Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices
for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
[Docket No. NRCS-2021-0005]
PROPOSED FULL TEXT FOR PRACTICE STANDARD CODE 356
United States Department of Agriculture 356-CPS-1
Natural Resources Conservation Service
CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD
DIKE AND LEVEE
CODE 356
(ft)
DEFINITION
A barrier used to retain water on the landscape using a wetland dike; or, a barrier used to exclude water
from the landscape and protect property and infrastructure from flooding using a flood control levee.
PURPOSE
This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:
• Manage water retained on the landscape using a dike
• Reduce flood risk by excluding water from a landscape using a levee
CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES
This practice applies where flooding puts land and property at risk of damage; or, where management of
water levels is needed for activities, such as wetlands management, fish and wildlife habitat management,
irrigation or drainage water management, and crop production.
Dikes and levees are separate and distinguishable. For purposes of this standard, the terms are not
interchangeable. Failure of a dike will result in no damage to adjacent property or infrastructure. Levees
protect adjacent property and infrastructure and have the potential to cause significant damage upon
failure. In addition, levees will be subject to future Federal reporting requirements. Both levees and dikes
may have State, Tribal, or local reporting requirements.
This practice does not apply to sites where the following NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPSs)
are more appropriate:
• Dam (Code 402)
• Diversion (Code 362)
• Dam, Diversion (Code 348)
• Grade Stabilization Structure (Code 410)
• Pond (Code 378)
• Terrace (Code 600)
• Water and Sediment Control Basin (Code 638)
CRITERIA
General Criteria Applicable to all Purposes
Regulatory requirements
Dikes and levees must meet the requirements of all Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws or regulations.
Notify landowner and contractor of their responsibility to locate all buried utilities in the project area,
NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current NRCS, NHCP
version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or
visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at March 2022
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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including drainage tile and other structural measures. The landowner is also required to obtain all
necessary permits for project installation prior to construction.
Classification and design criteria
The factors determining dike and levee classification include purpose; potential hazard to life; design high
water height; value of the protected land, crops, and property; and land use changes likely to occur over
the life of the dike or levee. Hazard potential for levees parallels those for dams in the NRCS National
Engineering Manual (NEM) (Title 210), Subpart C, Section 520.21, “Definition and Classes,” but is not the
same. Classes of dikes and levees are specified below. Table 1 contains their minimum design criteria.
Class I
• All levees located on sites where a potential failure may cause loss of life or serious damage to
homes, primary highways, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, major railroads, or important
public utilities.
• All levees regardless of potential damage upon failure with a design high-water height of more than
12 feet above normal ground surface at the levee, exclusive of crossings of sloughs, old channels,
or low areas.
• All dikes with a design high-water height of more than 12 feet above normal ground surface at dike
centerline, exclusive of crossings of sloughs, old channels, or low areas.
Class II
• All levees located on sites where potential failure may cause damage to isolated homes, secondary
highways, minor railroads, relatively important public facilities, high value land, or high value crops.
• All levees regardless of potential damage upon failure with a design high-water height of greater
than 8 feet and up to 12 feet above normal ground surface at the levee centerline exclusive of
crossings of sloughs, old channels, or low areas.
• All dikes with a design high-water height of greater than 8 feet and up to 12 feet above normal
ground surface at the levee or dike centerline exclusive of crossings of sloughs, old channels, or
low areas.
Class III
• All levees located on sites where failure is likely to cause minimal damage.
• All levees, regardless of potential damage upon failure with a design high-water height of greater
than 6 feet and up to 8 feet above normal ground surface at the levee exclusive of crossings of
sloughs, old channels, or low areas.
• All dikes with a design high-water height of greater than 6 feet and up to 8 feet above normal
ground surface at the dike centerline exclusive of crossings of sloughs, old channels, or low areas.
Class IV
• All dikes located on sites where damage from overtopping is insignificant, used solely for managing
water levels for purposes such as irrigation or management of wetland and wildlife areas; and with
a design high-water height of 6 feet or less above normal ground surface at the dike centerline
exclusive of crossings of sloughs, old channels, or low areas.
