRCS standards.
Subpart C - Variance and Changes
501.30General
Improvement in construction methods, equipment, and material, as well as findings of research and experience,makesoccasionalrevisionofstandardsnecessaryanddesirable.However,becauseconservation practice standards reflect minimum requirements, plans and designs must be site specificand provide for a structure that will safely and economically accomplish its intended purpose for the durationofitsplannedeconomiclifewithnormaloperationandmaintenance.Frequently,siteconditionsrequireadditionalfeaturesorprecautions.Lessfrequently,compensatingconditionsjustifya request for a variance from a standard.
501.31NHCP
Variances from the requirements of the conservation practice standards in Title 450, National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), are handled in accordance with Title 450, General Manual,(GM-450), Part 401, Subpart B, Conservation Practice Standards, Section 401.16.
501.32ChannelStabilityCriteria
A.Theanalysisofchannelstabilityrequiressoundjudgment.Thebest-known design techniques and criteria are available in Technical Release No. 25, Design of Open Channels; Title 210, National Engineering Handbook, Chapter 654, Stream Restoration Design ; and Conservation Practice Standard582, Open Channel (NHCP) .However,therearesituationsinwhichchannelandsiteconditionsinassociation with the methods of construction and maintenance indicate that variations from minimum stability criteria are warranted.
B.IftheSCEdeterminesthatavariationfromstabilitycriteriaiswarranted,theresultsoftheanalysis and the proposed approach are to be submitted to the Director, Conservation Engineering Division(CED).TheDirector,CED,andtheStatewilljointlystudythedataandproposal.
Subpart D - Engineering Work on National Forests
501.40General
A.TheForestServicehastheresponsibilityforestablishingthestandardsandcriteriausedforengineeringworksinstalledonnationalforests.NRCSoftenassistsinengineeringworksontheselands.
B.Coordinationofengineeringcriteriaandproceduresisnecessarysothatthecompletedpracticewillmeet the requirements of both agencies and will function for its planned economic life with normal operation and maintenance.
Subpart E - Assistance of Shoreline Erosion Control
501.50General
A.Becauseshorelineerosioniscomplex,erosioncontrolmeasuresforstabilizationdiffergreatlyfromthose used for upland erosion control and can be very costly.
B.EffectiveinstallationoferosioncontrolmeasurescanbeachievedbypropercoordinationwithotherFederalandStateagencies.Thiscoordinationeliminatesduplicationofservicesandprovidesforsharing knowledge in a rapidly changing technology.
501.51Scope
A.NRCScanprovideassistanceincontrollingshorelineerosionifallthefollowingconditionsaremet:
(1)Theproblemisnotcreatedbywaveactionontheopenandunprotectedshoresoftheoceanfronts or the Great Lakes. (2)Theproblemcanbesolvedwithvegetation,normaluplanderosioncontrolpractices,orminorstructural measures, such as gabions or riprap revetment, masonry or timber bulkheads, or rock ortimberbarbsorvanes.Allrevetments,bulkheads,orgroinsaretobenohigherthan3feetabovemeanhightideor,innontidalareas,nohigherthan3feetabovemeanhighwater.Asused here, bulkheads are designed primarily to resist lateral earth pressures; revetments are not.Bulkheadsandrevetmentsaregenerallyplacedparalleltotheshoregroins,barbs,orvanes are generally perpendicular to the shore. (3)Failureofstructuralmeasuresbecauseofhighintensitystormswillnotcreateanimmediatehazard to life or result in serious damage to buildings, residences, roads, or other high-value property. (4)Installationoftherecommendedmeasureswillhavenosignificantadverseeffectsontheenvironment or on adjacent lands, waters, or installations. (5)Sponsorsandcooperatorsunderstandthelevelofprotectionbeingprovidedandtheirresponsibility for maintenance and repair. (6)Plansandschedulesforinstallingstructuresandestablishingvegetationareacceptabletolocal, State, and Federal agencies that have jurisdiction.
B.NRCSisnottoprovidedesignorconstructionassistancetosolveerosionproblemscreatedbywaveactionontheopenandunprotectedshoresofmajoroceanfrontsortheGreatLakes.Adviceandcounsel can be provided on complementary erosion control practices used in conjunction with complex orexpensiveinstallationsbuiltbyothersattheselocations.Assistancecanbeprovidedfornormalerosion control on lands adjacent to these shorelines but only at elevations not affected by wave action.
501.52CoordinationwithU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)
A.USACEhasresponsibilityforbeacherosioncontrolandshoreprotectiononcertainpubliclandsandnavigablewaters.Theyhaveauthoritytoprovidetechnicalandengineeringassistancetonon-Federal publicinterestsforshoreandstreambankerosion.Thismayincludeassistancetosoilconservationdistricts.USACEhasdefined"shoreandstreambankerosion"toapplytoshorelinesofoceans,bluffs,bays, estuaries, the Great Lakes, inland lakes and reservoirs, and along banks of navigable rivers and theirtributaries.Theyalsohaveresponsibilityforissuingpermitsforstructuresandworkinoraffecting navigable waters.
B.ThefollowingkindsofworkmustbecoordinatedwiththeappropriateUSACEdistrictengineer:
(1)Anyworkthatwillhaveoffsiteeffects,suchasentrapmentordiversionoflittoraldrift. (2)AnyworkthataffectsUSACEjurisdictionalwaters. (3)Anyworkthatrequirespermits. (4)Anyworkthatmaybeaduplicationofeffort.
501.53RequirementsforAssistance
A.Assistanceonshoreerosionproblemsforindividuallandownersorgroupsoflandownersissubjectto the cooperator assistance priority controls established by the conservation district.
B.Technicalassistancemustbecoordinatedwiththeagenciesissuingpermitstoensureconformancewiththeircriteria.Sponsorsandcooperatorsmustobtainanyrequiredpermits.DatathatNRCShascollected in the course of making an investigation may be used by cooperators in preparing their requests for permits.
C.Specialauthorizationwillbeconsideredforprovidingassistanceduringemergenciesorformeetingthe requirements of special legislation.
Subpart A - Engineering Activities Affecting Utilities
503.0General
A.Privateandpublicutilitiesmaybejeopardizedandequipmentoperatorsandothersmaybeinjuredduring site investigations and construction of engineering conservation practices and project structuresif proper safety precautions and procedures are not followed.
B.Establishedproceduresforlocatingutilitiesandnotifyingownersarethefirststepineliminatingmanypotentialaccidents.Theseprocedures,iffollowed,willreducepersonalinjuries,propertydamage, and interruption of utility service.
503.1Scope
A.Thissubpartprovidestheminimumrequirementsfordevelopingaplantopreventdamagetopublicor private utilities and injury to people from contact with utilities during engineering and construction activities.
B.Publicandprivateutilitiesincludealltransmissionlines,cables,fiberopticlines,andpipelines.
C.Otherburiedinfrastructure,suchaslandowner-installed drainage tile or private water lines, are theresponsibility of the landowner to locate.
