Definitions
In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
Administrator
Canal structure
In general
The term “canal structure” means an embankment, wall, or structure along a canal or manmade watercourse that—
constrains water flows;
is subject to frequent water loading; and
is an integral part of a flood risk reduction system that protects the leveed area from flood waters associated with hurricanes, precipitation events, seasonal high water, and other weather-related events.
Exclusion
Committee
Floodplain management
Inspection
The term “inspection” means an actual inspection of a levee—
to establish the global information system location of the levee;
to determine the general condition of the levee; and
to estimate the number of structures and population at risk and protected by the levee that would be adversely impacted if the levee fails or water levels exceed the height of the levee.
Levee
In general
The term “levee” means a manmade barrier (such as an embankment, floodwall, or other structure)—
the primary purpose of which is to provide hurricane, storm, or flood protection relating to seasonal high water, storm surges, precipitation, or other weather events; and
that is normally subject to water loading for only a few days or weeks during a calendar year.
Inclusions
The term “levee” includes a levee system, including—
levees and canal structures that—
constrain water flows;
are subject to more frequent water loading; and
do not constitute a barrier across a watercourse; and
roadway and railroad embankments, but only to the extent that the embankments are integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system.
Exclusions
The term “levee” does not include—
a roadway or railroad embankment that is not integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system;
a canal constructed completely within natural ground without any manmade structure (such as an embankment or retaining wall to retain water or a case in which water is retained only by natural ground);
a canal regulated by a Federal or State agency in a manner that ensures that applicable Federal safety criteria are met;
a levee or canal structure—
that is not a part of a Federal flood damage reduction system;
that is not recognized under the National Flood Insurance Program as providing protection from the 1-percent-annual-chance or greater flood;
that is not greater than 3 feet high;
the population in the leveed area of which is less than 50 individuals; and
the leveed area of which is less than 1,000 acres; or
any shoreline protection or river bank protection system (such as revetments or barrier islands).
Levee feature
The term “levee feature” means a structure that is critical to the functioning of a levee, including—
an embankment section;
a floodwall section;
a closure structure;
a pumping station;
an interior drainage work; and
a flood damage reduction channel.
Levee system
The term “levee system” means 1 or more levee segments, including all levee features that are interconnected and necessary to ensure protection of the associated leveed areas—
that collectively provide flood damage reduction to a defined area; and
the failure of 1 of which may result in the failure of the entire system.
National levee database
Participating program
Regional district
Rehabilitation
In general
Inclusions
Risk
State
The term “State” means—
a State;
the District of Columbia;
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
any other territory or possession of the United States.
State levee safety agency
United States
Source
(Pub. L. 110–114, title IX, § 9002,Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Purposes of the Safety Program
to ensure that human lives and property that are protected by new and existing levees are safe;
to encourage the use of appropriate engineering policies, procedures, and technical practices for levee site investigation, design, construction, operation and maintenance, inspection, assessment, and emergency preparedness;
to develop and support public education and awareness projects to increase public acceptance and support of levee safety programs and provide information;
to build public awareness of the residual risks associated with living in levee protected areas;
to develop technical assistance materials, seminars, and guidelines to improve the security of levees of the United States; and
to encourage the establishment of effective State and tribal levee safety programs.”