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Table 1 - Minimum Design Criteria for Dikes and Levees
Minimu
Design Wave
m
High- and
Storm Minimum Minimum Minimum Side-
Water Stability
Classification Material1/ Design Freeboard in Top Width in Slope Ratio3/
Height Berm
Freque feet feet (H:V)
(H) in Width in
ncy in
feet2/ feet 4/
years
Class I 0–6 100 H/3 10 3:1 12
Mineral Soils
> 6–12 100 2 10 Note4/ Note4/
>12–25 100 3 12 Note4/ Note4/
> 25 100 3 14 Note4/ Note4/
Manufactured 0–8 100 H/4 N/A N/A Note4/
> 8–12 100 2 N/A N/A Note4/
> 12 100 3 N/A N/A Note4/
Class II 0–6 25 H/3 6 3:1 12
Mineral Soils
>6–12 25 2 8 3:1 15
Manufactured 0–8 25 H/4 N/A N/A Note4/
> 8–12 25 2 N/A N/A Note4/
Class III Mineral Soils 0–3 10 H/3 4 3:1 8
> 3–6 10 1 6 3:1 8
> 6–12 25 2 8 3:1 8
Organic 0–2 10 H/2 4 3:1 10
Soils5/
> 2–4 10 1 6 3:1 10
> 4–6 10 2 8 3:1 15
Manufactured > 6–8 10 N/A N/A N/A Note4/
Mineral Soils
Class IV or Organic <6 106/ 0.57/ 4 3:1 N/A
Soils5/
Manufactured < 6 106/ 0.57 N/A N/A N/A
1
Earth includes rock. Manufactured materials are erosion-resistant materials, such as concrete, PVC,
steel, or other materials that provide the structural strength for the dike or levee.
2
Design high-water height is the difference between normal ground elevation at the dike or levee
centerline and the design high-water elevation. When determining ground elevation, exclude crossings of
channels, sloughs, low areas, small ridges, swales, or gullies.
3
Minimum side-slope ratios are for compacted earth fill.
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4
The need for wave and stability berms is determined through embankment and stability analysis. If no
analysis is performed, the values for wave and stability berm widths are defaults. Where values are not
included in the table, there is no default and side-slope ratios and wave and stability berm widths are
determined by the stability analysis.
5
Organic soils are permitted only for Class III or Class IV dikes with a design high-water height of 6 feet or
less.
6
Applied only to the storm from the local drainage area and not to the watershed that is contributing to
flooding of the dike.
7
For a dike with an auxiliary spillway, this refers to the difference between the auxiliary spillway elevation
and the design top of the dike elevation. For a dike without an auxiliary spillway, this refers to the
difference between the highest water level control elevation and the top of the dike elevation.
Location
• Evaluate property lines, setbacks from property lines, exposure to open water, distance to
streambanks, availability of gravity and pumped outlets, drainage tile, buried utilities, cultural
resources, other structural measures, and natural resources such as wetlands, natural areas, and
fish and wildlife.
• Identify and minimize the potential adverse impacts from installation of the dike or the levee.
Include the environmental impacts of the physical presence of the dike or the levee and the
potential for induced flooding in adjacent areas.
• Construct levees adjacent or parallel to streams, rivers, or other water bodies; and, not across
streams, rivers, or other water bodies.
Geologic investigation
For all dikes or levees, perform a geologic subsurface investigation in sufficient detail and analysis to
support the design and characterize borrow material. Describe the soil material, subgrade conditions,
bearing capacity, depth to bedrock, and any geologic conditions or hazards to address in the design,
construction, or operation of the dike or levee. Refer to 210-NEM, Part 531, “Geology.”
Foundation preparation
For all Class I through Class III levees or dikes, clear the foundation area of all trees, stumps, roots,
brush, organic matter, and other debris. Remove unstable soil prior to the placement of levee or dike
material.
For all levees or dikes, stockpile topsoil for placement of the finished dike or levee or borrow area if
needed to help reestablish vegetative cover.
For a Class IV dike, remove the topsoil to a minimum depth of 0.3 feet under the entire footprint of the
dike.
Constructed elevation
Flood-control levee
The constructed top elevation of a flood-control levee is the sum of—
• The design high-water height, defined as the highest water surface elevation attained by a flood or
high tide of the design frequency shown in table 1 with the critical duration and timing,
• The larger of the minimum freeboard shown in table 1, or the wave height caused by wind of the
design frequency shown in table 1 or boat traffic, and
• The allowance for settlement.
Water-level management dike
The constructed top elevation of a water-level management dike is the sum of—
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• The water elevation at the highest water-level control,
• The rise in water surface elevation above the highest water level caused by a flood of the design
frequency shown in table 1 (this is the design high-water height),
• The larger of the minimum freeboard shown in table 1 or the wave height caused by wind of the
design frequency shown in table 1, and
• The allowance for settlement.
Settlement
Base the allowance for settlement on an analysis of the fill material, foundation material and condition,
and compaction methods.
