levee
(7) Levee (A) In general The term “levee” means a manmade barrier (such as an embankment, floodwall, or other structure)— (i) the primary purpose of which is to provide hurricane, storm, or flood protection relating to seasonal high water, storm surges, precipitation, or other weather events; and (ii) that is normally subject to water loading for only a few days or weeks during a calendar year. (B) Inclusions The term “levee” includes a levee system, including— (i) levees and canal structures that— (I) constrain water flows; (II) are subject to more frequent water loading; and (III) do not constitute a barrier across a watercourse; and (ii) roadway and railroad embankments, but only to the extent that the embankments are integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system. (C) Exclusions The term “levee” does not include— (i) a roadway or railroad embankment that is not integral to the performance of a flood damage reduction system; (ii) a canal constructed completely within natural ground without any manmade structure (such as an embankment or retaining wall to retain water or a case in which water is retained only by natural ground); (iii) a canal regulated by a Federal or State agency in a manner that ensures that applicable Federal safety criteria are met; (iv) a levee or canal structure— (I) that is not a part of a Federal flood damage reduction system; (II) that is not recognized under the National Flood Insurance Program as providing protection from the 1-percent-annual-chance or greater flood; (III) that is not greater than 3 feet high; (IV) the population in the leveed area of which is less than 50 individuals; and (V) the leveed area of which is less than 1,000 acres; or (v) any shoreline protection or river bank protection system (such as revetments or barrier islands).