City Of Wilmington Sludge Disposal Area Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The City of Wilmington Sludge Disposal Area, located in New Castle County, Delaware, serves as a crucial facility for managing sludge disposal in the region.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this gravity dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 625 feet. With a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management, particularly for the Delaware River watershed.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2008, the City of Wilmington Sludge Disposal Area has a high hazard potential, calling for careful risk management measures. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," indicating its unique role in the local water infrastructure. With a drainage area of 0.29 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 203.02 acre-feet, the facility is an essential component of the region's water resource management system.

While the dam lacks certain regulatory oversight and inspection protocols, its significance in sludge disposal and water management cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water resources globally, facilities like the City of Wilmington Sludge Disposal Area will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

DELAWARE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

33.14

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

320

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.