Waste Management Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Waste Management Dam, located in Greene County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 160 feet, with a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. Situated on the TRIB BIRCH CREEK, this dam's primary purpose is to provide recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors, offering a surface area of 3.3 acres for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Waste Management Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and risk management measures. With a 5-year inspection frequency and a lack of available condition assessment data, ongoing monitoring and emergency preparedness are crucial aspects of dam safety to mitigate potential risks and ensure the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems.
As a key feature within the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Waste Management Dam serves as a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, contributing to flood control, water storage, and recreational opportunities. With its historical significance and ongoing role in the community, this dam highlights the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and public recreation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and effective risk management in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB BIRCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
46 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Macoupin Creek Near Kane
|
20cfs |
Illinois River At Valley City
|
4670cfs |
Bay Creek At Pittsfield
|
43cfs |
Spring Creek At Springfield
|
6cfs |
South Fork Sangamon River Nr Rochester
|
14cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
23cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Waste Management Dam