USACE has improved how it inspects levees to improve its ability to communicate the overall condition and associated risks of levee systems to the local sponsors and the public. Improvements include a single consistent inspection checklist to be used on all levee systems USACE inspects.
Additionally, USACE developed an automated Levee Inspection System (LIS) tool as part of the National Levee Database (NLD). It is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) / Global Positioning System (GPS)-based inspection tool that incorporates the levee inspection checklist and links directly with the NLD.
The objectives of USACE levee inspections are to:
- Ensure the levee system will perform as expected.
- Identify deficiencies or areas that need monitoring or immediate repair.
- Continuously assess the integrity of the levee system in order to identify any changes over time.
- Collect information in order to make informed decisions about future actions.
- Determine eligibility for federal rehabilitation funding for the levee in accordance with PL 84-99. For levees with an acceptable or minimally acceptable inspection rating, they are eligible for levee rehabilitation assistance for damages incurred during a flood event.
- Determine if the levee is being properly operated and maintained.
- Determine if the local sponsor is in compliance with the project partnership agreement, if applicable.
USACE conducts two types of levee inspections. The first one is the Routine Inspection, also referred to as annual inspection or continuing eligibility inspection. It is performed on an annual basis to ensure the levee system is being properly operated and maintained. The Periodic Inspection is the next level of inspection and is conducted by a multidisciplinary team led by a professional engineer. It includes a more detailed, comprehensive evaluation of the condition of the levee system and will be conducted every five years. Components of the Periodic Inspection include evaluating routine inspection items; verifying proper operation and maintenance; evaluating operational adequacy, structural stability, and safety of the system; and comparing current design and construction criteria with those in place when the levee was built. Local sponsors participate on the inspection teams and all final inspection results are provided to the local sponsor and FEMA.