Lower Columbia Quarry Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
The Lower Columbia Quarry Dam in Benld, Illinois, is a private dam primarily used for water supply purposes.
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Summary
The dam, made of earth with a buttress core, stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 600 feet. It has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Located in Macoupin County, Illinois, the Lower Columbia Quarry Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Despite its remote location, the dam is subject to routine inspections every five years to assess its condition and identify any necessary maintenance or repairs. The dam currently does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, but it meets regulatory guidelines and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition overall.
While the Lower Columbia Quarry Dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillway type. The dam does not have associated locks or gates, and its risk management measures are currently unspecified. With its essential role in providing water supply to the area, this dam serves as a crucial infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community and environment.
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lower Columbia Quarry Dam