Batson River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Batson River, located in York, Maine, is a private hydroelectric dam that was completed in the year 1900.


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Summary

With a dam height of 18 feet and a length of 100 feet, this concrete structure serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres, making it an essential resource for water management in the area.

Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Batson River is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, the dam is considered to be in good standing. Although the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are not provided, the dam's compliance with regulations and inspection protocols indicate a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Batson River, with its rich history dating back over a century, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in Maine. As a key player in the local ecosystem and a source of renewable energy, this dam exemplifies the balance between human development and environmental conservation. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Batson River to be a fascinating case study in sustainable infrastructure and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Batson River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

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.