In lieu of an analysis, use the following minimum allowance for settlement:
• For a dike or levee constructed of compacted mineral soil (earth-fill) material—A minimum of 5
percent of the dike or levee height.
• For a dike constructed of organic material, as defined by ASTM D-2488, “Standard Practice for
Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)”—A minimum of 40 percent of
the dike height. Organic soils are permitted only for Class III or Class IV dikes with a design high-
water height of 6 feet or less.
Top width and side slopes
Use table 1 to determine the minimum top width and side slopes for earth embankments.
Accessibility for maintenance activities
Maintain accessibility to the dike or levee for maintenance activities. Use NRCS CPS Access Road (Code
560) for access road criteria where required.
Wave and stability berms
Refer to table 1 for default widths of constructed wave and stability berms or determine the need for
constructed wave or stability berms based on embankment and foundation stability analysis.
For flood control levees, construct wave and stability berms to follow the effective stream gradients (i.e.,
be parallel to the top of the levee) and slope them away from the levee. For dikes, construct wave and
stability berms to have a constant elevation and slope them away from the dike.
For dikes, construct wave and stability berms on each side of the dike where the dike crosses channels,
ditches, borrow areas, streams, sloughs, swales, gullies, etc. Construct the top elevation of these berms
at least 1 foot above the average ground surface on each side of the channel, ditch, borrow area, stream,
slough, swale, gully, etc., and slope the tops of the berms away from the dike.
Use table 1 to determine the minimum top width of natural or constructed berms.
Dike or levee materials
Earth materials
Obtain earth materials from required excavations and designated borrow areas. Determine the minimum
distance from the toe of the dike or levee to the borrow area so as to not cause instability in the foundation
or increase the potential for piping through the foundation.
Manufactured materials
Manufactured materials are erosion-resistant materials such as concrete, PVC, steel, or other material
that provides the required structural strength and durability for the dike. For a dike or levee constructed of
manufactured materials, perform a structural analysis for the various loads anticipated during the life of
the dike or levee. These loads may include hydrostatic, ice, uplift, seismic, earth, and equipment. Analyze
the stability of the dike or levee using acceptable safety factors for each loading condition.
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Embankment and foundation seepage
Flood-control levee
Base embankment and foundation drainage and seepage control on site investigation, laboratory data,
seepage analysis, and stability analysis. Design the embankment to minimize seepage, prevent piping or
undermining, and provide a stable embankment and foundation.
Seepage analysis is required on all Class I levees with a design high-water height (H, as defined in table
1) of 6 feet or greater and Class II levees with H equal to or greater than 8 feet.
In the absence of more detailed data and analysis, the following criteria for a foundation cutoff apply for
Class I levees with H less than 6 feet; Class II levees with H less than 8 feet; and all Class III dikes:
• H < 3 feet—Match height with a 1 foot minimum depth
• H > 3 feet—Minimum of 3 feet deep
• Minimum of 4 feet bottom width
• 1:1 or flatter side slopes
Water-level management dike
For all dikes, design the embankment to minimize seepage, prevent piping, or undermining, and provide a
stable embankment and foundation.
Interior drainage
For a flood prevention levee, provide an interior drainage system to prevent flood damage to the interior
area from a flood of the design frequency in table 1 for both the 1-day and 10-day storm duration. Include
storage areas, gravity outlets, and pumping plants (NRCS CPS Pumping Plant (Code 533)) in the interior
drainage system as needed to provide the required level of flood protection.
Pipes
Protect a dike or levee from scour at the pipe inlet and outlet using appropriate measures. If pump
discharge pipes are included, install through the dike or levee above the design high-water elevation, if
feasible. Equip pump discharge pipes with flexible connections or similar couplings to prevent transmitting
vibration from the pumping plant to the discharge pipe.
Equip pipes with flap gates to the anticipated high-water area to prevent inflow into the protected areas.
Positive closures for interior drainage are needed in high risk situations.
Class I
For a dike or levee with a design high-water height of 12 feet or greater and pipes below the design high-
water elevation, design the pipes in accordance with the principal spillway criteria in NRCS Technical
Release No. 60, “Earth Dams and Reservoirs,” except for the minimum pipe size requirements.
For all other Class I dikes or levees with pipes, design the pipe to meet the requirements for a principal
spillway in NRCS CPS Pond (Code 378).
Class II and Class III
Design pipes through a Class II levee and a Class III levee or dike according to pipe requirements in
NRCS CPS Pond (Code 378). For dikes meeting the Class III exception in table 1, the pipe may be
designed according to NRCS CPS Underground Outlet (Code 620).
