What is the Annual Dam Registration Fee?

New Hampshire established the dam safety program in the early 1900s to protect lives, health and property from damages due to catastrophic dam failures, which have cost thousands of lives and millions of dollars in property damage throughout the United States. In order to adequately implement the state’s program, an annual dam registration fee schedule was adopted for all High, Significant, or Low Hazard dams.

New Hampshire’s dam safety program benefits both dam owners and residents in downstream areas who may be at risk if a dam were to fail. Owners receive periodic safety inspections of their dams, technical assistance during emergency situations, information on maintenance and operational procedures, and assistance with developing emergency action plans. Downstream residents receive additional protection from catastrophic failure of the upstream dam.

The following fee schedule replaces RSA 482:16, which allows DES to charge the dam owner for the actual cost of examination of plans, specifications and the inspection of the dam.

FEE SCHEDULE
Low Hazard – $400
Significant Hazard – $750
High Hazard – $1,500

This fee structure is more cost effective for the dam owner. All monies collected are placed in a dedicated fund solely for the purpose of dam inspections.

Dam registration fee bills are sent to dam owners annually in October, with payments due by January 1 of the following calendar year.

For more information relative to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of dams, please contact the DES Water Division Dam Bureau at (603) 271-3406 or email damsafety@des.state.nh.us. General information is available at www.des.nh.gov/Dam/. You may also visit our office at 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.