Braidwood Station Cooling Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Braidwood Station Cooling Pond Dam, also known as the Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond, is a privately-owned structure located in Wilmington, Illinois.


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Summary

Constructed in 1979 by Sargent & Lundy, this Earth-type dam serves a primary purpose beyond typical water resource management. With a height of 22 feet and a length of over 54,000 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 35,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2,475 acres.

Regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its proximity to the Kankakee River. Despite its high risk assessment, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last reviewed in July 2018, and the risk assessment categorizes the structure as having a moderate risk level.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Braidwood Station Cooling Pond Dam can explore its design, construction, and regulatory oversight in the context of its unique purpose and location. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of infrastructure development, water management, and environmental risk mitigation in the state of Illinois.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

54080

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

KANKAKEE RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2475

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

35000

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.