Class IV
Design pipes through the dike according to pipe requirements in NRCS CPS Pond (Code 378) or NRCS
CPS Underground Outlet (Code 620), as appropriate.
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Slope protection
Protect earth dike or levee slopes from sheet, rill, and gully erosion; and erosion from flowing floodwaters,
pipe outfalls, and wave action created by boat traffic or wind. Utilize appropriate erosion protection
measures such as vegetation, berms, rock riprap, sand-gravel, or soil cement as needed.
At a minimum, establish a protective cover of grasses on all exposed surfaces of the levee or dike and
other disturbed areas according to NRCS CPS Critical Area Planting (Code 342).
Additional Criteria for Class I Flood-control Levees with a Design High-water Height of Greater
Than 12 Feet
Complete an emergency action plan meeting the requirements of NRCS National Operation and
Maintenance Manual (Title 180), Part 500, Subpart F, “Emergency Action Plan,” prior to construction for all
Class I flood-control levees with a design high-water height of greater than 12 feet. There should be no
damages upon failure of a dike, therefore an EAP is not required. If there are damages due to failure, it is
no longer a dike, but a levee.
CONSIDERATIONS
General Considerations
Flood of record
For a Class I levee consider the flood of record when establishing the top of levee elevation to ensure the
level of risk is commensurate with the necessary level of protection.
Location
Consider fluvial geomorphological concepts as outlined in the NRCS National Engineering Handbook
(NEH) (Title 210), Part 653, “Stream Corridor Restoration Principles, Processes, and Practices,” when
placing a dike or levee near a stream.
Wave and stability berms and side slopes
To protect the dike or levee for its design life, consider using wider berms, additional setbacks, or
protecting the berm side slope when adjacent to actively eroding or moving streams.
For dikes constructed for management of wetland wildlife, using side slopes flatter than 5:1 provides a
range of water depths used by more wildlife species, especially shorebirds.
Beaver, Rodent, and Burrowing Animal Control
Consider the use of chain-link fence or other measures to control burrowing animals.
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Prepare plans and specifications that describe the requirements for applying the practice to achieve its
intended purpose. As a minimum, include—
• Plan view of site with planned and existing features, including utilities.
• Cross sections and profiles of the planned structure.
• Detail drawings and specifications for all structures and appurtenances, including maintenance
access features.
• Material and construction specifications.
• Requirements for foundation preparation, including clearing of vegetation and debris, removing
stockpiling topsoil, as appropriate for the site.
• List and describe each type of material used in the various fills in the specifications and drawings.
• Safety concerns.
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• Site access for maintenance.
• Vegetation requirements.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Develop and provide an operation and maintenance plan to the landowner or project sponsor. The
minimum requirements to address include—
• Inspection of the dike or levee and any appurtenant structures annually and following large storm
events to ensure there is no damage and that the dike or levee is operating properly.
• Inspection for damage from burrowing animals and to ensure effective rodent control and mitigation
of damage caused by burrowing animals.
• Inspection for livestock damage.
• Inspection for any encroachments on the dike or levee.
• Removal of any woody material, debris, or growing timber that compromises the efficient operation
or structural integrity of the dike or levee.
• Repairs to the dike or levee as soon as possible after observing damage.
• Reestablishment of vegetative cover on the dike or levee where erosion has removed established
vegetation.
• Maintenance of effective erosion control on the contributing watershed drainage area to prevent
siltation, as appropriate.
REFERENCES
Albanese, G. and Davis, C.A. 2015. Characteristics Within and Around Stopover Wetlands Used by
Migratory Shorebirds: Is the Neighborhood Important? The Condor, Volume 117, Issue 3, Pages 328-340.
https://doi.org/10.1650/CONDOR-14-166.1.
ASTM D2488, Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures).
ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.
USDA NRCS. 2008. National Engineering Handbook (Title 210), Part 636, Structural Engineering.
Washington, D.C. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21425.
USDA NRCS. 2010. National Engineering Handbook (Title 210), Part 653, Stream Corridor Restoration
Principles, Processes and Practices, Washington, D.C.
https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=34826.
USDA NRCS. 2017. National Engineering Manual (Title 210), Part 520, Soil and Water Resource
Development. Washington, D.C. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/
USDA NRCS. 2019. National Engineering Manual (Title 210), Part 531, Geology. Washington, D.C.
https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/
USDA NRCS. 2019. Technical Release 60 – Earth Dams and Reservoirs. Washington, D.C.
https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/
USDA NRCS. 2019. National Operation and Maintenance Manual (Title 180). Washington, D.C.
https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/
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