Locke Mills, located in Oxford, Maine, is a hydroelectric dam that was completed in 1870 on the Alder river.
Wind
Humidity
With a dam height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, Locke Mills serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 7,000 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 3,415 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 621 acres and draining an area of 8.8 square miles.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Locke Mills is classified as a significant hazard potential dam with a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2015. The dam features a concrete primary structure with a length of 200 feet and a spillway width of 20 feet. Despite its age, Locke Mills has undergone regular inspections every six years and has an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, last revised in March 2020, to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding area in case of emergencies.
As a key feature in the New England District, Locke Mills provides a valuable source of clean energy and water management for the region. With its historical significance and vital role in the community, Locke Mills stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Alder |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
621 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
8.8 |
Nid Storage |
7000 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
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|
57cfs |
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|
2130cfs |
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|
74cfs |
Wild River At Gilead
|
48cfs |
Swift River Near Roxbury
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89cfs |
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|
1950cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bethel Outdoor Adventures and Campground
|
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Crocker Pond Campground
|
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Crocker Pond
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