Deer Lodge Sewage Lagoon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Deer Lodge Sewage Lagoon, located in Powell County, Montana, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government.


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Summary

This sewage lagoon plays a vital role in treating wastewater from the city of Deer Lodge before it is discharged into the nearby TR-Clark Fork river. Constructed in 1960, this Earth dam structure stands at a height of 8 feet and has a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. Despite being a low hazard potential facility, the state-regulated lagoon undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation and compliance with environmental regulations.

As a primary sewage treatment facility, Deer Lodge Sewage Lagoon serves the community by efficiently processing and treating wastewater. With a maximum storage capacity of 98 acre-feet, this lagoon helps to protect the local waterways from pollution and contamination. The facility is situated in a strategic location near the TR-Clark Fork river, making it an essential component of the city's infrastructure for water resource management.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Deer Lodge Sewage Lagoon demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and public health. Although the facility's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the regular maintenance, inspections, and emergency preparedness measures in place ensure the safety and reliability of this vital water resource infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Deer Lodge Sewage Lagoon represents a key example of sustainable water management practices in action.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-CLARK FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

98

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.