Dam Safety, Coastal & Flood Protection

To protect people against loss of life and property from flood and dam failure, DEC is entrusted with the regulatory power over dams. The Department also provides technical support to local governments and owners of dams, and promotes floodplain management in communities across the state.

Dam Safety

To protect people against loss of life and property from flood and dam failure, DEC is entrusted with the regulatory power over dams. Dams are man-made barriers constructed to impound water.

Find information about: 

• Access Dam Safety Forms and Regulations
• Information for dam owners and community emergency preparedness
• DEC enforces requirements to operate and maintain dams in a safe condition, and monitors remedial work for compliance with dam safety criteria
• Map of NYS Inventory of Dams 

Coastal Erosion and Flooding

Coastal erosion is a naturally occurring process that results in the loss or displacement of land along the coastline, continually changing natural protective features such as beaches, dunes, bluffs and nearshore areas.

For information about: 

• Coastal management and development - protecting New York coastlines 
• Coastal areas regulated by the CEHA permit program
• Coastal erosion management permit program
• Coastal erosion control design

Flood Protection and Floodplain Management

The Department works with communities throughout the state in finding ways to reduce or protect against physical and property damage caused by flooding. 

The Department works on: 

• Structural flood damage reduction projects to prevent flood waters from damaging communities
• Helps communities establish sustainable floodplain management programs to mitigate the potential for flooding
• Works with communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to administer local regulations and building standards for flood damage prevention