Nova Scotia does not have specific dam safety regulations
Regardless of whether they’re old or new, there is little oversight by the province over the 600-plus dams found in Nova Scotia.
The issue of dam safety is now on the public radar after 135 homeowners near the Little Salmon River were evacuated last weekend in the Dartmouth area. The Salmon River flows from Lake Major.
The provincial environment department says it is aware of 604 dams in the province, ranging from small ones to very large ones. These dams are owned by municipalities, corporations, the provincial government and private individuals.
In a statement to CBC News, the environment department says it does inspections to ensure the environment isn’t impacted by alterations to the watercourse.
As well, the department says it does not inspect dams for safety reasons.
“Safety is the responsibility of the structure owner,” the statement said.
Unlike B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, Nova Scotia does not have specific dam safety regulations.
This is something the Canadian Dam Association (CDA), which compiles best practices, recommends.
“Unfortunately, sometimes you need the regulations so dam owners that are not as familiar with the industry are aware [of] and start applying these practices,” said Gilles Bourgeois, the president of CDA’s board of directors.
