1(1) Active dams – The water level in a settling area shall not be raised or lowered more than one (1) foot during any twenty-four (24) hour period, except under emergency conditions. The water level shall not be lowered more than five (5) feet per month. Each active settling area shall be inspected as prescribed in subsection 5862-672.500(2), 59F.A.C. Instrumentation for monitoring of seepage pore pressures within dams shall be installed and operated unless the department has been provided reasonable assurance during the permitting process that such monitoring is unnecessary to ensure dam integrity. New or yet unused spillways shall be placed into operation during the daylight and morning hours when their performance can be effectively monitored by the dam inspectors and waste system operators. Vegetative cover adequate to inhibit wind and water erosion shall be established and maintained on all exposed surfaces of the dam. Such vegetation shall be maintained sufficiently low to permit visual inspection of the soil surfaces in critical areas outlined in Rule 16862-672.500, 169F.A.C.
170(2) Retired dams – The department shall be notified prior to the retirement of a dam. The vegetative cover on retired dams shall be maintained sufficiently low to permit visual inspection of the soil surfaces in critical areas outlined in Rule 21162-672.500, 212F.A.C. In addition, the water level control structures in retired dams shall be adjusted to suit the circumstances of storm drainage requirements as the solids concentrations of the impounded liquids becomes progressively higher. Pools of trapped stormwater and/ or clarified wastewater shall be drained away from the upstream face of the dam to the greatest extent possible. A dam shall not be considered as retired so long as pools of free water remain in contact with the dam.
