Fermilab Main Injector Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Batavia, Illinois, the Fermilab Main Injector Dam stands as a critical structure along Indian Creek, serving as a key component for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1997 and designed by FLUOR DANIEL, this earth dam stretches 3,500 feet in length and reaches a height of 18 feet, with a storage capacity of 9,000 acre-feet. While its hazard potential is classified as low, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state oversight for its operation, inspection, and enforcement.

With its primary purpose geared towards flood risk reduction, the Fermilab Main Injector Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters. Despite its moderate risk assessment ranking, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as not available, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance. Furthermore, the presence of an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 9 feet underscores the importance of proper management to mitigate any potential risks associated with high water levels and heavy rainfall.

As a federally owned structure, the Fermilab Main Injector Dam remains a key asset in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's role in flood risk reduction underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring its structural integrity to ensure continued protection for the community and surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

3500

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

9000

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.