Bennetts Mills Dam

South Branch of Metedeconk River· Ocean, New Jersey· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bennetts Mills Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 82.2% in NJ)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge1,030 cfs
NID IDNJ00088

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

County of Ocean

Local Government

Nearby Dams

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Significant Hazard 8 ft

Forest Drive Dam

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Significant Hazard 10 ft

Bunker Hill Dam

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Low Hazard 16 ft

Jacksons Mills Dam

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Significant Hazard 15 ft

Echo Lake Dam

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Lake Carasaljo Dam

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High Hazard 16 ft

Lake Louise Dam

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High Hazard 14 ft

Manasquan Reservoir Dam

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High Hazard 53 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bennetts Mills Dam?

Bennetts Mills Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bennetts Mills Dam?

Bennetts Mills Dam is owned by County of Ocean (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Bennetts Mills Dam?

Bennetts Mills Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bennetts Mills Dam?

Bennetts Mills Dam has a dam height of 23 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bennetts Mills Dam last inspected?

Bennetts Mills Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.