503.2GeneralConsiderations
A.NRCSpersonnelmusttakeadequateprecautionstominimizehazardsfromordamagestoutilities,both overhead and underground, during location, investigation, design, and construction of any works carried out under NRCS programs, technical assistance, or both.
B.Landownersoroperators,sponsoringorganizations,andcontractorsmustbeinformedthattheyareliableforanydamageresultingfromdisruptionofservicecausedbyconstructionactivities.TheymustalsobeinformedthatNRCSmakesnorepresentationontheexistenceornonexistenceofanyutilities.Alettermaybeusedforthispurpose.Absenceofutilitiesonconstructiondrawingsisnotassurancethat no utilities are present at the site.
C.NRCSmaybeheldresponsiblefordamagedonebyitsemployeesduringsiteinvestigations.
D.Clearlyshowlocationofknownutilitiesonconstructiondrawingswithappropriatesymbolsandidentification.Specifyontheconstructiondrawingsthatthecontractororlandownerisresponsibleforcontacting the utility companies prior to construction or contact the One Call system for the State.
E.EachStateofficemustdevelopaprocedureforcarryingoutitsresponsibilitieswithintheseguidelines.
503.3Investigations
If subsurface investigation or construction is proposed, the responsible NRCS employee must check with the landowner-operator or with the sponsoring organizations to determine if there are undergroundutilitiesintheworkarea.Duringfieldinspection,particularattentionshouldbegiventoutility markers set in fence lines or elsewhere.
503.4BuriedUtilities
A.Ifburiedutilitiesareknowntobeinthevicinityoftheproposedwork,theresponsibleNRCSemployee must notify the landowner-operator or the sponsoring organizations of this fact and of the landowner-operator or the sponsoring organizations responsibility to take the following actions:
(1)NotifytheUtilityNotificationCenter(i.e.,OneCallCenter,DigSafe,orequivalent)ortheaffected utility company of time, place, and type of work to be performed.(2)Requestthattheutilityownerlocateandstaketheburiedutilityontheground,bothhorizontally and vertically.(3)Requestthatarepresentativeoftheutilitycompanybepresentduringanyexcavationoperations.(4)Notifythecontractorofthelocationoftheutilityinrelationtothejobworkarea.(5)SupplytoNRCSinwritingeithertheticketnumberfromtheUtilityNotificationCenteroracertificationthattheaffectedutilitycompanyhasbeennotified.Statesmaysetuptheirownprocedures,withtheaforementionedbeingtheminimumrequirement.FailuretonotifyNRCSthat utilities have been contacted will result in termination of NRCS assistance.
B.TheresponsibleNRCSemployeemustensurethattheprecedingstepshavebeencarriedoutbythelandowner-operator or the sponsoring organizations before beginning work in the vicinity of the buried utility.
503.5Documentation
The responsible NRCS employee must document action taken pertaining to work in the vicinity of buriedutilities.ThedocumentationmustbemaintainedintheNRCSjobfile.Inlieuofaseparatechecklist, the same documentation could be kept in the conservation assistance notes.
503.6StateLaws
If State laws and regulations have different requirements, NRCS must comply with State laws and regulations.ProceduresmayvaryfromSection503.4ifequivalentineffectiveness.IfStaterequirements are more stringent, the State Conservation Engineer may supplement Section 503.4, as needed.
Subpart B - Public Safety at Structure Sites
503.10General
Many NRCS-assistedstructures,bynature,maybehazardoustothepublic.Featuresdesignedforrecreationorfishandwildlifeenhancementinvitethepublic.Childrenespeciallyareattractedtostructuresthatprovideanopportunitytoplayinwater.Reservoirsandstructuressuchasopen-top spillway risers, high- or steep-walled channels and chutes, plunge pools, and stilling basins are especially hazardous and require special attention to ensure public safety.
503.11Scope
All NRCS-assisted designs and structures must include necessary safety measures, regardless of who is responsible for installation and maintenance of safety measures.
503.12RecommendedSafetyMeasures
All structures must be designed to avoid hazardous conditions where possible; safeguards must be providedtoprotectthepublicwherehazardsareunavoidable.Followingareexamplesofspecificsafety measures that should be used where appropriate:
(1)Postwarningsignswheretheyareclearlyvisible,visuallyappealing,andappropriatelysized. (2)Paint"DANGERSTAYOFF"onrisersandhighwalls.Useonlyifnoothermethodisappropriate.(3)Locateriserinthereservoirratherthanintheembankmentifclimaticconditionspermit.(4)Useacovered-top drop inlet.(5)Usealow-level inlet to keep the normal water level below the main inlet.(6)Donotinstallpermanentladders.(7)Useatrashrackthatcannotbeeasilyentered.(8)Usecatwalksonlywhereabsolutelynecessaryanduseguardrailsorprotectivefenceswithalocked gate where catwalks are necessary.(9)Preventaccesstodeepstillingbasins,dropstructures,plungepools,chutes,steeporvertical walled channels, etc., with a protective chain-link fence, provide escape routes, or both.(10)Flattensideslopesofpoolsonatleastoneside.(11)Installguardrailsonthetopofhighwallsandsteepcutsthatcannotbeprotectedwithfences.
503.13MaintenanceofSteepSlopes
A.Advisefarmers,maintenancepersonnel,andothersagainstoperatingequipmentonsteepslopes.
B.Recommenduseofpropersafetydevicesonequipment(protectiveframes,crush-resistant cabs, and seat belts).
C.Callattentiontohazardsinmaintenanceplansandagreements.
D.Specifysafeproceduresinmaintenanceplansandagreementsthatclearlyexcludeoperationofequipment on steep slopes.
Subpart C - Safety During Geologic Investigations
503.20General
Geologic investigations can be hazardous to the personnel involved because of the nature of site terrainandequipmentused.Theseconditionsrequireacarefulanalysisoftheinvestigationprocessto anticipate and fully evaluate the potential safety hazard that may exist.
503.21Scope
All NRCS detailed geologic investigation plans must include an assessment of anticipated safety hazards and a schedule of planned precautionary measures, known as the safety plan.This plan must include a schedule of safety meetings.
503.22HazardPotential
Thefollowingpotentialhazardsrelatedtogeologicinvestigationsarecitedforillustration.Thislistisnot intended to be all inclusive, and site-specific safety evaluations must be made.
(A)Rockfallsandavalanches(B)Landslides(C)Flashfloods(D)Overheadutilities(E)Undergroundutilities(F)Deadtreesandsnags(G)Pitandtrenchwalls(H)Lightning(I)Hazardsassociatedwithequipmentuse(J)Snakebiteandinsectbites(K)Opentestpitsorboreholes(L)Sinkholes(M)Subsidence(N)Weakbridges(O)Hazardouswaste(P)Poisonousplants(Q)Heat(R)Sunburn
Subpart D - Dam Safety
503.50InvolvementWithDams
A.NRCSinvolvementwithdamsanddamsafetyincludesactivitiesinplanninganddesignand,tosomedegree,construction,operation,andmaintenance.NRCSisconcernedaboutthesafetyofdamsandaddressessafetyaspectsattheappropriatestagesofinvolvement.
