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ENGINEERING AND 

CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN

No. 2014-2 Issuing Office: CECW-CE Issued: 5 Mar 2014 Expires: 5 Mar 2016

Subject: Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRMs) for Levee Safety

Applicability: Directive and Guidance. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will use 

this directive and guidance for all levee systems in the USACE Levee Safety Program, which 

includes those 1) USACE operated and/or maintained; 2) Federally authorized, typically USACE

constructed, and locally operated and maintained; and 3) locally constructed and locally operated 

and maintained, but have been accepted into the USACE Rehabilitation and Inspection Program 

(RIP). Content of this Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) will be incorporated into 

the future Levee Safety Program Engineer Circular (EC). 

1. Introduction

Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRMs) are actions to reduce inundation risks posed by a 

levee system that has identified levee safety issues while more long-term and comprehensive 

inundation risk reduction and management solutions are being pursued. “Inundation risk” is 

defined as the likelihood and consequences that may arise from inundation of a leveed area. For 

the USACE Levee Safety Program, four inundation scenarios have been adopted as defined 

below in Figure 1. Many IRRMs are good practice for levee operators and maintainers 

regardless of the levee condition. It is important to understand that IRRMs represent an 

important step in an ongoing adaptive risk management process that recognizes the dynamic 

nature of sources of inundation risk. In establishing IRRMs, the prevention of loss of life is 

paramount, followed by prevention of high economic or environmental losses. The IRRM Plan

(IRRMP) is intended to reduce the probability and consequences of inundation risk of the leveed 

area from the four inundation scenarios. These four scenarios are to be addressed in the IRRMP. 

Figure 1. Inundation Scenarios
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2. When to Develop and Implement an Interim Risk Reduction Measures Plan (IRRMP)

The development and implementation of the IRRMP is “triggered” for levee systems that have

the potential for loss of life and/or high economic or environmental consequences. This can arise

from the occurrence of a flood event that exposes weaknesses in the levee system or specific 

levee safety activities that indicate a need for additional risk reduction measures beyond ordinary 

operations and maintenance. Those triggers include, but are not limited to, the following: 

a. Routine, Periodic or Special Inspections that indicate operation, maintenance and/or 

performance concerns. 

b. Flood events, emergencies or incidents revealing performance issues with levees (e.g. 

seepage, instability, erosion, etc. that could threaten levee integrity).

c. Risk assessments, such as Levee Screenings or other types, which indicate safety 

issues (i.e. Levee Safety Action Classification (LSAC) I, II or III).

d. Deviations to an approved water control plan to reduce potential consequences. 

e. System-wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) request by a levee sponsor.

Reference Memorandum CECW-HS, “Policy for Development and Implementation 

of System-Wide Improvement Frameworks (SWIFs)” dated 29 Nov 2011. 

f. I-wall evaluations that did not pass the Phase II criteria. Reference “Phase II Interim 

Guidance for Evaluating Existing I-Walls” dated 25 Oct 2006. 

3. Interim Risk Reduction Measures Plan (IRRMP) Content

The general content of the IRRMP should include the following: 

a. Overall levee system description and purpose. Include the National Levee Database 

(NLD) identification number. 

b. Overview of identified potential failure modes associated with the four inundation 

scenarios in Figure 1. 

c. General consequences associated with each identified potential failure mode as 

associated with the four inundation scenarios.

d. Structural and nonstructural IRRM alternatives, examples are in Paragraphs 5 and 6,

considered to reduce the probability of inundation or consequences in the leveed areas 

associated with the four inundation scenarios.

e. General discussion of potential consequences and impacts on project purpose,

environmental considerations, and economics associated with the IRRMs, both 

positive and negative.

f. Recommended IRRMs and risk informed justification for each recommended 

IRRM. 

g. Schedules and costs associated with implementation of IRRM recommendations.

h. Schedule and costs associated with a more detailed risk assessment, if needed, to 

better evaluate IRRMs. 
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i. Communication plan (internal and external). The plan shall specifically address 

communication with all responsible, affected, and interested stakeholders, including 

the public.

