Visual Inspections

GZA's visual inspections combine review of available project information with direct observation of field conditions to provide a timely, practical understanding of dam and levee condition. Our engineers document observed deficiencies and maintenance needs, identify conditions that may warrant further evaluation, and provide prioritized recommendations to support safety, operability, and regulatory compliance.

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GZA’s dam and levee inspections are led by a Professional Engineer and are typically performed by a two-person team to support field efficiency and safety. Before the site visit, we review available drawings, prior inspection reports, instrumentation records, operations and maintenance information, and applicable regulatory requirements. In the field, our inspection team documents conditions using inspection checklists, photographs, key measurements, and site sketches. Inspection reports describe the project and observed conditions, identify deficiencies and maintenance items, and present recommendations for follow-up action. The report format and supporting documentation are tailored to the applicable state, federal, or owner requirements. Where visual observations indicate that additional information is needed, GZA can help define focused engineering evaluations, investigations, monitoring, or design services. GZA can also self-perform or subcontracts rope access inspection for spillway gates, dive inspections of underwater features and ROV inspections of pipes and conduits.

Expertise

  • State regulatory dam safety inspections
  • FERC Part 12D safety inspections, Periodic Inspections, and Comprehensive Assessments
  • USACE levee inspections and related condition assessments
  • Routine, intermediate, periodic, and post-event inspections
  • Rope-access inspections
  • Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections
  • Underwater dive inspections
  • Gates, valves, spillways, outlet works, and concrete or masonry feature inspections
  • Inspection documentation, deficiency tracking, and prioritized recommendations

Related Focus Areas

Engineering Evaluations and Assessment

Our engineering evaluations consider hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical, structural, and mechanical elements to assess whether a dam or levee meets applicable requirements and whether remedial measures may be warranted.

Design & Construction Services

GZA provides design and construction-phase services for the remediation and rehabilitation of earthen, timber-crib, stone masonry, and concrete dams, as well as earthen levees and concrete floodwalls. Our services can extend from alternatives evaluation and permitting through final design, bidding...

Emergency Action Planning and Inundation Mapping

Our emergency action planning and inundation mapping services combine water resources engineering with data management and clear communication to produce practical, easy-to-use emergency response documents. Over the past 25 years, GZA has prepared emergency action plans for more than 100 high- and...

Hydropower

GZA provides hydropower engineering and regulatory support for projects ranging from 40 kW to 900 MW. Services include feasibility and resource assessments, turbine and powerhouse design, FERC licensing and relicensing, Part 12D safety inspections, periodic inspections and comprehensive assessments...

Dam Removal & Stream Restoration

GZA has been a pioneer in assisting owners with dam removal and stream restoration projects. Using a detailed alternatives analysis of multiple dam rehabilitation options plus dam removal, GZA has helped numerous dam owners select dam removal as the preferred alternative, particularly when the dam...

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Matthew Taylor is a Principal and Senior Vice President at GZA.  He leads GZA’s Metro Boston Dam and Levee Safety practice…

View Details for Matthew Taylor, P.E.

Matthew Taylor, P.E.

Dams, Levees, and Hydropower

781-278-5803

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