Braidwood Station Cooling Pond Dam, also known as the Braidwood Power Plant Cooling Pond, is a privately-owned structure located in Wilmington, Illinois.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Mazon River Near Coal City
|
4cfs |
Kankakee River Near Wilmington
|
2240cfs |
Du Page River At Shorewood
|
196cfs |
Hickory Creek At Joliet
|
25cfs |
Iroquois River Near Chebanse
|
122cfs |
Illinois River At Marseilles
|
3490cfs |