Mill Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Porter Lake Stump
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Mill Pond, located in Franklin, Maine, is a private hydroelectric dam with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1860.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet, providing a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. With a surface area of 85 acres and a drainage area of 8 square miles, Mill Pond serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, fire protection, and supporting fish and wildlife habitats.
Maintained by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Mill Pond is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam has an inspection frequency of 12 months to monitor any potential risks. The dam's spillway width of 15 feet and concrete structure contribute to its overall stability and functionality in managing water resources in the Lemon River watershed.
Overall, Mill Pond serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a private hydroelectric facility, it not only generates renewable energy but also provides essential services such as flood control and habitat preservation. With its long history and continued regulatory oversight, Mill Pond stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in Maine.
Year Completed |
1860 |
Dam Length |
61 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
Lemon |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
85 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Carrabassett River Near North Anson
|
304cfs |
Sandy River Near Mercer
|
326cfs |
Kennebec River At Bingham
|
2530cfs |
Austin Stream At Bingham
|
55cfs |
Swift River Near Roxbury
|
89cfs |
Androscoggin River At Rumford
|
2540cfs |
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.
Mill Pond