Necessity for, and Penal Ties for Lack of, Supervision

It is not the purpose of the writer to go into the question of the economics of dam construction, n or to discuss the many intricate, albeit fascinating, questions involved in theories of dam design, but rather to endeavor to discuss the subject more from the viewpoint of the public which, after all, is the party most vitally interested in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of dams. This superior interest arises from two causes: First, that having to do with the element of hazard; and, second, that having to do with the economic advantages to be secured through the construction and operation of storage reservoirs. The paper contains a tabulated summary of 293 dams that have wholly or partly failed, and a classification of the causes of these failures; it also contains a general comment on existing laws in the various States, and a suggestion for framing a code for the design and construction of dams. Fifteen items are included in the paper to indicate subjects that should, or should not, be included in State supervision; twelve items portraying the advantages and disadvantages of State control of dams, and twelve items defining the ideal qualifications of supervising officials.