If you own (or manage) a regulated dam in Georgia (often stormwater detention dams, watershed flood-control dams, or legacy impoundments) your compliance obligations don’t stop at “keeping it mowed.” Georgia’s Safe Dams rules require regular inspections and documentation, and for many dams, a professional engineer-led inspection on a defined schedule. A key deliverable from that engineer-led inspection is an engineer’s cover letter (often informally called an “engineer letter”) that summarizes the inspection and bears the engineer’s Georgia PE seal and signature.
This article explains what an engineer letter is, when you need it, what it should include, and how SE EDG supports dam owners through the inspection-and-reporting process.
What is an “Engineer Letter” for a Dam Inspection?
In Georgia’s Safe Dams Program context, the “engineer letter” is typically the cover letter that accompanies an engineer-led dam inspection submittal. Georgia EPD explains that, as part of an engineer-led inspection report, the engineer must complete the required dam inspection form (or an equivalent) and include a cover letter that:
- Summarizes the inspection, and
- Includes the engineer’s official Professional Engineer stamp and signature.
Think of the letter as the concise, professional statement that ties the site observations to the formal inspection form and documentation (photos, notes, deficiencies, and recommended actions).
When is an Engineer-Led Dam Inspection Required?
Georgia’s Safe Dams rules establish two parallel rhythms:
1) Owner-led inspections (routine)
Dam owners must inspect the dam quarterly and submit reports to the Safe Dams Program by April 30 each year for the prior reporting cycle.
2) Engineer-led inspections (periodic, more in-depth)
Engineer-led inspections must be performed at least every two years and occur between October 1 and March 31.
Georgia EPD also notes a limited waiver concept:
- For dams under 50 feet in height, an owner may request a waiver for one round of engineer-led inspections (subject to criteria and EPD approval).
- No waiver is available for dams 50 feet or more in height.