                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 DEFINITIONS (§ 10.1-604)

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
		&#8220;Alteration&#8221; means changes to an impounding structure that could
alter or affect its structural integrity. Alterations include, but are not
limited to, changing the height or otherwise enlarging the dam, increasing
normal pool or principal spillway elevation or physical dimensions, changing the
elevation or physical dimensions of the emergency spillway, conducting necessary
repairs or structural maintenance, or removing the impounding structure.
		&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Soil and Water Conservation Board.
		&#8220;Construction&#8221; means the construction of a new impounding
structure.
		&#8220;Dam break inundation zone&#8221; means the area downstream of a dam
that would be inundated or otherwise directly affected by the failure of a dam.
		&#8220;Height&#8221; means the structural height of a dam which is defined as
the vertical distance from the natural bed of the stream or watercourse measured
at the downstream toe of the dam to the top of the dam.
		&#8220;Impounding structure&#8221; means a man-made structure, whether a dam
across a watercourse or other structure outside a watercourse, used or to be
used to retain or store waters or other materials. The term includes: (i) all
dams that are twenty-five feet or greater in height and that create an
impoundment capacity of fifteen acre-feet or greater, and (ii) all dams that are
six feet or greater in height and that create an impoundment capacity of fifty
acre-feet or greater. The term &#8220;impounding structure&#8221; shall not
include: (a) dams licensed by the State Corporation Commission that are subject
to a safety inspection program; (b) dams owned or licensed by the United States
government; (c) dams operated primarily for agricultural purposes which are less
than twenty-five feet in height or which create a maximum impoundment capacity
smaller than 100 acre-feet; (d) water or silt retaining dams approved pursuant
to § 45.2-618 or 45.2-1301; or (e) obstructions in a canal used to raise or
lower water.
		&#8220;Owner&#8221; means the owner of the land on which a dam is situated,
the holder of an easement permitting the construction of a dam and any person or
entity agreeing to maintain a dam.
		&#8220;Watercourse&#8221; means a natural channel having a well-defined bed
and banks and in which water normally flows.

HISTORY: 1982, c. 583, § 62.1-115.1; 1986, c. 9; 1988, c. 891; 2001, c. 92;
2006, c. 30; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.