1. Healthcare

35th USSD Annual Meeting
and Conference
April 13-17, 2015
Hosted by
Corps of Engineers
Conference Theme
Managing Risk and Uncertainty — Ensuring a
Sustainable Future for Dams, Levees and Reservoirs
Five Concurrent Workshops — April 16
Hyatt Regency Louisville
Kentucky International Convention Center
Louisville, Kentucky
Conference Overview
The winners of the 2015 USSD Scholarships will also
be announced.
The 2015 USSD Conference theme is Managing Risk
and Uncertainty — Ensuring a Sustainable Future for
Dams, Levees and Reservoirs. With growth in
population and development, many older dams and
levees that were constructed to protect agricultural
interests are now protecting people and personal
property, and are being called upon to provide other
benefits such as power generation, recreation and
water supply. As a result, the risk associated with
many of these structures has increased, bringing new
costly challenges for owners to retrofit or modify
existing dams and levees in response to the expanded
role these structures now play.
Operation of dams and levees involves numerous
uncertainties about potential extreme loading
conditions, the consequences of failure, the condition
of the structures themselves, the effectiveness of
established operation and maintenance procedures,
and human behavior. Design and planning for new
construction or modifications to existing dams must
also take into account the foundation's geological
uncertainties and how to equitably share the risk of
unforeseen conditions.
The theme for this 35th Annual Conference highlights
that, while dams and levees are critical components of
the nation’s infrastructure, there are always risks and
uncertainties associated with ownership and operation
of these facilities. Recognizing and effectively
managing these risks and uncertainties is critical to
ensuring that these structures will continue to provide
the societal benefits that we depend on without posing
an unacceptable hazard to life, property or the
environment.
The Opening Plenary Session on Tuesday morning
will include several presentations addressing
contemporary topics of interest to dam professionals.
Five Concurrent Technical Sessions on Tuesday
afternoon and Wednesday, and a Poster Session
Tuesday evening, will feature the presentation of more
than 100 technical papers. On Thursday, three full-day
workshops and two half-day workshops will take
place. An afternoon field trip will take participants to
nearby projects of the Corps of Engineers.
Elena Sossenkina, HDR, will discuss Lessons in Risk
Policy Implementation in a Tuesday lunch
presentation. USSD 2014 Scholarship recipient Beena
Ajmera, Virginia Tech, will provide an update of her
research during the Wednesday lunch.
Charles Yoe, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Professor and expert on risk analysis, will be the
Wednesday dinner speaker. USSD Awards will be
presented, including the Outstanding Paper Awards,
the President’s Award, and awards for Excellence in
the Constructed Project and Lifetime Achievement.
Host
The Corps of Engineers will serve as Host of the
35th Annual Meeting and Conference
Acknowledgments
The Conference technical program was organized
jointly by several USSD Committees under the
leadership of B. Alex Grenoble, HDR.
Exhibition and Sponsorships
An exhibition featuring water resources related goods
and services will be held during the Conference. The
exhibition will open with a reception on Monday
evening; continental breakfasts, lunches and breaks on
Tuesday and Wednesday, and a reception Tuesday
evening will be held in the exhibit area to ensure
maximum interaction with Conference participants.
Sponsorships for Conference activities and products
are also available. For exhibitor and sponsor
information, go to www.ussdams.org/2015exhi.html.
Venue
The Monday committee meetings, the Wednesday
closing banquet, and the Thursday Workshops will
take place in the Hyatt Regency Louisville. All other
Conference events will be held in the adjacent
Kentucky International Convention Center. The
Hyatt Regency and the Convention Center are just
steps away from Fourth Street Live!, a complex of
restaurants, coffee shops, bars, nightclubs and other
entertainment venues.
Young Professionals
A discounted registration rate is offered to Young
Professional (age 35 and under). A Tuesday evening
event following the Poster Session and Reception will
provide an opportunity for additional networking.
And, an Outstanding Paper Award will go to a YP.
Continuing Education Units
Colorado State University, Division of Continuing
Education, will grant CEUs after successful
completion of the Conference and/or a Workshop.
CEU information will be available at the Conference.
