Mill Pond Dam

EMERSON BROOK· Essex, Massachusetts· Masonry· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage62 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
NID IDMA03006

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: June 14, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

MICHAEL J. & JILL E. KENNEDY

Private

Nearby Dams

Middleton Pond Outlet Dam

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 11 ft

Emerson Brook Dam

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 15 ft

Creighton Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 10 ft

Howe Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Putnamville Reservoir West Dike

Essex, MA

High Hazard 26 ft

South Middleton Dam

Essex, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Towne Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 14 ft

Bethune Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond Dam?

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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond Dam is owned by MICHAEL J. & JILL E. KENNEDY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Mill Pond Dam?

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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Dam last inspected?

Mill Pond 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.