B.NRCSprovidestechnicalassistanceonmoredamsthananyotherGovernmentagencyorconsultingfirm.NRCSdoesnotownthesedams,andmostofthemarenon-Federal.Forsome,financialassistanceisavailablethroughprojectprograms.NRCSisinvolvedinoperationandmaintenance(O&M) activities through the preparation of O&M plans for all inventory dams (Title 180, National Operation andMaintenance Manual (NOMM), Part 500, Subpart C, Section 500.20).Inaddition,NRCSreceivesinspectionreportsfordams installed under project activities (180-NOMM, Part 500, Subpart E, Section 500.43).Additionaltechnicalassistance is provided for O&M as determined by the State Conservationist.
C.TheFederalGuidelinesforDamSafetywereputinplacebythePresidentialmemorandumofOctober 4, 1979, which stated, "... I ask that the head of each Federal Agency responsible for or involved with planning, site selection, design, construction, certification or regulation, inspection, maintenance and operation, repair, financial or technical assistance, or ultimate disposition of dams adopt and implement the Federal guidelines, as applicable."
503.51USDAInvolvement
A.USDA Departmental Regulation 1043-018 establishes a USDA Dam Safety Committee and requires the Farm Service Agency, Rural Housing Service, Forest Service (FS), Rural Utility Service, Agricultural Research Service,andNRCSeachtodesignateadamsafetyofficertomakeupthecommittee.ThisregulationwasissuedinimplementingtheFederalGuidelinesforDamSafety.
B.TheUnderSecretaryforNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentchairsthecommittee.TheNRCSdamsafety officer is the executive secretary of the committee.
C.TheexecutivesecretaryofthecommitteeistheUSDAcontactwiththechiefofdamsafetyoftheDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)ontechnicalmatters.
503.52NRCSDamSafetyOfficer
A.TheDirector,ConservationEngineeringDivision,istheNRCSdamsafetyofficer.
B.ThedamsafetyofficerreportsdirectlytotheChiefonissuesthataffectdamsafety.Directivesand needed actions are implemented through normal channels.
C.Thedamsafetyofficerhasresponsibilityfor
(1)Ensuringthatpolicyandproceduresrelatedtodamsafetyareadequate.(2)MakingreasonableandprudenteffortstoensurethatdamsinstalledwithNRCSassistanceare safe.(3)SeeingthatalllevelsofNRCSareawareoftheneedforactionstoensurethatdamsinstalled with NRCS assistance are safe.(4)Evaluatingsafety-related administrative and technical practices concerning the design, construction, operation, maintenance, periodic inspections, and rehabilitation of dams.(5)MaintaininganinventoryofNRCS-assisted dams meeting the inclusion criteria (see section 520.21F).(6)ProvidingleadershipinrepresentingNRCSinFederalandotheractivitiesleadingtotheestablishment of policy, procedure, and criteria for dam safety.
503.53InteragencyInvolvement
A.NRCSisinvolvedwithotherFederalagenciesatthenationallevelindamsafetyactivities,bothformallyandinformally.AsexecutivesecretaryoftheUSDADamSafetyCommittee,theDirector,Conservation Engineering Division, is the USDA member on the Interagency Committee on Dam Safety (ICODS).
B.StateConservationistsareencouragedtoworkwithotherFederalandStateagenciesindamsafetyactivities.
503.54Other(Nongovernmental)Involvement
NRCS encourages its employees to become involved at all levels with various technical and professional groups in dam safety activities.
503.55NRCS-State Relationships
NRCSsupportsstrongStatedamsafetyprograms.AstrongStatedamsafetyprogramisimperativetoprotectpublichealthandsafety.NRCSlacksO&MauthorityondamsinstalledwithFederalassistanceand does not have continuing responsibility for the non-FederaldamsinstalledunderNRCSprograms.It is NRCS policy to complement and not compete with State dam safety programs.
503.56ResponsibilityforDams
The owner of a dam is responsible for potential hazards created by the dam, both during construction andintheyearsfollowingconstruction.Statesareresponsibleforsafeguardingthelivesandpropertyoftheircitizens.NRCSisresponsibleforensuringthattheassistanceitprovidesfordamsistechnically sound and meets applicable State regulations and criteria.
503.57NRCSAssistance
A.EachStateConservationistmustassisttheStatetodevelopandimplementastrongdamsafetyprogram,asneeded.TheStateConservationistmustworkwiththeState,asappropriate,atthepolicylevel,suchasbyprovidingmodellegislationandregulationsandbytechnologytransfer.NRCSinvolvement in formal inspections could be limited to some percentage of the NRCS-assisteddams.This involvement, however, permits NRCS and the State to derive the benefits of mutual technology exchange.NRCSparticipationinatleastsomeoftheinitialinspectionsmayalsobeparticularlydesirable to provide feedback to the design process.
B.EachStateConservationistmustestablishneededworkingarrangementswiththeStateforNRCSassistanceinmaintainingastrongStatedamsafetyprogram.
503.58KeyFactors
Several key factors must be considered in developing and maintaining the State dam safety program including
(1)ConsistencywiththeFederalguidelinesfordamsafety.(2)ConsistencywiththemodelStatelawpreparedbytheAssociationofStateDamSafetyOfficials.(3)Recognitionthatsomeclassificationsystemisdesirablenot all dams are necessarily high hazard dams.(4)AssuranceofproperengineeringcriteriathroughaStateapprovalorcertificationsystemcovering both design and construction.(5)Requirementsforadequatemaintenanceofdams.(6)Proceduresforadequateinspection,includingappropriateparticipationbyqualifiedpersonnel.(7)Provisionsforperiodicreviewsofhazardclassandeducationalprogramsandregulationstodiscourage development downstream of low and significant hazard dams that would change the classification.(8)Provisionsforemergencyactionplansforallhighhazarddams.(9)Authoritytotakeactiontoalleviateunsafeconditions,suchasbymodifyingorremovalofthe dam or removing the hazard.(10)Adequacyofstaffingandfundingonacontinuingbasis.(11)Inclusionofallinventory-type dams (see Section 520.21(F)) in the State-regulated program.
503.59InterimAssistance
State dam safety programs should provide for adequate inspection of dams already in existence and fornewonesthatarebuilt.UntilaStateimplementsitsdamsafetyprogram,theStateConservationistmaywishtoassistbymakinginspectionassistanceavailable.Asageneralrule,theState Conservationist should encourage the State to eventually take on full responsibility and phase outNRCSassistance.NRCSassistancemayalsobedesirablefortheinitialformalinspectionsofnewsignificant and high hazard dams.
503.60DepartmentofHomelandSecurity
A.ThechairmanoftheUSDADamSafetyCommitteeistheprimarycontactwithDHSfordamsafety.
