Lower Millpond Dam

MILL RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1900· Rockfill· 11 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Millpond Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA)
Dam Length60 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMA00243

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 14, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DECEASED - MARION B. TOMPKINS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Millpond Dam?

Lower Millpond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lower Millpond Dam?

Lower Millpond Dam is owned by DECEASED - MARION B. TOMPKINS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Millpond Dam built?

Lower Millpond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Lower Millpond Dam?

Lower Millpond 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 Lower Millpond Dam?

Lower Millpond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Lower Millpond Dam last inspected?

Lower Millpond Dam was last inspected on June 14, 2018. 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.