Ballingers Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ballingers Mill Pond Dam, located in Alloway Township, New Jersey, was completed in 1929 and serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 460 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam sits on Cool Run, within the Salem County area, and has a drainage area of 2.8 square miles.

Despite its recreational significance, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of March 2019. The dam has a history of state regulation and inspection by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, highlighting the importance of maintaining its structural integrity. The last inspection date was in March 2019, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ballingers Mill Pond Dam offers a case study in the intersection of recreation, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. As a gravity dam with a significant hazard potential, its condition assessment and risk management measures are crucial aspects to monitor. With its location in a scenic area of New Jersey and its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, the dam represents both a recreational amenity and a potential area for further study and improvement in dam safety and management practices.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Cool Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.