 

4. Formulation and Prioritization Factors for Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRMs)

In formulating and prioritizing IRRMs, it must be kept in mind that each levee system has its 

own unique attributes that have to be addressed on a case by case basis using expert judgment. 

The following questions should be considered when determining appropriate IRRMs:

a. How will the probability of inundation of the leveed area and the associated 

consequences be reduced using structural and nonstructural measures?

b. Is it ensured that implementation of the IRRM will not increase the life safety risks at 

any time?

c. Have the IRRMs been assessed for potential adverse impacts to the levee system, 

including the areas upstream and downstream of the levee system?

d. Does the IRRM increase the level of confidence that any changes associated with the 

levee safety issue (failure mode) will be promptly detected?

e. Does the IRRM increase the confidence that emergency management agencies will be 

notified promptly when a levee safety issue is detected? 

f. Does the IRRM increase the warning time and effectiveness of evacuation of the 

population at risk?

g. Does the IRRM reduce the probability of the initiating load (for example, if adjusting 

an upstream reservoir water control plan - discuss the consequences of changing the 

reservoir water control plan)?

h. Does the IRRM preserve the public trust and address stakeholder issues?

i. Is the degree of confidence or uncertainty in understanding the scope of the problem 

and effectiveness of the interim solution improved?

j. Can the IRRM be incorporated into permanent solutions?

k. Are there impacts to the authorized project purposes or other project benefits?

l. Do the recommended IRRMs maximize cost effectiveness?

m. Has the recommended IRRMs considered any social disruption and environmental 

impacts?

5. Examples of Nonstructural Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRMs)

a. Develop or update a levee system-specific Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) that 

reflects system-specific risks and includes emergency exercises that are appropriate 

for the risk involved. A coordinated EPP addresses who, what, when and how the 

flood warning and emergency response will be executed. The EPP should include an 

explanation of flood warning procedures, emergency notification, evacuation routes, 

trigger elevations, monitoring, detection and flood fighting. The EPP should also

include inundation mapping that illustrate consequences of potential failure mode(s). 

The EPP should describe the actions by the entity responsible for levee system 

operations and maintenance in the event of a flood or hurricane, earthquake or natural 
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disaster type emergency. The EPP document should be complementary to the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) All Hazards Mitigation Plan requirement

and the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101. See also the US Army Corps of 

Engineers; “General Guidelines for Comprehensive Flood Warning/Preparedness 

Studies” dated October 1988. 

b. Develop specific response plans with specific “trigger” conditions to activate plans. 

For example, use stream gages, instrumentation and monitor visual indicators as

“trigger points” or threshold limits to initiate more urgent or emergency response. 

This includes contingency plans or “what’s next type planning” if initial actions prove 

ineffective. 

c. Conduct appropriate emergency exercises that plan for a range of failure scenarios 

(including the combined effects of multiple failure modes and different timing of 

detection). Train existing and/or additional personnel for prompt and effective 

emergency response. Exercises should include setting closures on a routine basis. 

d. Pre-position emergency supply contracts or stockpile emergency materials, such as,

rock, sand, sand bags, emergency bulkheads, or other operating equipment or 

supplies.

e. Consider temporary deviations to upstream reservoirs water control plan within 

existing authorities and policies to reduce the potential impact of known levee 

deficiencies. Follow appropriate guidance to obtain approval of deviations.

f. Improve and/or increase inspection and monitoring pre-flood event, during and after 

the flood event to detect evidence of worsening conditions. Map and document levee 

system performance. For example, identify seepage areas and the related water level 

when the seepage started. Use this information to guide repairs and pre-flood 

preparation for future events. 

g. Conduct appropriate engineering investigations and analysis to confirm potential 

failure modes. 

h. Adapt local National Levee Database processes to accommodate use during 

emergency response.

i. Collaborate with federal, state and local agencies, including the National Weather 

Service, FEMA, and state and local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs). 

