Based on the photograph and the embankment-dam diagram, the issue is not simply whether this is “common area” or whether people can enjoy the lakefront. The issue is whether any portion of the proposed golf-cart route, fence-line access, gravel/paving area, or the construction of a pavilion for a gathering area crosses or uses a dam-related feature, such as the crest, embankment slope, berm/bench, abutment, spillway area, or other appurtenance. Because a berm has a technical meaning in dam-safety terminology, I believe IACT should obtain confirmation from the owner’s engineer, approved dam drawings, survey information, or DCR Dam Safety before encouraging routine traffic or improvements in this area.

Section 1: Site Plans, Emergency Road Access

• Please identify on a site plan the exact location of (a) the proposed golf cart path access; (b) the emergency road access, (c) and the proposed pavilion in relation to the dam crest, embankment, toe, abutments, spillway, outlet works, drainage features, and all dam appurtenances, and explain whether construction of the pavilion, its footings, utilities, and associated traffic areas were evaluated for potential impacts on those features. Can IACT provide the approved engineering drawings or record drawings showing the dam crest, embankment slopes, berm/bench areas, spillway, abutments, and toes?
• Can a qualified engineer mark on an aerial photograph where the regulated dam structure and appurtenances begin and end?

Section 2. Golf Cart Traffic

• Does the proposed golf-cart route or access path cross the crest, embankment slope, berm/bench, spillway area, abutment, or other dam feature?
• If gravel, crusher run, paving, concrete, or recurring golf-cart traffic is proposed on or near a dam feature, has the owner’s engineer evaluated erosion, compaction, runoff, and maintenance impacts?
• Has DCR Dam Safety been notified or asked to review the route if the route uses any portion of the dam or its appurtenances?
• What written determination or professional opinion supports allowing routine traffic in this specific location?

1. “The route appears to be close to features that may be part of the dam embankment or berm, and IACT should obtain professional confirmation before permitting routine traffic.”
2. “The photograph raises a reasonable question about whether the area is part of the dam structure or appurtenances, which should be confirmed through drawings, survey data, DCR, or the owner’s engineer.”
3. “Because dam features can be sensitive to erosion, compaction, and drainage changes, it is prudent to ask for professional review before increasing traffic or making surface improvements near the dam.”

Section 3. The Pavilion and Other Planned Structures

Foundation and Soil Stability

• Has a professional geotechnical or structural evaluation been performed to determine whether pavilion footings, posts, concrete pads, or other foundation elements could affect the dam embankment, berm, crest, abutments, spillway, or appurtenant structures?
• If the pavilion requires multiple support posts embedded in concrete, what analysis has been performed regarding soil disturbance, compaction, settlement, and long-term stability?
• How deep are the proposed footings expected to extend below grade?
• Will excavation for pavilion footings penetrate any engineered fill, compacted soil layers, drainage features, or materials associated with the dam reconstruction project?
• Could installation of concrete footings create preferential water pathways through the embankment or otherwise affect seepage patterns?
• Has the engineer determined a minimum safe distance between the pavilion foundation and any portion of the dam embankment, crest, toe, spillway, abutment, or outlet works?
• Is the proposed pavilion located on original ground, engineered fill, or reconstructed soil associated with the recent dam project?

Section 4. Dam Safety and Regulatory Review

• Does DCR consider the proposed pavilion site to be within a regulated dam area or associated appurtenance?
• Has DCR reviewed or approved the pavilion concept, location, foundation design, or construction plans?
• Would the placement of footings, utilities, lighting, concrete slabs, or drainage improvements trigger DCR review or permitting requirements?
• Has the engineer prepared written documentation stating that the pavilion will not adversely affect the dam or its appurtenances?
• Can the engineer provide a map showing the exact location of the dam crest, embankment, spillway, abutments, toe, and all regulated appurtenances relative to the proposed pavilion?

These questions relate directly to concerns previously raised regarding whether portions of the lakefront area could be considered part of the dam, embankment, spillway, or appurtenances.

Section 5. Drainage and Stormwater

• Will pavilion construction alter existing drainage patterns?
• How will stormwater runoff from the pavilion area be managed?
• Could runoff be directed toward the embankment or lake in a manner that increases erosion?
• Has an erosion and sediment control plan been prepared?
• Could roof runoff concentrate water flow in a way that affects the dam or shoreline?

Section 6. Emergency Access and Safety

• Was emergency vehicle access evaluated as part of the pavilion proposal?
• Can fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles safely access the site?
• What is the maximum occupancy proposed for the pavilion?
• Were emergency evacuation routes evaluated?
• Does the engineer believe the site is appropriate for large gatherings given its proximity to the dam?

Section 7. Liability and Long-Term Maintenance

• Has an engineering risk assessment been completed regarding long-term maintenance obligations?
• What inspections would be required periodically to ensure the pavilion does not adversely affect nearby dam infrastructure?
• Who would be responsible if settlement, erosion, drainage issues, or structural impacts develop after construction?
• Has the engineer identified any future costs that could be incurred if the pavilion contributes to erosion or drainage problems?

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Sources and Record Notes

• FEMA, Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Glossary of Terms, defines a berm as a nearly horizontal step in the sloping profile of an embankment dam and defines an embankment dam as a dam constructed of excavated natural materials such as earth fill or rock fill.
• Georgia Environmental Protection Division Safe Dams Glossary describes a berm as a horizontal step in the slope of an embankment dam, usually to reduce erosion or increase the thickness and stability of the embankment.
• The July 2026 DCR correspondence states that dam appurtenances include upstream slopes, downstream slopes, crest, abutments, and spillways, and that projects impacting the dam should be communicated to DCR Dam Safety.
• The IACT photograph above is being used as a visual aid only. Exact location of the berm, crest, embankment, and regulated boundaries should be confirmed by approved drawings, survey data, the owner’s engineer, DCR Dam Safety, or another qualified professional.