Dangerous Dams Policy

The Building Act 2004 (the Act) requires Greater Wellington to review its policy on Dangerous Dams within five years of the policy being adopted.  On 29 June 2011, Greater Wellington adopted its revised Dangerous Dams Policy 2011.

The policy only applies to medium or high potential impact dams that retain 3 or more metres depth, and hold 20000 of more cubic metres volume, of water or fluid.

Due to amendments to the Act in 2008 the Dangerous Dams Policy also covers earthquake-prone and flood-prone dams. 

The policy sets out how Greater Wellington will identify dams of concern and the measures Greater Wellington (in conjunction with the dam owner) will take to reduce or remove the danger. 

A copy of the policy can be viewed here.

Please note, that while the policy has been adopted, it does not become operative until three months after:

• the Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2008 come into force, and
• regulations prescribing the criteria and standards to determine dangerous, earthquake prone or flood prone dams come into force.