Lower Millpond Dam, located in Old Lyme, Connecticut, is a masonry structure with a height of 14 feet and a length of 160 feet.
Wind
Humidity
This dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, providing a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 6 acres. It is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
The dam, situated on Mill Brook, poses a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite this, the condition assessment conducted in October 2019 deemed the dam to be satisfactory. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet, and it has not been modified in recent years. The last inspection date was in October 2019, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Millpond Dam provides an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its recreational purpose and state-regulated status, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the community while also presenting potential risks that need to be carefully monitored and managed. Its location in the scenic area of Old Lyme adds to the significance of its role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
MILL BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
8.92 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
East Branch Eightmile River Near North Lyme
|
29cfs |
Eightmile R At North Plain
|
24cfs |
Indian River Near Clinton
|
6cfs |
Salmon River Near East Hampton
|
119cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Youth Site 2
|
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Youth Site 1
|
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Camp Bethel
|