Pinneys Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pinneys Pond Dam, located in Union, Connecticut, was completed in 1880 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 200 feet, with a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. It is situated on the Stoughton Brook and has a low hazard potential, making it a relatively safe structure. While the dam is owned privately, it is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam's location in Tolland County showcases its importance in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 1.35 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 74 cubic feet per second. Despite being last inspected in 2012 and not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam's overall risk management and emergency preparedness measures are not clearly documented. With Joe Courtney as the congressional representative for the district, efforts may be needed to update and enhance the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment to meet current guidelines and ensure public safety in case of any unforeseen incidents.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pinneys Pond Dam represents a historical and recreational landmark within the region. Its presence on the Stoughton Brook contributes to the overall water ecosystem, and its management and maintenance are crucial in ensuring sustainable water resource usage and climate resiliency. As efforts continue to monitor and improve the dam's safety and emergency response capabilities, it remains a key infrastructure asset that demands attention and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and enhance its overall functionality for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

STOUGHTON BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

1.35

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.