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Dams in Danger: A Growing Concern
According to Fresnobee, Many dams in California are old and not well-maintained. This is a big problem because it can cause them to break and flood the surrounding area. A recent study looked at the condition of over 90,000 dams across the country. It found that many of California’s dams are in poor shape and could cause harm if they fail.
Dam Failure: A Devastating Consequence
The Lake Delhi Dam in Iowa is an example of what can happen when a dam fails. It was 80 years old and didn’t get regular maintenance. When it rained a lot, the dam broke and sent floodwaters into the surrounding area. Luckily, people were evacuated in time and nobody was hurt. But this kind of disaster could happen in California if its dams are not properly maintained.
County-by-County Breakdown: A Closer Look
In California, some counties have more dams that are in danger than others. For example, Los Angeles County has 81 high-hazard dams, which are dams that could cause a lot of harm if they fail. Of these, 14 are in poor condition and could cause problems if they fail. This is a big concern for people who live near these dams.
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California’s Dam Crisis: A ticking Time Bomb? (PHOTO: GOOGLE)
Transparency in Dam Safety: A Must
Some state and federal agencies are not sharing information about their dams. This makes it hard for people to know how safe their dams are. In Illinois, for example, only three high-hazard dams have been inspected, and the rest have their conditions withheld. This lack of transparency is a problem because it means people don’t know how to prepare for a potential disaster.
The Data Speaks: A Call to Action
The data shows that California’s dams are a serious problem. The state needs to take action to fix the issue. With over 32% of its high-hazard dams potentially posing a threat to residents, it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes. The state needs to work on maintaining and inspecting its dams to make sure they are safe for people living nearby.
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