Forests
VICTORIA - The Province has introduced improved seismic standards for new and existing high risk dikes, announced Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.
The new report, Seismic Design Guidelines for Dikes, sets performance-based criteria that specify how much damage can be incurred at various levels of shaking. A range of earthquake intensities must be taken into account for dike design and construction, reducing risks to communities exposed to earthquake and flood hazards.
The improved criteria replace the 2010 Interim Guidelines and will apply to projects involving major upgrading or construction of new high risk dikes. Design applications that conform to the previous interim guidelines will be considered if received before Dec. 1, 2011.
There are approximately 1,100 km of dikes in the province, of which approximately 330 km are classified as "high consequence" - flood-protection dikes where the consequences of failure during a major flood would be high. Seismic design standards are implemented through the Dike Maintenance Act.
To view the new guidelines, visit:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/flood/structural.html
Media Contact:
Cheekwan Ho
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
