Cellu Company Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in East Hartford, Connecticut, the Cellu Company Dam, also known as the Scotland Road Dam, is a private structure built in 1950 primarily for water supply purposes on the Hockanum River.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 12.2 meters and with a length of 120 meters, the dam has a storage capacity of 295 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the region's water needs. The dam's significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Cellu Company Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Hartford County. With a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1870 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water supply regulation in the area. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures should be regularly updated and maintained to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.

As an Earth-type dam with a spillway width of 100 meters, the Cellu Company Dam's location on the Hockanum River underscores its importance in the local ecosystem and water supply network. With its significant hazard potential and fair condition, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to safeguard its structural integrity and functionality. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the critical role that the Cellu Company Dam plays in supporting the region's water supply needs and environmental sustainability efforts.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

12.2

River Or Stream

HOCKANUM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

72.9

Nid Storage

295

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.