Village Of Scots Fancy Swm Pond (Starmount Lane) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Village of Scots Fancy SWM Pond (Starmount Lane) in Bel Air, Maryland, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Bynum Run-TR river.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this private earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 5 acre-feet. The dam, originally designed by FWA and later repaired by Wallace Montgomery in 2008, is regulated and inspected by the Maryland Dam Safety agency to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition. With a moderate risk level assigned, it is essential for the emergency action plan (EAP) to be updated and adhere to guidelines to ensure the safety of the surrounding community in case of a potential breach. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in managing water levels during periods of heavy rainfall. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find the Village of Scots Fancy SWM Pond an intriguing example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks in a dynamic natural environment.

Years Modified

2008 - Structural

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Bynum Run-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

5

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.