Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

APPLICATION OF A CONDITIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY FOR PRIORITIZATION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

EDWARD J. HECKER AND YAZMIN SEDA-SANABRIA

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

ENRIQUE E. MATHEU

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

JAMES D. MORGESON AND M. ANTHONY FAINBERG

Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, Virginia

1 INTRODUCTION

The Dams Sector comprises dams, navigation locks, levees, flood damage reduction systems, hurricane protection systems, mine tailings impoundments, and other similar water retention and/or control facilities. There are over 82,000 dams in the United States; approximately 65% are privately owned and more than 85% are regulated by State Dam Safety Offices. The Dams Sector is a vital part of the nation’s infrastructure, and continually provides a wide range of economic, environmental, and social benefits, including hydroelectric power, river navigation, water supply, flood control, and recreation. The potential impacts associated with damage or destruction of dams could include significant loss of life, massive property damage, and severe long-term consequences. Many of these infrastructures were built before man-made threats were recognized as a possibility and their implications were fully understood. While many differences exist between the needs of individual dam owners and operators, the Dams Sector shares a collective goal of incorporating appropriate and practical protective measures to improve awareness, ...