B.TheexecutivesecretaryparticipatesinDHSactivitiesandrepresentstheDepartmentinthechairman'sabsence.TheexecutivesecretaryisthepointofcontactwithDHSintechnicalmatters.
Subpart E - Prohibited Technical Assistance
503.70General
NRCSisoftenaskedtoprovidetechnicalassistanceinmanyareas.However,thisassistancemustnotbe provided for activities that are outside the normal area of expertise if these activities expose NRCS field employees to hazardous conditions or expose the agency to uncontrolled liability.
503.71ProhibitedActivities
The following activities are prohibited:
Assistance with removal of underground storage tanks.
Subpart A - Problems and Deficiencies
504.0General
A.Engineeringactivitiesmustbecarriedoutwithahighleveloftechnicalcompetenceiftheresultsaretobeofproperquality.Theappropriatelevelofqualitycanbemaintainedonlybyengineerswhouse high-qualityspecifications,criteria,standards,andprocedures.Thesetoolsmustbeconstantlyupdatedbecauseofadvancementsintechnologyandexperience.Problems,deficiencies,andfailuresoften reflect a breakdown in the quality control of engineering activities.
B.Specialinvestigations,studies,andreportsofengineeringproblemsanddeficienciesmustclearlydefinetheconditionsthatledtotheproblemordeficiency.Thesestudiesshould
(1)Describethesituationthatexistedatthetimeofthestudy,indetail,includinginduceddamages.(2)Defineadditionalsurveyorinvestigationneeds.(3)Determinethecauseoftheproblem.(4)Providerecommendationsforresolvingtheproblemordeficiency.(5)Providerecommendationsorchangesneededtoavoidarecurrence.(6)Fullydocumentfindingsinanengineeringreport,providingtheinformationneededtoimprove future engineering work and resolve possible claims or litigation.
504.1Scope
A.Aninvestigationisrequiredandareportpreparedwheneveranengineeringpractice,system,structure,structuralelement,ormaterialdoesnotfunctionasplanned.Deficienciesorfailuresthatbecome evident during construction must also be investigated and reported.
B.Aninvestigationmustbeinitiatedassoonassignsofinstabilityorseriousdistressaredetectedinengineeringpractices.Deteriorationofconcrete,severeerosioninchannels,movementorcrackingofan embankment, malfunction of pipelines, and excessive seepage are some examples of serious distress.
504.2ReportingProblems,Deficiencies,andFailures
A.TheStateConservationistandRegionalConservationistmustbenotifiedimmediatelyofaproblemor deficiency that might create a serious emergency or a failure that has led or might lead to loss of life, serious offsite damages, disruption of public utilities, or major economic losses for owners, sponsors,contractors,orNRCS.TheStateConservationistmusttelephoneandemailtheChiefpromptly.Thetelephonedreportmustincludesuchcriticalinformationasidentificationofthestructure,project,andlocationandadescriptionofthesituationatthetimeofthecall.Whenamajor dam, Class V or larger (see Section 501.4 of this manual) is affected, the State Conservationist must see that the State Conservation Engineer (SCE) provides the report required in paragraph D of this section.
B.Normallinesofcommunicationwillbeusedwhenreportingproblems,deficiencies,orfailuresotherthanthosedescribedinparagraphAofthissection.Politicalandsocialeffectsmustbeconsideredindeterminingtheurgencyofthenotificationtolineofficersandtheneedforinformingothers.JobsinClasses I through IV (see Section 501.4 of this manual) do not usually merit special reporting because they rarely have the potential to create significant damages.
C.Ifthereisasignificantdangertolifeorproperty,theStateConservationistmustensurethatappropriate authorities, owners, and sponsors are notified.
D.IfthereisfailureorpotentialfailureofaClassVorlargerdamorotherstructurethatmaycausemajor economic losses, the SCE must telephone and email the Director, Conservation Engineering Division(CED),andreportthesituation.TheDirector,CED,mustprovideengineeringguidanceonemergencyorremedialmeasuresand,ifappropriate,arrangeforspecialengineeringassistance.TheSCE must keep the Director, CED, informed of changes in the situation.
504.3CommitteeAssignments
A.Aninvestigatingcommitteemustbenamedassoonaspossibleafteraproblem,deficiency,orfailurehasbeenidentified.Aninvestigatingengineermaybenamedinlieuofacommitteeifthecauseoftheproblemisobviousandthepracticeorstructureisminor.JobsinClassesIthroughIVareusuallyconsideredminor.Acommitteemaybenamedfortheseminorstructuresiftheproblemisunusually complex.
B.Committeemembersorinvestigatingengineersshouldnothavehadanysignificantpriorparticipationinthedesign,construction,orapprovalofthepracticeorstructure.SCEsmaynotbemembersofcommitteesintheirStates.Non-NRCS personnel will be named to the committee only if specificallyapprovedbytheDirector,CED.Thecommitteemayalsoincludesponsors,Stateagencies,or others as observers.
C.Thecommitteemustincludespecialistsinappropriatedisciplines,suchasdesign,hydraulics,soilmechanics, construction engineering, geology, or others.
D.Foraminorpracticeorstructure(ClassIthroughIV)theStateConservationist,ifsoinstructed,appointstheinvestigatingcommitteeortheinvestigatingengineer.TheSCEprovidesrecommendations on membership for the committee.
E.ForClassVorVIjobs,theStateConservationistmustappointthecommitteebasedupontherecommendationsfromtheDirector,CED,andtheSCE.Dependingonthenatureoftheissue,itmaybe necessary to arrange for engineers or other specialists from the National Design Construction and Soil Mechanics Center, other centers, or from outside the State to serve on the committee.
F.ForClassVIIorVIIIjobs,theStateConservationistandtheDirector,CED,willdeterminethecommitteemembershipandthedisciplinestobeincluded.TheStateConservationistmustarrangeforthe participation of the members and issue the letter of appointment.
G.Iftheproblemisunusual,nationalinscope,orespeciallysignificant,theChiefmayappointaseparateboardtostudytheproblem.TheDirector,CED,willmaketherecommendationfortheboardanditsmembership.TheStateConservationistmustbenotifiedwhenaboardwillbeestablished.Ifan investigating committee has been established, its members will submit their findings to the board and, as appropriate, serve as staff for the board.
H.TheSCEprovidesgeneralguidanceandtechnicalsupportandarrangesforanyassistancerequiredby the committee or board.
I.Theappointmentletterprovidesgeneralguidanceonthescopeoftheinvestigationandtentativeschedule.Ifthereareproblemsorquestionsabouttheassignment,thechairmanortheinvestigatingengineer must resolve these issues as soon as possible.
504.4Procedures
A.Generalguidanceinconductingandreportingtheinvestigationofaproblemordeficiencyiscontained in Technical Release No. 24, Investigating Structure Failures.
B.Becauseevidencemaybeobscuredbysubsequentflowofwater,continueddeteriorationofthestructure,oremergencyrepairs,theinvestigationmustbeginassoonaspossible.Thedistrictconservationist (or anyone visiting the site) should photograph the site as soon as possible.
