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Vegetation Management For Dams & Spillway Maintenance

Proper vegetation management is critical for maintaining the safety, compliance, and functionality of embankment dams, spillways, outlet works, and other dam-related structures. Uncontrolled vegetation can weaken structural integrity, obstruct inspections, and hinder routine maintenance. VegClear provides expert vegetation management services designed to meet the stringent standards set by agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and state dam safety programs. In addition, areas requiring bare ground, selective weed control, and preventative pre-emergent are handled.

Why Vegetation Management is Critical for Dams

Dams are regulated under USACE guidelines requiring vegetation-free zones, FERC dam safety regulations, and State-level dam safety programs, as well as ASDSO standards, emphasizing proper vegetation management.

Masonry dam with adjacent areas of managed vegetation, emphasizing the need for root-free zones to protect structural integrity and support regular inspections

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with USACE ETL 1110-2-583 for vegetation-free zones, enabling safe inspections and seepage control while addressing FEMA NFIP standards.

Aligns with ASDSO standards to prevent fines and operational restrictions at state-regulated dams.

Bridge built into dam with a clear spillway free of intrusive vegetation, demonstrating the role of vegetation management in maintaining operational readiness and water flow efficiency

Structural Integrity

Maintain vegetation-free zones to detect seepage, cracking, and structural distress.

Prevent damage from root intrusion, including seepage paths, cracks, and clogged drainage systems, as required by USACE and state safety guidelines.

Embankment dam surrounded by well-managed vegetation-free zones, showcasing the importance of vegetation control in preventing seepage and ensuring structural stability

Operational Efficiency

Prevent overgrowth to keep spillways, discharge channels, and access roads clear for flood-control readiness and operational reliability.

Meet FERC dam safety regulations for hydroelectric dam functionality and environmental standards.

Hydroelectric dam with eroded dirt and riprap-covered embankments, requiring vegetation control strategies to prevent root intrusion and maintain safety compliance for energy production

Environmental Factors

Control vegetation to reduce burrowing wildlife activity that destabilizes embankments.

Ensure Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance to avoid maintenance delays due to habitat interference.

Vegetation Management For Municipal Dams, USACE Riprap & State Spillways

Ensuring the safe operation of embankment and engineered structural dams is a priority for county and city municipalities, as well as utility companies. Invasive vegetation, such as trees, brush, and vines, can compromise the stability of these critical water resources. VegClear is a leading industrial vegetation control contractor, offering specialized expertise to manage vegetation around gravel, rocks, embankment and engineered concrete dams.

Our spillway and riprap services are available to private and commercial landowners, agencies, utilities, state governments, and federal entities. With VegClear, your dams are protected from intrusive and unsightly vegetation growth, ensuring safe and operable conditions.

Contact us to learn more about our specialized dam vegetation control services and rest assured that your dams are in expert hands. Don’t take risks with dam safety—trust the experienced applicators at VegClear for your vegetation control needs.

Explore the main types of dams in the U.S.

Embankment, buttress, gravity, and arch dams depicted in the image. Each is uniquely designed with specific materials and structures to manage water for storage, flood control, and power generation.

Our ServicesFor Dam Operators & Maintenance Teams

Embankment Dams

Establishment and maintenance of vegetation-free zones, ensuring full compliance with USACE dam safety guidelines.

Grass mowing and vegetation control to meet performance standards for both "dry" and "normal pool" conditions.

Inspection-ready solutions for spillways, seepage monitoring zones, and critical downstream areas.

Spillways and Discharge Channels

Clearing and maintaining vegetation to prevent obstructions in spillways and outlet works, as required by state dam safety programs and USACE guidelines.

Ensuring safe operation of spillway slopes and channels to meet flood-control discharge capabilities.

Outlet Works and Appurtenant Structures

Vegetation management around outlet-works discharge channels and structures, including toe zones, headwalls, and wingwalls.

Regular maintenance to protect seepage collector systems from root intrusion, adhering to FERC and state regulations.

Supporting Municipal Water Authorities, Irrigation Districts, and Private Dam owners

Meeting State & Local Regulatory Demands

Trusted Partner in Dam Safety & Weed Control

VegClear provides comprehensive vegetation management solutions for dam owners, municipalities, and water authorities. We ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while protecting the integrity and safety of your dam infrastructure.

Partner with VegClear to ensure your dam meets the rigorous standards of USACE, FERC, FEMA, and other governing bodies. Contact us today to learn how our site-specific solutions can help you maintain safety, functionality, and compliance.