SECURING THE FLOW: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF DAM INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE UNITED STATES
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Authors
Dunleavy, Thomas J., II
Subjects
critical infrastructure
dam security
domestic terrorism
dam security
domestic terrorism
Advisors
Dahl, Erik J.
Date of Issue
2024-12
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Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
This thesis examines the vulnerabilities of U.S. dam infrastructure to natural disasters and domestic terrorism, emphasizing the critical role of dams in national security, public safety, and economic stability. The central hypotheses suggest that aging dam infrastructure, coupled with increasing domestic terrorism, presents an urgent security risk exacerbated by policy and funding gaps. A comprehensive analysis highlights the risks associated with aging dams, historical and contemporary dam failures, and the rise in domestic terrorist threats targeting critical infrastructure. Methods include qualitative analysis of dam failure examples, terrorism databases, and policy evaluations, alongside a review of federal, state, and private governance frameworks.Findings reveal systemic issues in dam safety, including outdated infrastructure, inadequate funding, inconsistent policies, and emerging cyber and physical threats. While federal programs like the National Dam Safety Program provide a foundation, fragmented oversight and stagnant funding undermine the program’s effectiveness. This thesis concludes that without significant policy reform, enhanced federal-state coordination, and increased investment, the U.S. remains at risk of catastrophic dam failures or deliberate attacks.Recommendations include increased federal funding, uniform safety standards, strengthened interagency coordination, mandated Emergency Action Plans, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.