More specifically, ensure collaboration with state Hazard Mitigation Officers and 

state National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coordinators. Work with existing 

interagency teams when available. 

j. Work with the local communities to promote flood mitigation and emergency 

response. Inform them of opportunities and resources available to complete activities 

that reduce risk and provide reduction in NFIP premiums through FEMA’s

Community Rating System and other programs (www.fema.gov).

k. Create and implement a communication plan to actively advise people about the levee 

condition and potential inundation risk, flood insurance availability and EPP

measures. Ensure information about flood insurance, flood risk, floodplain 

management, and evacuation is readily available, for example, through direct 

mailings, community events, community websites and social media, local television 

and print media, and at the local library. 

l. Enact and enforce regulations that exceed FEMA’s NFIP minimum standards. 
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m. Prepare, adopt, implement, evaluate, and update a comprehensive floodplain 

management plan, which may include zoning. Acquire, relocate, or retrofit existing 

buildings and maintain drainage ways and retention basins. 

n. Reinforce landward critical facilities (e.g., medical and emergency services).

o. Additional information on nonstructural alternatives can be found on the USACE 

National Nonstructural Floodproofing Committee (NFPC) website. Link is as 

follows: http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/.

6. Examples of Structural Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRMs)

a. Isolate problem area (for example construct sub-levee around failed gravity drain(s) 

or other levee feature to reduce head differential). 

b. Construct or improve seepage control measures to retard seepage and reduce uplift, 

such as toe drains, relief wells, riverside or landside seepage control blankets, or 

shallow cutoff trenches.

c. Implement a target grout program specifically for suspected problem area(s) to slow 

seepage.

d. Increase resilience to overtopping. 

e. Increase erosion protection at waterside toe where necessary.

f. Lower levees along the downstream perimeter until the levee can safely withstand 

design water levels (this may result in more frequent interior flooding).

g. Construct landside stability-berm to strengthen weak areas.

h. Evaluate internal drainage features, such as ponding areas, and consider alternatives 

such as additional pumps, to address potential issues.

Note: Structural measures may require Section 408 approval processes to be followed for 

federally authorized-locally operated and maintained levee systems. 

7. USACE Operated and/or Maintained Levee Systems

USACE districts that operate and/or maintain levee systems that require IRRMs shall develop 

the levee system specific IRRMP. The district is to implement the IRRMs for all high 

consequences levee systems as aggressively as possible and preferably prior to the next flood 

season. District IRRMPs shall be approved by the district Levee Safety Officer (LSO) and 

copies furnished the Major Subordinate Command (MSC) LSO. Changes to the IRRMP shall be 

formally approved by the district LSO and furnished to the MSC LSO. IRRMs that include 

deviations in water control operations should follow normal processes and guidance to obtain 

approval of the deviation. Within 90 days of approval of the IRRMP, the district shall develop 

and implement a communication plan that is coordinated through the appropriate public affairs 

offices at the MSC and HQUSACE as needed. Funding for IRRMPs preparation and 

implementation of IRRMs for USACE operated and/or maintained levees will be from the 

general Operations and Maintenance account or project specific appropriations, if applicable. 
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8. Federally Authorized-Locally Operated and Maintained Levee Systems and NonFederal Levee Systems

For the Federally authorized-locally operated and maintained levee systems and non-Federal 

levee systems in the USACE Levee Safety Program, development and implementation of 

IRRMPs will be the levee sponsors’ decision. Based on information from the Levee Safety 

Program activities as described in Paragraph 2, USACE will advise the levee sponsors of 

identified levee safety issues and recommend the need for IRRMs. It is ultimately the 

responsibility of the levee sponsor to develop and implement the IRRMs. USACE districts may 

use levee safety funding (Inspection of Completed Works or Flood Control and Coastal 

Emergencies (FCCE) accounts) to advise levee sponsors in the development of their IRRMP. In 

addition, potential programs for joint collaboration of IRRMPs include the Silver Jackets 

Program; Planning Assistance to the States (PAS); and Floodplain Management Services 

(FPMS). 

9. The implementation point-of-contact for this action is the district Levee Safety Program 

Manager (LSPM). The HQ technical proponent is Ms. Tammy Conforti, HQUSACE LSPM, 

202-761-4649. 

//S//

JAMES C. DALTON, P.E., SES

Chief, Engineering and Construction Division

Directorate of Civil Works