TULSA –The Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has found no earthquake-related damage to its structures after completing post-earthquake inspections of three Corps dams, November 2.
In accordance with Corps of Engineers guidelines earthquake response, the Tulsa District staff inspected Keystone Dam, Kaw Dam and Skiatook Dam, following a 4.5 magnitude earthquake in Pawnee, Oklahoma, late Tuesday night.
Following seismic events that meet USACE-specified force and distance guidelines, the Tulsa District conducts thorough inspections on structures to assess impacts caused by earthquakes.
“All of the inspections we perform have an end goal of ensuring the safety of the public and prolonging the life of our dams,” said Col. Christopher A. Hussin, District Engineer and Commander, Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “If our engineers discover earthquake-related damage during an inspection, we will immediately begin planning repair efforts.”
Corps of Engineers structures have an excellent track record during seismic events.
“While earthquakes have occurred more frequently in Oklahoma than in previous years, seismic activity is not new to our region,” said David Blackmore, Dam Safety Program Manager, Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Corps dams are capable of withstanding significant stress from external forces including seismic activities. Tulsa District dams have performed as intended without distress throughout the recent increase seismic activity.”
According to Corps of Engineers guidelines related to seismic activity, districts will inspect structures when ground movement is felt at the dam site or when an earthquake of magnitude:
4.5 occurs within a 10 mile radius
5.0 occurs within a 50 mile radius
6.0 occurs within a 75 mile radius
7.0 occurs within a 125 mile radius
8.0 occurs within a 200 mile radius
For more information about the Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visit our website at www.swt.usace.army.mil.