Pierce Cr. No. 2 Site J-2 is a vital water resource located in Essex, Iowa, managed by the local government with regulatory oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This earth dam, constructed in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 3.6 acres and drains a watershed area of 0.56 square miles along the TR- E. Nishnabotna River.

Despite its low hazard potential, Pierce Cr. No. 2 Site J-2 poses a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and there is no specific emergency action plan in place. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. Overall, Pierce Cr. No. 2 Site J-2 serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management and protection in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of climate change challenges.