C.Theinvestigatingcommitteemust
(1)Inspectthestructure.(2)Obtainphotographsofthestructureandaffectedareas.(3)Determinethehigh-water level that prevailed.(4)Intervieweyewitnessesandrecordtheirstatements,givingparticularattentiontothesequence and timing of events.(5)Determinewhenthedeficiencywasdiscoveredandwhenthestructurewaslastinspected.(6)Assembleandreviewconstructionrecords,suchasdiaries,reports,testdata,as-built plans and as-built reports on construction geology.(7)Reviewthedesignfile.(8)Gatheranyotherinformationregardingtheevent,suchasprecipitationandstreamflowrecords.(9)Definefieldsurveysrequiredtorecordtopographyandphysicalchanges.(10)Specifyanygeologicinvestigationsandsoilmechanicstestingneeded.(11)Reviewallcommunicationsandstaffingassignmentsduringthedesignandinstallationofthe structure.
D.Aftercompilingthenecessarydata,thecommitteeorinvestigatingengineermust
(1)Determinethecausesoftheproblem,deficiency,orfailure.Supportforeachcausemustbepresented carefully so as to define completely the conditions that led to the problem.(2)Defineandsupportconclusions.(3)List,asappropriate,suggestionsonhowprocedures,criteria,designs,staffing,etc.,shouldbe changed to avoid a recurrence.(4)Whendirectedbytheappointingofficial,makesuggestionsforalternativetreatmentsindescriptiveconceptsandnottreatmentdesigndetails.Thisisasecondarypurposeofthereport.
504.5EngineeringReport
A.Anengineeringreportmustbepreparedforeachinvestigation.Thedetailandcompositionofthereport must be consistent with the size, complexity, and significance of the problem, deficiency, or failure.
B.Theengineeringreportmustinclude
(1)Abriefdescriptionofthecommitteeactivities.(2)Adescriptionofthestructure,withpertinentdataonname,location,size,age,etc.(3)Appropriategeologicandengineeringinformation.(4)Adetaileddescriptionandexplanationofthesituation.Includephotographstoenhancetheexplanation.(5)Sufficientnarrativeanddatatofullydocumentfactsandsupportfindingsandconclusions.The report must discuss where standards, criteria, procedures, or practices failed or were improperlyfollowed.Thequestions"Whatwentwrongtopermittheincidenttooccurandwhatwould have prevented it?" must be answered to the best of the committee's ability.(6)Pertinentdrawings,specifications,reports,etc.
C.AnabstractmustbepreparedforallengineeringreportsofmeasuresthatareClassVVIII.Theabstractisusedtoinformotherengineerssotheycangainfromtheexperience.Theabstractshouldnot be more than two pages and must include
(1)Dataonlocation,size,etc.(2)Descriptionoftheproblem,deficiency,orfailure.(3)Statementofthecauseandeffect.(4)Discussionofthefindingsandconclusions,includinganyidentifiedprocedureorpracticethat, if followed, would have prevented or alleviated the situation.(5)Sketches,asappropriate.
504.6ReportReviewandAcceptance
A.ThecommitteeortheinvestigatingengineermustsubmitthereporttotheStateConservationistthroughtheSCE.TheSCEwillcoordinatethereviewsrequiredandupontechnicalacceptance,forwardthe report with his recommendations to the State Conservationist for distribution.
B.TheSCEmustsolicitreviewcommentsbyemployeeswhowereresponsibleforpreparingthedesignandinspectingtheconstruction.TheSCEandtheemployees'commentsmustbeattachedtoallcopiesofthereport.Beforethereportsarereleased,theymustbereviewedandaccepted,asfollows:
(1)ClassesIIV.TheSCEdetermineswhenthereportistechnicallyacceptable.TheSCEwillworkwiththecommitteetoresolveallissuesraised.Ifthereportidentifiesproblemsresultingfrom inadequate national specifications, practice standards, or procedures or otherwise merits specialattention,theSCEwillrequestreviewcommentsfromtheDirector,CED.Afterallissuesare resolved and the SCE has determined that the report is acceptable, the SCE must submit the report to the State Conservationist and indicate its technical acceptance.(2)ClassesV VIII.ThereportmustbesubmittedtotheDirector,CED.TheDirector,CEDwillreview the report and indicate that the report is acceptable or request additional details, study, orotheractionneededforacceptance.Afterallissuesareresolvedandthereportisaccepted,the SCE must submit the report to the State Conservationist and indicate its technical acceptance.
504.7ReleaseandDistributionofReports
A.AftertechnicalacceptanceandreceiptbytheStateConservationist,thereportmaybereleasedtoothers and may be used as supporting documentation for requesting funds to correct problems or deficiencies.Owners,sponsors,Stateagencies,andothersmaybegivencopiesafterthereportisaccepted.
B.Asaminimum,acopyoftheacceptedreportmustbeforwardedtotheDirector,CED.
Subpart B - Emergency Spillway Performance
504.10General
A.Thousandsofauxiliaryspillwayshavebeeninstalledsince1954,whenNRCSbeganusingthepresentprocedurefordesign.Moreareinstalledeachyear.Majorspillwayflowscanbeexpectedatseveral structures each year.
B.CurrentauxiliaryspillwaycriteriaisoutlinedinTitle210,NationalEngineeringHandbook(NEH),Part628,Dams,andisbasedonjudgmentandexperiencegainedovertheyears.However,mostresearch and field evaluations to date have been on structures with drainage areas of less than 10 squaremiles.Furtherresearchisneeded,butlaboratorymodelstudiesarenotalwaysdirectlyapplicableandlargefieldmodelsorprototypestudiesareonlynowbeingundertaken.Analternativeis to make field studies of the operation of existing structures.
C.Thepurposeofauxiliaryspillwayperformanceandovertoppinganalysesstudiesistocarryoutacontinuing program to provide information that will be helpful in confirming or improving existing design criteria, give an indication of the upper limits of applicability of various types of spillways and earthen embankments, and show the extent and cost of spillway and embankment maintenance required after flood flows.
504.11Scope
A study must be made of any earth, rock (except massive, unweathered rock), or vegetated spillway built since 1954 if it is determined that the information from an auxiliary spillway, overtopping flow, orboth would help with continued Agricultural Research Service research and development of the models usedbyNRCS.Theneedforastudywillbemadeonacase-by-case basis by contacting the Director, Conservation Engineering Division (CED), if any of the following conditions occurred:
(1)Thewatersurfaceinthereservoirhasreachedanelevationabovethecrestoftheauxiliaryspillway of 3 feet or more.(2)Theauxiliaryspillwayhassufferedseveredamage,hasapproachedbreaching,orhasbreached to any degree.(3)Theauxiliaryspillwayhassustainedcontinuousdischargefor7daysormore.(4)Flowresultedinovertoppingoftheembankment.
