AECOM is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of ASDSO Dam Safety 2026, taking place in Raleigh, NC, August 30th – September 3rd, 2026. Visit us at Booth 312 to connect with our team and learn more about how we are advancing dam and levee safety. With more than 85 years in the dams and reservoir sector, we bring global leadership and deep expertise to this premier gathering of dam safety professionals.
At AECOM, we understand the constant challenge of managing, protecting, and conserving water resources to meet the needs of communities, agriculture, industry, and the environment. We offer solutions in every facet of dam engineering—from siting and feasibility studies, through design, construction, monitoring, maintenance, rehabilitation, and decommissioning.
Join us in Raleigh to engage with our expert presenters, learn about the latest innovations in dam safety, hydropower, fish passage, environmental services, and risk analysis, and see how we’re pushing the boundaries of technical excellence, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure. Our featured speakers will dive into real-world case studies and workshops, delivering actionable insights and takeaways.
Topic Tables
T12 – Emerging CAD Technology – Help or Hindrance?
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ET
Facilitators: Jason Boomer
An open discussion on how emerging CAD technologies are changing engineering practice and project delivery in the dam safety industry. Explore the benefits, risks, and practical realities of technologies such as AI-assisted drafting, BIM, digital twins, automation, cloud collaboration, reality capture, and advanced modeling tools. Participants will be encouraged to share successes, lessons learned, challenges, and differing perspectives.
T13 – Early Contractor Involvement
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ET
Facilitator: Jennifer Williams, P.E.
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in dam construction is a collaborative project delivery approach that brings contractors into the planning and design process before final design and construction begin. By leveraging contractor expertise early, project teams can improve constructability, identify and mitigate risks, optimize construction sequencing, refine cost estimates, and enhance schedule certainty. However, ECI also presents challenges, including potential increases in upfront project costs, concerns about maintaining competitive procurement practices, and the risk of misaligned objectives among owners, designers, and contractors. A successful ECI process requires clear roles, transparent communication, and well-defined decision-making criteria to balance innovation and risk management while achieving the project’s technical, environmental, and stakeholder objectives.
T14 – Deteriorated Concrete Hydraulic Structures – Repair or Replace?
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ET
Facilitator: Henrik Forsling
There is rarely a simple answer when addressing aging and deteriorating concrete hydraulic structures. This Table Topic invites dam owners, regulators, consultants, and contractors to share experiences and discuss the technical, economic, and practical considerations that influence repair versus replacement decisions. Join the discussion as we share lessons learned, success stories, and challenges—and explore what has worked, what hasn’t, and why.
Concurrent Sessions
CS33A – Concurrent Session 33A: Spencer Dam Hydroelectric Facility Decommissioning
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 1:30 PM-2:00 PM ET
Presenters: Steve Rogers, P.E., AECOM
Co-presenter: Josh Dack, P.E., Nebraska Public Power District
The Spencer Dam Hydroelectric Facility is located on the Niobrara River in northern Nebraska approximately 6 miles southeast of the Town of Spencer. On March 14, 2019, Spencer Dam suddenly failed during a major flood and ice run on the river. The flooding event also damaged several bridge crossings both upstream and downstream of the facility. ASDSO commissioned an independent investigative panel to examine the causes of the dam’s failure and provide lessons learned which are summarized in a report published by ASDSO.
Following the failure, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD or The District) commenced evaluations related to re-construction and decommissioning of the facility. Based on the evaluations and available funding, The District decided to progress with decommissioning of the facility and plans and specifications were developed including 1) complete removal of the hydroelectric powerhouse and hydroelectric components, 2) removal of remaining regulating gates and concrete apron/stilling basin and 3) excavation and grading of the remaining portions of the earthen embankment. Design and construction documents were finalized in 2024 and final approval was obtained in May, 2025. The District awarded a construction contract in September, 2025 and mobilization and construction commenced in January, 2026.
This presentation will present a brief history of the failure of the dam, discuss the evaluation and design of the decommissioning project including permitting and provide updates related to construction activities.
Full Day Specialty Workshops
Workshop: Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Dams for Seepage Concerns
Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM ET | Room 205B
Presenters: John France, D.GE, D.WRE, P.E.
Co-presenter: Jennifer Williams, P.E., AECOM
Evaluation and rehabilitation of existing embankment dams for seepage deficiencies is one of the most common challenges in dam safety today. This is because internal erosion caused by seepage through and under dams remains one of the leading causes of dam failure. In simplest terms, embankment dam seepage problems can be addressed in two ways: 1) cutoff or reduce the flow or 2) safely collect and control it.
Case histories will be used for illustration purposes and exercises will be included to reinforce the presentations.
Connect with AECOM at Dam Safety 2026
As a Platinum Sponsor, AECOM is proud to support the dam safety community and share our expertise at Dam Safety 2026 in Raleigh. Our team of specialists is ready to discuss innovative approaches to rehabilitation, restoration, risk assessment, and monitoring.
Join us at our sessions and workshops, or reach out directly to schedule time with our experts during the conference. Together, we can deliver safer, more resilient dams, levees, and hydropower systems for the future.
