What kind of person would I need to consult for fixing a dam?

Question

I have a dam which is made of cement and rocks which is deteriorating at a very fast rate and I am worried it may soon fail. (ie. break and ruin the pond adn all the wildlife and habitat it contains. The top of the dam is a wooden bridge which I drive over to get to my home. So I guess I am also worried it may break when i drive over it someday and I will fall in! So, I am just wondering if anyone knows who to go to for advice on how to get this fixed in a way which is safe for the habitat and for dirving on the bridge. I figure some type of engineer but I am not sure if there are different engineers for different things? Also, I am not sure if there are special laws they need to be aware of for the wetlands? The dam holds my pond which is fed by a larger pond and then feeds another larger pond.

Answer 1

I think you could use either a structural or civil/environmental engineer.  Some general contractors which operate in a group, have both.  I'm not sure what state you are in but since you have fragile wetlands to contend with, it would be best to find someone in your area familiar with requirements affecting that habitat.  See whether there is a local professional membership organization in your area that can give you a referral.

Answer 2

a local construction company should have engineers that could give you an estimate and or design something for you. This type of work is pricey at stated above^. Typically if it is not structural faliure, you could have a typical mason come and fix some minor things.

Answer 3

your local city engineers should beable to help or at least get you with a reputable engineer. the call will be for free but the fix is going to be expensive I would think good luck

Answer 4

I would first go to the City Engineer as you may have to get permits since you are near the wetlands.  They may require you to get someone who is bonded to do this type of repair.  The last thing you want is to do repairs and then you get cited because the repairs where not in regulation with environmental codes.  Many contractors will do what ever just for the money and not care if you get cited.