504.12ReportingMajorFlows
Ifconditionsrequireastudy(seeSection504.11),theDirector,CED,mustbenotified.Thisnotification may be sent by email and must include the watershed names; site names, site numbers, orbothandpreliminaryflowdata.Notificationmustbemadeassoonaspossibleinordertoaidindata collection efforts if further investigation is required.
504.13Assignments
The Director, CED, will determine the need to develop performance studies on a case-by-casebasis.Ifitisdeterminedthatastudyisneeded,itistobemadebyqualifiedengineers.TheDirector,CED,willcoordinatewiththeStateConservationEngineer(SCE)toformulatemembersoftheevaluationteam.Hydrologists,hydraulicengineers,andgeologistsareneededinvariouspartsoftheevaluation.
504.14Procedures
If an auxiliary spillway study, overtopping study, or both are needed, the performance study should be madeassoonaftertheoccurrenceaspractical.Thestudyandthereportmustconsideranddocumentthe following information:
(1)Nameofthewatershed(2)Nameornumberofthestructureandinventorynumber(3)Location(Stateandlatitudeandlongitudetonearestdegreeandminute)(4)Datebuilt(5)Drainageareainsquaremiles(6)Heightofdam(7)Planandprofilealongtheauxiliaryspillwaycenterlinefromentrancetostreambed(8)Crosssectionsatcontrolsectionandatselectedpointsintheexitchannelshowingthedepth and width of the constructed spillway(9)Profilesalongtheembankmenttop,startingfromtheupstreamsideofthetopandacrossthe embankment back slope at intervals that show the erosion that occurred, and embankment cross sections at selected locations that show the length of back slope at different intersection points along the profile(10)Geologicmapandprofilesoftheembankment,theauxiliaryspillwaycontrolsectionandthe exit channel, or both(11)Statementregardingtheconditionoftheembankment,theauxiliaryspillway,orbothbefore the flood event, including the density and type of vegetation(12)Acopyofthelastmaintenanceandinspectionreportbeforethestorm(13)Photographs,ifavailable,ofprestormconditions(14)Dateofflood(15)Rainfalldepthsforvariousdurationsaccordingtoeitherofficialraingagesora"bucketsurvey," and the related frequency for each duration(16)Runoffifastreamgageisavailable,U.S.GeologicalSurveyprovisionaldatashouldbeincluded(17)Observedorreconstructedinflowandoutflowhydrographsatthestructure,includingmaximum reservoir stage and duration of overtopping, auxiliary spillway flow, or both(18)Physicalfactorsofdrainagearearelatedtoaweighted"curvenumber,"includingantecedent moisture and vegetative cover conditions immediately preceding the storm(19)Descriptionofthedamageontheembankment,intheauxiliaryspillway,orboth,includinglocation, depth, and severity of erosion(20)Photographsofpoststormconditionsinthespillwayanddownstream(21)Estimateofvolumeofsoilandrockerodedfromvarioussectionsofthespillway(22)Anestimateofthecosttorepairthespillway(23)Anyotherpertinentinformation
504.15Report
A.AseparatespillwayflowreportisrequiredforeveryfloodeventmeetingtheconditionsinSection504.11.Ifastormeventaffectsmanystructuresoverawidearea,areconnaissancemaybemadetodeterminetheneedformakingafieldstudyoneverystructure.Ifthissituationoccurs,theSCEmustadvisetheDirector,CED,andreachagreementonthestudiesneeded.Anauxiliaryspillwayperformance study does not alter circumstances under which a problem or deficiency study may be required.
B.Areportmustbepreparedforeachsite,exceptasprovidedintheprecedingparagraph.AcopyofeachreportmustbesubmittedtotheDirector,CED.Afterthereporthasbeenapprovedandaccepted,a copy is submitted to the State Conservationist, the State agency responsible for dam safety, and to the owner or sponsor of the structure.
504.16ReviewandApproval
A.TheSCEmustapprovethereportbeforeitissenttotheDirector,CED.
B.TheDirector,CED,notifiestheStateConservationistofacceptanceofthereportorofadditionaldata required.
Subpart C - Reservoir Sedimentation Surveys
504.20General
A.Sedimenthasamajorimpactonwaterquality,waterandlanduse,environmentalvalue,andstructureperformance.SedimentationsurveysprovideStateswithmorereliableanddefensibleprocedures for quantifying the off-farm impacts of sediment, assessing the effects of conservation practices on these off-farmimpacts,andpredictingsedimentationratesinpondsandreservoirs.Measurements of the sediment accumulating in reservoirs and determining the physical conditions influencing the sediment yield from the contributing watersheds provide some of the best data that can be obtained on erosion and deposition.
B.SelectionofsitesandinterpretationandanalysisofdatamustbemadebytheStateforlocalapplications.
504.21Procedures
The detailed procedures for making these surveys are described in Title 210, National Engineering Handbook (NEH), Section 3, Chapter 7, and in ASTM/D4581.
504.22Reports
A.ReservoirsedimentationreportsmustbepreparedbytheStateforeachsurveyasdescribedin"Outline of Report," 210-NEH,Section3,Chapter7.Thereservoirsedimentaccumulationdatacollected must be sufficient to complete Form NRCS-ENG-34 and provide the data on related watershedconditions (e.g., soils, surface geology, topography and land forms, land use and treatment, and all types of significant erosion).
B.TheDirector,ConservationEngineeringDivision,providesdatafromthecompletedFormSCS-ENG-34 to the Subcommittee on Sedimentation and the Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data to addtothedatabase.
Subpart D - Field Trials and Evaluations
504.30General
A.Newproducts,procedures,andtechniquesareessentialinmaintainingatechnicallystrongandcurrentengineeringprogram.Thesenewitemsbecomeavailableovertime.Therearerequestsfromindustryandotherstoputtheseitemsintoimmediateuse.Manyoftheseitemshavegreatpotentialforuseinengineering.Others,whileappearingtohavemerit,mayinfactbeinferiorandunacceptable.BeforeNRCSadoptsaproductorprocedure,itmustbedeterminedthatitwillfunctionasdesignedandlastforthedesignlife.Thismayrequiredetailedstudyandtesting.
B.Fieldtrialsandevaluations,inconjunctionwithtestdata,canprovidethenecessaryinformationtosupporttheapprovalofamaterialorprocedureforNRCSuse.Beforeanewproductorprocedureisincluded in standards or specifications, it must be documented that it will meet the design criteria. Fieldtrialsandevaluationsarefrequentlytheonlymethodsfordevelopingacceptabledata.
C.TrialsandevaluationsmustconformtopolicystatedinGM-450, Part 403.
504.31Scope
Field trials and evaluations must be considered if there is a need for determining if a product, procedure, or technique can be used to alter, replace, or supplement existing standards, criteria, or procedures.
504.32ApprovalProcedures
A.Proposedfieldtrialsorevaluationsthatmaychangeprocedures,policy,standards,orcriteriamustbesubmittedtotheDirector,ConservationEngineeringDivision(CED).Proposalsmustbespecificasto the scope of the trial and the materials or procedures to be tested.
