Birch Mill Pond Dam

TIFFANY BROOK· Middlesex, Connecticut· Built 1850· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Birch Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 24.9% in CT)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge42 cfs
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDCT00425

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: No
Last Inspection: August 25, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

D'Amico;MacMillan;Southwinds Assoc Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Birch Mill Pond Dam?

Birch Mill Pond 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 Birch Mill Pond Dam?

Birch Mill Pond Dam is owned by D'Amico;MacMillan;Southwinds Assoc Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Birch Mill Pond Dam built?

Birch Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1850, making it 176 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Birch Mill Pond Dam?

Birch Mill Pond 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 Birch Mill Pond Dam?

Birch Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Birch Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Birch Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on August 25, 2017. 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.