Cove Point Lng Secondary Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cove Point, Maryland, the Cove Point Lng Secondary Dam, also known as the Columbia Lng Secondary Dam, serves as an essential structure for managing tailings in the area.


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Summary

Constructed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 38 feet. With a length of 230 feet and a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the region.

Managed by a private entity, the Cove Point Lng Secondary Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Maryland Dam Safety agency. The dam is situated on Wilbur Creek, with a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a surface area of 1.6 acres. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in April 2021. Additionally, the dam has undergone modifications in 2000 to enhance its structural integrity, highlighting the commitment to ensuring its safety and functionality.

With a spillway width of 3 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the Cove Point Lng Secondary Dam is equipped to manage maximum discharges of up to 181 cubic feet per second. The dam's risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, with a rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures. As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, this dam contributes to the overall ecosystem health and climate resilience of the Cove Point area.

Years Modified

2000 - Structural

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Wilbur Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.6

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

42

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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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.