USSD Committee Meetings
Hotel Reservations and Information
Committee Meetings, to be held on Monday, are an
important part of the Annual Meeting. Committees
meet for part or all day — a schedule will be available
online a few weeks prior to the Conference. All
Conference participants are welcome to attend these
committee meetings:
· Awards
· Concrete
· Construction and Rehabilitation
· Dam Decommissioning
· Dam Safety and Dam Security
· Earthquakes
· Embankment Dams
· Environment and Sustainability
· Foundations
· Hydraulics of Dams
· ICOLD Congress Papers
· Levees
· Membership
· Monitoring of Dams and Their Foundations
· Newsletter
· Public Awareness
· Tailings Dams
· Young Professionals
Conference events will take place at the Kentucky
International Convention Center and the directly
connected Hyatt Regency Louisville, 311 South 4th
Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, 502 581 1234,
www.louisville.hyatt.com. The rate for USSD
Conference participants is $169 single or double, plus
taxes. A limited number of rooms are available at the
prevailing Federal Government Per Diem.
To make reservations, call 888-421-1442 and request
the USSD rate. Or, take the link from the USSD
website to make online reservations.
The room block rate is guaranteed only through
March 23, or until the room block fills. Reservations
after March 23 will be at the prevailing room rate,
subject to availability.
Annual Meeting of Members
All Conference participants are invited to attend the
USSD Annual Meeting of Members on Monday
afternoon. Following a brief review of current USSD
activities, Members will have an opportunity to
present their ideas and suggestions about USSD to the
Board of Directors.
Kick-Off Reception/Exhibition Opening
Each year, USSD Conference participants and guests
look forward to the annual Monday evening
reception to network, make new professional contacts
and socialize. A highlight of the reception will be the
opening of the Exhibition, featuring organizations
offering products and services to the dam profession.
Online Conference Information
The Final Program, online registration and
Exhibitor/Sponsor information and reservation forms
are at www.ussdams.org/2015conf.html.
Conference and Workshop Registration
The Conference Registration Fee for the Annual
Meeting and Conference includes:
· Conference Proceedings
· Technical sessions
· Monday evening kick-off reception
· Continental breakfasts Tuesday and Wednesday
· Lunches Tuesday and Wednesday
· Tuesday evening reception
· Wednesday reception and dinner
· Thursday lunch
· Thursday Workshop or Field Tour
· Friday Field Tour, with lunch
The fee is $995 for USSD Members and $1,095 for
non-members, with a $100 discount for early
registration. A Young Professional Fee of $450 is
available to participants age 35 and younger. To
receive the Early Registration Rate, you must register
by April 3. The Late Registration Fee applies to
registrations received after April 3 and on-site
registrations. The Registration Fee can be paid by
check; VISA, MasterCard or Discover; or by PO.
Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, USSD must
receive notice of cancellation by the end of business
on April 6. All refunds are subject to a $25 processing
fee. After April 6, the registration fee is not
refundable, but substitutions are acceptable.
To register for the Conference or a Workshop,
complete and return the Registration Form, or register
online at www.ussdams.org/2015conf.html.
Field Tours
Thursday Field Tour — Corps of Engineers
Projects
The tour will begin at 1 p.m. following a buffet lunch
at the Hyatt. The tour will include Taylorsville Dam
and McAlpine Locks and Dam.
Friday Field Tour — AMP Project
This tour will visit the AMP Hydro Project, currently
under construction. Lunch is included.
Workshops
Five Workshops (three all day sessions and two
half-day sessions) will be held Thursday, April 16.
Workshop attendance is included in the Conference
Registration Fee. For those not attending the
Conference, the fee for the full-day Workshops is
$320; for the half-day Workshops the fee is $200 each
or $320 for both.
A buffet lunch will be served at 12 noon for those
attending a workshop or the afternoon study tour.
Risk Assessment Tools Applied to Coal
Tailings Dams and Ash Impoundments
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Organized by the USSD Committee on Tailings
Dams
Moderators — José J. L. Clemente, Bechtel
Corporation; and Robert E. Snow, D'Appolonia
Engineering
Mine operators and power plant owners have used a
variety of methods to assess and rank the risk
associated with operating impoundments for tailings
and combustion ash. Company management
frequently employ tools ranging from audits to risk
screenings, performed within their regulatory
compliance, environmental, dam safety or risk
management departments, to assess potential exposure
to release from impoundments as well as
environmental impact. Are the risks adequately
understood, and the pathways for potential release of
tailings or combustion ash sufficiently recognized to
support risk assessment? Are procedures for screening
and analyzing risk capable of providing guidance in
risk management programs? As impoundments are
closed either because of service life exhaustion or
regulatory decree, can risk assessment continue to be
of service?
