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
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