Gristmill Pond in Maine is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1978, this concrete dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 7 feet. With a storage capacity of 1446 acre-feet and a drainage area of 16.6 square miles, the pond covers 117 acres and serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife preservation and recreational activities.
Despite its low hazard potential, Gristmill Pond's condition assessment in 2011 deemed it unsatisfactory. With an inspection frequency of 12 months, the dam's safety and maintenance are continuously monitored by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Located on the Eskutassis River in Penobscot County, Gristmill Pond plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Gristmill Pond to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and disaster risk management. With its historical significance as a hydroelectric facility and its ongoing regulatory oversight by MEMA, Gristmill Pond exemplifies the complex challenges and opportunities present in managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Eskutassis |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
117 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
16.6 |
Nid Storage |
1446 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |