Bohemia Mill (Old Telegraph Road) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bohemia Mill (Old Telegraph Road) is a historic dam located in Cecil, Maryland, along the banks of the Great Bohemia Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1913, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 356 feet in length, serving a vital purpose in water resource management. With a storage capacity of 228 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.6 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, Bohemia Mill undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and hazard potential are in check. With a low hazard potential rating and a moderate risk assessment of 3, the dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition, despite not being formally rated. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 21 feet, and it has not experienced any significant modifications since 2002, when hydraulic improvements were made.

Overall, Bohemia Mill (Old Telegraph Road) stands as a testament to Maryland's commitment to responsible water resource management. With its rich history, strategic location, and essential role in controlling water flow along the Great Bohemia Creek, the dam serves as a valuable asset for both the local community and the environment. As climate change continues to impact our water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Bohemia Mill becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water management in the region.

Years Modified

2002 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

356

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Great Bohemia Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.7

Drainage Area

4.6

Nid Storage

228

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.
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