Mill Pond #1 Dam

NORTH NASHUA RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1876· Masonry· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond #1 Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1876 and is 150 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA)
Dam Length121 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage58 acre-ft
Normal Storage16 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area64 sq mi
Year Completed1876 (150 years old)
NID IDMA00877

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: September 27, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

MUNKSJO PAPER INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond #1 Dam?

Mill Pond #1 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 Mill Pond #1 Dam?

Mill Pond #1 Dam is owned by MUNKSJO PAPER INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Pond #1 Dam built?

Mill Pond #1 Dam was completed in 1876, making it 150 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 Mill Pond #1 Dam?

Mill Pond #1 Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mill Pond #1 Dam?

Mill Pond #1 Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Mill Pond #1 Dam last inspected?

Mill Pond #1 Dam was last inspected on September 27, 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.