B.TheDirector,CED,makesarecommendationoneachproposal.Thismayincludeguidanceonthescopeandintensityofthestudytoensurenationalapplicationofresults.Thistechnicalrecommendationforthestudydoesnotconstituteapprovalforexpenditureofresources.Ifnecessary,a request for funds and personnel should be made to the appropriate source by the State asking for the request.
C.Proposedfieldtrialsorevaluationsthatdonotrequireavariancefromstandards,criteria,specifications, policies, or procedures may be approved by the State Conservationist.
504.33StudyPlan
A.Generally,thebriefstatementdescribingthetrialortestthataccompaniestherequestforapproval is not sufficiently detailed to define the scope, intensity, purpose, and plan for the study.
B.Thestudyplanmustfullydescribetheneed,benefits,approachtobetaken,anticipatedschedule,andresourcesrequired.Thesemustbesufficientlydetailedtopermitavalidassessmentofthepotential for obtaining the needed data and of the potential demands for resources (personnel, equipment, and costs).
504.34Reports
A.EachStatemustmaintainanindexandascheduleforallfieldtrialsandevaluations.
B.Atthetimethestudyisapproved,aschedulemustbeestablishedforprogressreports.Thesereports must be appropriate to the trials and evaluations.
C.Whenthetrialorevaluationiscompleted,afinalreportmustbeprepared.
D.CopiesofallreportsaresubmittedtotheDirector,CED.
Subpart A - Introduction
505.0General
A.Non-NRCS engineering and other technical services are used to meet NRCS workload demands and specifictechnicalandprogramneeds.ItisessentialthatNRCSnotengageinengineeringservicesandactivitiesthatareindirectconflictorcompetitionwithservicesavailableintheprivatesector.NRCS must maintain a quality, well-trained engineering staff to support the delivery of NRCS programsand work with non-NRCSemployeescalledontoassistinourwork.Inusingnon-NRCS services, NRCS will strive to ensure
(1)Professionalismandrespectforothers.(2)Qualitywork.(3)Excellenceincustomerservice.(4)Teamworkwithothers.(5)Clearlydefinedresponsibilities.(6)PartnershipswithStateboardsofregistration.(7)Sustainablesolutions.(8)Effectiveempowerment.
B.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,non-NRCS engineering services means services provided by any engineer, landscape architect, geologist, or others employed by a consulting firm, sponsoring local organization, other unit of government, private individual land users, technical service providers (TSPs), manufacturers of structural elements or components, and construction contractors.
C.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,thetermtechnical servicesmeans engineering-related and construction-support activities provided by private individuals, such as individual landowners and users,conservationcontractors,andothers.IndividualsprovidingtheseservicesarenotunderthesupervisionofanNRCSemployeeandmaynotbelicensedtopracticeengineering.NRCSmayusethedocumentation furnished by private individuals performing technical services for reporting and certifyingconservationpractices.Non-NRCS engineers must certify to NRCS that all work meets currentNRCSstandards.ThiscertificationmaybethebasisforNRCSacceptance.
505.1StateCriteria
Opportunities to use non-NRCSengineeringservicesvarygreatlyfromStatetoState.StateConservationists must periodically review the scope, type, and volume of engineering work in their States, consider the availability of non-NRCS engineering sources, and establish criteria in accordance withthispolicyforthekindsofjobsforwhichthesesourcesaretobeused.EachStatemustmaintainliaison with consulting engineering organizations in that State to ensure an understanding of the division of work.
505.2ExchangeofTechnicalServicesBetweenGovernmentAgencies
NRCS participates in the exchange of engineering services between Government agencies to expedite
ManualsTitle210Engineering
NationalEngineeringManual
M/210/NEM/M_210_NEM_TOC,ThirdEdition,July20108/24/2011 Page1/121
Table of Contents
Part 500 Introduction
500.0Purpose
500.1Abbreviations
500.2Policy
Part 501 Authorizations
Subpart A Review and Approval
501.0General
501.1Scope
501.2TechnicalQuality
501.3ComplianceofEngineeringWorkWithLawsandRegulations
501.4EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
501.5EngineeringJobReview
501.6EngineeringWorkReviewedforOtherAgencies
501.7ClassificationofEngineeringJobs
501.8EngineeringJobClassificationsThatUtilizeControllingFactors
501.9EngineeringJobApprovalAuthority
Subpart B Repair and Rehabilitation
501.20General
501.21Scope
501.22ApplicableStandards
501.23DamsInstalledWithoutNRCSAssistance
501.24SpecialConditions
Subpart C Variance and Changes
501.30General
501.31NationalHandbookofConservationPractices
501.32ChannelStabilityCriteria
Subpart D Engineering Work on National Forests
501.40General
Subpart E Assistance of Shoreline Erosion Control
501.50General
501.51Scope
501.52CoordinationwithU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)
501.53RequirementsforAssistance
Part 503 Safety
Subpart A Engineering Activities Affecting Utilities
503.0General
503.1Scope
503.2GeneralConsiderations
503.3Investigations
503.4BuriedUtilities
503.5Documentation
503.6StateLaws
Subpart B Public Safety at Structure Sites
503.10General
503.11Scope
503.12RecommendedSafetyMeasures
503.13MaintenanceofSteepSlopes
Subpart C Safety During Geologic Investigations
503.20General
503.21Scope
503.22HazardPotential
Subpart D Dam Safety
503.50InvolvementWithDams
503.51USDAInvolvement
503.52NRCSDamSafetyOfficer
503.53InteragencyInvolvement
503.54Other(Nongovernmental)Involvement
503.55NRCS-State Relationships
503.56ResponsibilityforDams
503.57NRCSAssistance
503.58KeyFactors
503.59InterimAssistance
503.60DepartmentofHomelandSecurity
Subpart E Prohibited Technical Assistance
503.70General
503.71ProhibitedActivities
Part 504 Special Investigations, Studies, and Reports
Subpart A Problems and Deficiencies
504.0General
504.1Scope
504.2ReportingProblems,Deficiencies,andFailures
504.3CommitteeAssignments
504.4Procedures
504.5EngineeringReport
504.6ReportReviewandAcceptance
504.7ReleaseandDistributionofReports
Subpart B Emergency Spillway Performance
504.10General
504.11Scope
504.12ReportingMajorFlows
504.13Assignments
504.14Procedures
504.15Report
504.16ReviewandApproval
Subpart C Reservoir Sedimentation Surveys
504.20General
504.21Procedures
504.22Reports
Subpart D Field Trials and Evaluations
504.30General
504.31Scope
504.32ApprovalProcedures
504.33StudyPlan
