The DNR dam safety staff and a national trainer will present tips to maintain and protect newer and aging dams from structural failure at an all-day workshop May 20 in Atlantic.

Designed for the owners and operators of larger dams, the workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cass County Agricultural and Education Association, 805 W. Tenth St.

“We’ll concentrate on how to look for signs of trouble-from rodent or tree damage to seepage problems-and how to maintain and repair a dam,” said Jonathan Garton, an engineer with the DNR’s dam safety program.

“This workshop should be especially attractive to those who want to learn more about liability issues, emergency action plans or how to hire an engineer who can help with structural issues,” Garton said.

While it is intended for the people who have 10-acre or larger lakes, owners of smaller dams are also welcome and can benefit from the workshop.

For more information or to register, look under Conferences and Training on the Association of State Dam Safety Officials’ website at www.damsafety.org

Or, contact Jonathan Garton at DNR at (515) 281-6940 or Jonathan.Garton@dnr.iowa.gov.

The $25 fee for the workshop includes a manual, lunch and two breaks. However, Garton encourages prompt registration as the fee goes up to $35 after May 11 and seating is limited. Costs are covered by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Young engineer enthusiasm, meaningful involvement, and growth are the keys to ASCE’s future.  As a means of fostering individual Younger Member participation in Society activities, the ASCE Committee on Younger Members (CYM) has developed a program to help Sections and Branches recognize those employers who encourage their Young engineers to get involved in ASCE activities.  Special recognition will go to those organizations that exhibit exemplary support evidenced by efforts such as:

• Providing a model for involvement through company‑wide participation in local, regional and national ASCE activities
• Encouraging and supporting Younger Members to attend ASCE meetings and seminars
• Encouraging Younger Members to prepare articles for publication in ASCE professional and technical journals
• Assisting in the payment of local and national dues

2010 ASCE CYM Employer Recognition Application

Registration is now available for the annual Environmental and Water Resources Conference.    The conference will be held in Ames on March 25, 2010.

Download the brochure and registration: ASCE E&WR Brochure 2010

There has been much discussion about the Governor’s plan to divert Road Use Tax (RUT) Funds from their intended purpose of building and repairing our roadways and into the Iowa State Patrol coffers.

The Iowa and Quad Cities Sections sent out a letter to the governor to demostrate our opposition to this diversion of funds. Click below to view the letter of opposition and the governor’s response.

ASCE RUTF response

Governor’s response to ASCE letter