This Workshop will raise these issues with input from
regulatory agency representatives commenting on the
types of impoundment risk being encountered across
the mining and power industry, owners who assess
risk of their impoundments, researchers who
characterize the behavior of the materials
encountered, and practicing engineers working to
maintain or close these structures.
Paths to Success — Environmental
Permitting and Public Acceptance for Dam
Projects
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Organized by the USSD Committee on Environment
and Sustainability
Moderators — Blaine Dwyer, HDR; and Denise
Bunte-Bisnette, Santee Cooper
Throughout the U.S., public agencies and utilities are
endeavoring to develop additional water storage as
well as better use existing water storage to improve
water supply reliability, enhance supply
diversification and meet future demands. These
processes are bringing forth important new strategies
for addressing complex federal, state and local
regulatory requirements, environmental needs, and
diverse stakeholder and public interests. Owners are
facing daunting challenges meeting the requirements
of the laws and policies administered by resource and
regulatory agencies that often result in lengthy and
costly planning and permitting processes. Using
examples from across the country, the speakers and
panelists will compare and contrast key elements for
successful project development including strategic
engagement of stakeholders and the general public
including impact avoidance and minimization,
up-front mitigation implementation, adaptive
management approaches, and alternative dispute
resolution mechanisms to demonstrate how careful
planning supports successful permitting.
Dams on Karstic Foundations
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Organized by the USSD Committee on Foundations
Moderator — Troy O’Neal, Corps of Engineers
Numerous dams in the U.S. have been constructed on
sites underlain by bedrock prone to varying degrees of
solutioning. The solutioning process is normally more
pronounced in areas with increased water flow such as
along joints and bedding planes. Initially, insoluble
material in the form of residual soil remains. Over
time the soft soil is eroded, and a network of open and
soil filled voids are left in the rock. The term “karst”
is typically used to characterize rock that is known to
have solution features.
This Workshop will explain how karst is formed,
(both in carbonate and evaporite rocks) and where it is
found in the U.S. Attendees will be given an overview
of poor performance of dams founded on karstic rock,
investigative techniques and alternatives measures for
these foundation conditions. Additionally, several case
histories will be presented and will be followed by a
panel discussion.
Current Uses of Roller-Compacted Concrete
in Dams
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Organized by the USSD Committee on Concrete
Dams
Moderator — Michael F. Rogers, MWH
The USSD Committee on Concrete Dams is currently
engaged in a collaborative effort with ICOLD to
publish an update to ICOLD Bulletin 126 — Roller
Compacted Concrete for Dams. USSD will be leading
the technical updates to three chapters in the RCC
Bulletin: Construction; Performance; and Appurtenant
Uses. This Workshop will present a general discussion
of Bulletin 126 as well as the proposed updates. The
Committee is soliciting USSD members and others
with interest and experience in RCC to attend this
Workshop and discuss the proposed updates. It is
hoped that the Workshop leaders and participants will
identify key aspects of these RCC design features that
could be included in the updated Bulletin. The current
version of Bulletin 126 can be downloaded from the
ICOLD website.
Underwater Investigation and Construction
1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.
Organized by the USSD Committee on Construction
and Rehabilitation
Moderator — Frank Immel, Global Diving &
Salvage, Inc.
The purpose of this Workshop is to inform and
educate the participants about what can and cannot be
done underwater. The idea for this Workshop
developed from a conversation about the kinds of
work the commercial diving/marine construction
community is doing. Members of the engineering
community are often surprised to learn that most work
that can be performed on the surface can also be
performed underwater. It may cost a bit more and take
a bit longer, but it can be done. A relatively recent
development is the ability to ‘see’ underwater using
remote sensing technology to collect and present
detailed information about an existing structure.
This Workshop will use presentations and case studies
to discuss:
1) Setting the stage: why underwater work may be
needed, as well as potential challenges, including
financial and environmental obstacles.
2) Defining what you have: recent advances in
technology that make it possible to “take a “picture”
of a structure and its components.
3) The broad range of work that can be performed
underwater.
Guest Program
Guests will have an opportunity to meet and mingle
during a coffee reception on Tuesday morning. A
representative from the Louisville Convention and
Visitors Bureau will introduce guests to the city and
its many attractions. This event will be an opportunity
for guests to join others in activities or tours to be
arranged on your own. Information on possible tours
will be available at the Meet and Mingle event.
