This page deals with some of the current issues in the world of dams. Dams are big structures and have big impacts. Almost all of us benefit in some way from dams and their reservoirs. However, there is a cost for enjoying these benefits. The environment is altered by dams and people adversely affected by dams are not always properly looked after. Should a dam breach, the flood wave released would have devastating impacts on lives, property and the environment downstream. Dam professionals, including members of the British Dam Society, therefore strive constantly to keep existing dams safe, and to maximise the benefits and minimise the negative impacts of dams on affected people and the environment.

Current issues that reflect these objectives are outlined below (including links to pages and other sites giving more information).

List of Current Issues

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Title (select to download additional information)		Date
	The future of flood risk management in Scotland On 13th February 2008, the Scottish Government launched a Flooding Bill Consultation aiming to modernise the flood risk management system in Scotland. The broad objective in promoting new legislation is to provide the framework to ensure that a fully sustainable approach to flood risk management is in place across Scotland and to simplify radically the focus through which local authorities promote prevention measures.	Mar 2008
	Reservoir Safety is High on ICE Agenda - Reservoir Safety Advisory Group Formed The incident at Ulley dam near Rotherham highlights the need for continued monitoring and vigilance at the UK stock of reservoirs. Such reservoirs have been at the heart of Britain's development both as one of the major contributors to improved public health in Victorian England and as an integral part of the canal network. The 2500 large raised reservoirs in the UK are essential to ensuring continued water supply even through periods of prolonged drought. “Finding ways to continually improve the safety of our existing stock of dams is an ongoing process,” says Dr Peter Mason, Vice Chairman of the British Dam Society, an Associated Society of the ICE. Appropriate research to that end is to be guided by the newly formed Reservoirs Safety Advisory Group, of which Dr Mason is Chairman. This has been formed by the Institution of Civil Engineers on behalf of Defra and the EA. The group includes representatives from Defra, the EA, owners and academia.	Jul 2007
	WCD Dams Report - Towards a UK Position Consultation draft of UK Government report "World Commission on Dams Report - Towards a UK Position	Apr 2003
	UK Government Response to World Commission on Dams Report - BDS Members Views Sought The UK Government's draft response on the World Commission on Dams report is now available and the BDS have been invited to comment along with over 70 others on the Initial Consultation List. See attached document for guidance on how to participate in this review.	Oct 2002
	The World Bank Position on the Report of the World Commission on Dams World Bank staff have reviewed the Report thoroughly, and have consulted widely with its Executive Directors, with governments themselves, with non-governmental organizations, with other international financing institutions, and with private financiers and developers. In common with virtually all those consulted, the World Bank shares the WCD core values and concurs with the need to promote the seven strategic priorities.	Feb 2002
	The World Commission on Dams The World Commission on Dams Report has caused considerable controversy around the world. This document provides a brief history of the WCD, and its aims and objectives in developing the WCD Report. Additional documents are available detailing the BDS Committee response to the WCD Report and key issues raised at a BDS meeting entitled, “After the WCD Report”.	Sep 2001
	China Three Gorges Project Rodney Bridle undertook a visit to the Three Gorges Project site during the Beijing Conference (7-13th September 2001). This document provides a summary of the Three Gorges Project. A more detailed summary of the site visit is also available.	Sep 2001
	Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) and the Flood Studies Report (FSR) Following release of the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) to replace the Flood Sudies Report (FSR) it became clear that results differed greatly for extreme event prediction. Studies are underway to clarify these differences. This document provides an overview of the key issues and objectives of ongoing research.	Sep 2001
	Application of Risk Assessment Technology to Dam Safety A brief overview of the current status of risk assessment technology for dams.	Sep 2001
	Dams and Water Resources Development in UK A brief summary of the UK situation for the use of dams for the development of water resources.	Sep 2001
	Renewable Energy and EU attitudes to Hydropower The BDS position with respect to the development and use of HydroPower.	Sep 2001
	Water Bill The BDS position with respect to the recent Water Bill that would make changes to the Reservoirs Act (1975) in relation to dam safety.	Sep 2001

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