Emery Mills
Key Takeaway
Emery Mills is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1889 and is 137 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 88.1% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 210 ft |
| Dam Type | Stone |
| Max Storage | 16.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,005 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1889 (137 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | ME00186 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Sanford
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Mill Street
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Low Hazard 17 ftRiver Street
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Low Hazard 15 ftWaumbek Dam
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Low Hazard 17 ftShapleigh Pond
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Low Hazard 16 ftHorn Pond Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Emery Mills?
Emery Mills is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Emery Mills?
Emery Mills is owned by Sanford (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Emery Mills built?
Emery Mills was completed in 1889, making it 137 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 Emery Mills?
Emery Mills serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Emery Mills?
Emery Mills has a dam height of 29 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 Emery Mills last inspected?
Emery Mills was last inspected on August 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.