City Of Laurel Sewage Lagoon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

City of Laurel Sewage Lagoon is a gravity-type dam located in Sussex, Delaware, completed in 1964 with a height of 13 feet and a length of 875 feet.


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Summary

The lagoon has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.09 acres, serving as a crucial water resource for the area. Despite being unregulated by the state and having no official inspections or enforcement, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential due to its location near Broad Creek-OS.

While the condition assessment in 2008 rated the structure as "fair," the risk assessment remains high, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the sewage lagoon. With a primary purpose listed as "Other," the dam plays a vital role in managing wastewater for the City of Laurel. The absence of a spillway and outlet gates indicates a potential area of improvement for the lagoon's infrastructure to enhance its resilience in the face of climate change and increasing water demands in the region.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the City of Laurel Sewage Lagoon serves as a critical infrastructure that requires attention to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable water management practices. With a high hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, ongoing efforts to assess and address the lagoon's structural integrity are essential to safeguarding the community and environment it serves. Collaboration between local government, state agencies, and stakeholders is crucial to implement effective risk management measures and uphold the resilience of this vital water resource in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

875

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

BROAD CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

5.09

Drainage Area

1.52

Nid Storage

65

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.