Mason Dixon Original Settling Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Mason Dixon Original Settling Pond, located in Principio Furnance, Cecil County, Maryland, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1966 with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 52 feet and stretches 1390 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 386 acre-feet. Serving as a vital structure on Principio Creek, the pond has a low hazard potential and is classified as satisfactory in condition.

Managed by Geo-Technology Associates GTA, the Mason Dixon Original Settling Pond is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and maintenance. With a spillway width of 11 feet and a maximum discharge of 44 cubic feet per second, the dam provides flood control and water resource management for the surrounding area. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the pond's risk management measures and emergency preparedness remain unspecified.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate monitoring will find the Mason Dixon Original Settling Pond an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance and operational importance in the region. As a key component of the local watershed, understanding its design, function, and regulatory oversight can provide valuable insights into sustainable water management practices and the resilience of infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1390

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

Principio Creek-TR-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

386

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

52
       
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.