Best Practices for Planning and Implementing Site Investigations at Federally Owned or Regulated Dams and Levees.

This article focuses on best practices for planning and implementing intrusive site investigations at federally owned or regulated dams and levees, specifically within four major U.S. federal organizations: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It outlines each organization’s roles, regulatory frameworks, and processes for planning, reviewing, and executing site investigations, emphasizing the balance between obtaining necessary subsurface data and minimizing risks to dam and levee safety. The article details organization-specific procedures, documentation requirements, personnel qualifications, and risk mitigation strategies, while also discussing interagency coordination and ongoing updates to guidelines. Emerging trends include increased use of 3D modeling and real-time monitoring technologies to enhance investigation safety and effectiveness.