Guests will also enjoy the following Conference
activities:
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Monday evening Kick-Off Reception
Continental Breakfasts on Tuesday and Wednesday
Tuesday morning Meet and Mingle Reception
Reception on Tuesday evening
Reception and awards banquet on Wednesday
Buffet lunch on Thursday
Field Tour on Thursday afternoon
Field Tour and lunch on Friday
The Guest Registration Fee is $325.
Guest Program Agenda
Monday, April 13
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kick-Off Reception
Tuesday, April 14
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet & Mingle
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Reception
Wednesday, April 15
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast
Reception and Dinner
Thursday, April 16
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Buffet Lunch
Field Tour
Friday, April 17
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Field Tour and Lunch
Program Summary
Sunday, April 12
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Registration
Monday, April 13
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Registration
Committee Meetings
Annual Meeting of Members
Kick-off Reception/Exhibition Opens
Tuesday, April 14
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
Registration
Opening Plenary Session
Break in Exhibit Hall
Opening Plenary Session, continued
Lunch with Speaker
Five Concurrent Sessions 1
Break in Exhibit Hall
Five Concurrent Sessions 2
Reception, Exhibition & Poster Session
Young Professional Social Event
Wednesday, April 15
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
Registration
Five Concurrent Sessions 3
Break in Exhibit Hall
Five Concurrent Sessions 4
Lunch with Speaker
Five Concurrent Sessions 5
Break in Exhibit Hall; Exhibition closes
Five Concurrent Sessions 6
Reception and Awards Dinner
Thursday, April 16
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Workshop Registration
4 Concurrent Workshops
Workshop
Buffet Lunch
Field Tour — Corps of Engineers Projects
Friday, April 17
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Field Tour — AMP Project
USSD 2015 Annual Meeting and Conference and Workshops Registration Form
To register, complete and return this Form to USSD,
or register online at www.ussdams.org/2015conf.html.
Given Name _________________________________ Family Name __________________________________________________
Organization ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________ State/Province ________ Zip/Postal Code _________ Country _____________________
Telephone _____________________ Fax _____________________ E-mail _____________________________________________
First Name or Nickname (for name tag) ___________________________________________________________________________
Guest Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Special Dietary Requirements — I do not eat _______________________________________________________________________
Arrival Date ____________________________________ Departure Date ______________________________________________
With a 0, 1 or 2, indicate the number of participants and guests who will participate: Thursday Tour _______ Friday Tour _______
Field Tour Participants — Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport Number________________________________Country ______________
Passport Expiration Date (year/month/day)_______________________Date of Birth (year/month/day) _________________________
USSD Conference Registration Fees
Conference fee, USSD Member Early* — $895
$ _______
Conference fee, USSD Member — $995
$ _______
Conference fee, Non-Member Early* — $995
$ _______
Conference fee, Non-Member — $1095
$ _______
Conference fee, Young Professional — $450
$ _______
Conference Attendee — No Fee for Workshop
Author/Co-Author fee — $845
$ _______
Workshop Only — $200 1/2 day; $320 all day
$ _______
Student Registration — $150
$ _______
Guest Registration — $325
$ _______
(For full time students; includes all Conference
activities except the Thursday and Friday Field Tours.)
Student Field Tour Thursday — $25
$ _______
Student Field Tour Friday — $25
$ _______
Please check the Workshops you will attend:
q Tailings Dams — all day
q Karst — all day
q Environmental Permitting — all day
q RCC Dams — morning
q Underwater Construction — afternoon
(Includes Monday kick-off reception, Tuesday Meet and
Mingle, Tuesday reception, Tuesday and Wednesday
continental breakfasts, Wednesday reception and dinner, Thursday and
Friday tours and lunches.)
Total Registration Fees
$ _______
*To receive the Early Registration Fee, your online registration, or this Registration Form, must be received in
Denver by April 3. The Late Registration Fee applies to registrations received after April 3 and on-site.
Payment should accompany this form. Pay by P.O.; cash; check; or VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
q Check Enclosed
q Purchase Order # ________________________________________________
q VISA/MasterCard/Discover # ____________________________________Exp. Date __________________________________
Name on Credit Card _________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________
U.S. Society on Dams
1616 Seventeenth Street, #483
Denver, CO 80202 U.S.A.
Telephone: 303-628-5430
Fax: 303-628-5431
E-mail: [email protected]