Auditor calls for state aid to fix unsafe dams

On Jan. 11, outgoing State Auditor Joseph DeNucci reported that 100 dams owned by 62 cities and towns are in unsafe or poor condition “and have the potential to cause loss of life or significant property damage in the event of dam failure.”

DeNucci called on the Legislature to institute a no-interest, revolving loan program to assist cities and towns in addressing the approximately $60 million in repairs needed to fix these 100 dams (about $600,000 per dam).

“Local and state officials need to work together immediately to develop the mandated emergency action plans and devise a long-term financial solution to fix these dams,” DeNucci said.

The Office of Dam Safety within the Department of Conservation and Recreation regulates 1,547 of the 2,892 dams in Massachusetts, including 647 municipal dams.

According to the auditor’s report, recent budget cuts have left ODS with just 4.5 full-time positions, with each employee overseeing 640 dams – more than triple the case load recommended by the national Association of State Dam Safety Officials.

The auditor’s report states that ODS does not have adequate staffing to provide the required oversight to ensure compliance with the dam safety law.

Data suggest that nearly 1,000 dams in Massachusetts were built between 50 and 100 years ago; hundreds are between 100 and 200 years old, and a small number exceed 200 years in age.