504.34Reports
Part 505 Non-NRCS Engineering Services
Subpart A Introduction
505.0General
505.1StateCriteria
505.2ExchangeofTechnicalServicesBetweenGovernmentAgencies
505.3ReviewofTechnicalServicesPerformedbyOthers
Subpart B Use of Non-NRCS Engineering Services
505.10General
505.11Non-Project Activities
505.12ProjectActivities
505.13RiverBasinStudies
505.14EngineeringServicesNotProvidedbyNRCS
Subpart C Criteria
505.20Non-Project Activities
505.21ProjectActivities
Subpart D Procedures
505.30EngineeringServices,Contracts,andAgreements
505.31SelectionofNon-NRCS Engineering Services
505.32ResponsibilityforEngineeringServicesPerformedUnderEngineeringServices,Contracts,and Agreements
Subpart E Exhibits
505.40Reserved
505.41Reserved
505.42ConservationContractor Sample Letter
505.43LandownerUseofaConsultant- Sample Letter
Part 506 Technical Materials
506.0General
506.1Definitions
506.2OrganizationofPermanentMaterials
506.3Reserved
506.4DevelopingNEHMaterials
506.5DistributionofEngineeringTechnicalMaterialsWithinNRCS
506.6DistributionofEngineeringTechnicalMaterialsOutsideNRCS
Part 510 Planning
510.0General
510.1Scope
510.2Documentation
510.3EngineeringDatatoSupportPlans
510.4Criteria
510.5CostEstimates
510.6PostDesignLifeConsiderations
Part 511 Design
Subpart A Procedures
511.0General
511.1Scope
511.2DesignStages
511.3OperatingProcedures
511.4DesignAnalysis
511.5DesignCheckingandReview
511.6ExternalReviews
511.7DesignCriteria
511.8ConstructionDrawingsandSpecifications
Subpart B - Documentation
511.10Scope
511.11DesignFolders
Subpart C Instrumentation
511.20General
511.21Scope
511.22NeedforReliableInstruments
511.23UseofInstrumentation
511.24InstrumentationPlans
511.25InstrumentationMonitoringandReporting
Part 512 Construction
Subpart A General Information
512.0Introduction
512.1Scope
512.2Definitions
512.3ValueEngineering
Subpart B Preconstruction Activities
512.10SelectionoftheContractor
512.11PrebidorProposalMeeting(SiteShowing)
512.12EvaluationofBidders
512.13PreconstructionConference
512.14Partnering
Subpart C Evaluation Of Construction Materials
512.20General
512.21EvaluationProcedures
512.22WaiversofMaterialCertifications
512.23PrequalificationofMaterials
Subpart D Quality Assurance Activities
512.30General
512.31Definitions
512.32QAProcedures
512.33InspectionofMaterials
Subpart E Equipment, Records, And Coordination
512.40EngineeringEquipment
512.41Records
512.42CoordinationBetweenDisciplines
Subpart F As-Builts
512.50General
512.51Scope
512.52Documentation
512.53Disposition
Subpart G Safety
512.60General
512.61PersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)
512.62Training
Part 520 Soil and Water Resource Development
Subpart A Erosion and Sediment Control
520.0General
520.1MinimizingErosionandSedimentDuringConstruction
Subpart B Floodplain Management
520.10General
520.11Scope
520.12Description
520.13TypesofMeasures
520.14RisktoLifeandProperty
Subpart C Dams
520.20General
520.21DefinitionandClasses
520.22DesignCriteria
520.23Classification
520.24SpecialConsiderations
520.25ClearingReservoirs
520.26ExternalReviewsforDamSafety
520.27EmergencyActionPlans High Hazard Dams
520.28PotentialImpactArea Low Hazard Dams of Inventory Size and All Significant Hazard Dams
Subpart D Open Channels
520.30General
520.31Definition
520.32DesignCriteria
Part 521 Pollution Abatement and Water Quality Improvement
521.0General
521.1PollutionAbatementinConservationOperations
521.2PollutionAbatementinProjectActivities
521.3EffectofNRCSActivitiesonWaterQuality
521.4EffectofWaterQualityonNRCSActivities
Part 522 Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
522.0General
522.1AuthorityandRequestforAssistance
522.2Responsibility
522.3NRCSTechnicalReview
522.4ReservoirOperationsGuideReview
Part 523 Irrigation
523.0General
523.1Scope
Part 524 Drainage
524.0General
524.1Scope
Part 529 Pollution Abatement and Air Quality Improvement
529.0General
529.1AirEmissionsManagementinConservationOperations
529.2AirEmissionsManagementinProjectActivities
529.3EffectofNRCSActivitiesonAtmosphericResources
Part 530 Hydrology
Subpart A Hydrologic Investigations
530.0General
530.1AvailableHydrometeorologicalInformation
530.2HydrometeorologicalInstrumentation
530.3HydrologicReports
Subpart B Hydrologic Procedures and Criteria
530.10General
530.11HydrologicProcedures
530.12HydrologicCriteria
Part 531 Geology
Subpart A Geologic Investigations
531.0General
531.1ScopeandIntensityofGeologicInvestigations
531.2RequirementsforAllGeologicInvestigations
531.3ClassificationofDamSitesforGeologicInvestigation
531.4Repair,Rehabilitation,andDecommissioningofDams
Subpart B Geologic Investigations of Group I Dam Sites
531.10GeologicInvestigationsofGroup1Dam Sites
531.11RequirementsforGeologicInvestigationofGroupIDamsDuringConstructionandProjectImplementation(As-Built)
Subpart C Geologic Investigations for Group II Dam Sites and Embankments
531.20EmbankmentsandOtherGround-Disturbing Practices
Subpart D Geomorphic, Erosion, and Sedimentation Investigations
531.30GeomorphicInvestigationsofWatershedErosionandSedimentation
531.31InvestigationofStructuralProblemsCausedbyErosionorSedimentation
531.32WatershedSedimentYieldStudiesforDamsandConservation Practices
531.33GeologicInvestigationofSedimentationandErosionProcessesintheStreamChanneland Stream Corridor
531.34EvaluationofRockforErosionControl
Subpart E Hydrogeologic Investigations
531.40General
531.41GroundwaterHydrology for Conservation Engineering
531.42GroundwaterQualityManagement
531.43GroundwaterResourcesDevelopment
Part 532 Reserved
Part 533 Soil Engineering
Subpart A Engineering Classification of Soils
533.0General
533.1Scope
533.2SoilClassificationSystems
Subpart B Operations
533.10General
533.11DataCollection
533.12Testing
533.13SoilEngineeringAnalyses
533.14NationalBenefitActivities
Subpart C Engineering Interpretations of Soil Surveys
533.20General
533.21Scope
533.22EngineeringResponsibilities
Part 535 Landscape Architecture
535.0General
535.1Scope
535.2Definitions
535.3NRCSTechnicalAssistanceforLandscapeArchitecture
Part 536 Structural Engineering
536.0General
536.1through536.9Reserved
536.10Method
536.11Function
536.12Loads
536.13though536.19Reserved
536.20DesignCriteriaforReinforcedConcrete
536.21through536.29Reserved
536.30DesignCriteriaforSteelStructures
536.31through536.39Reserved
536.40DesignCriteriaforWoodStructures
536.41through536.49Reserved
536.50DesignCriteriaforMasonryStructures
536.51through536.59R