Bee Brook Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bee Brook Detention Dam, located in Plainsboro Township, New Jersey, is a privately-owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction along the Bee Brook river.


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Summary

With a dam height of 11 feet and a length of 210 feet, the structure provides storage capacity of 62 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding in the area. The dam, completed at an unknown date, is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Though classified as a low hazard potential structure, Bee Brook Detention Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood events. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status is currently unknown. The dam's last inspection dates back to December 1991, with a recommended inspection frequency of 4 years to monitor its performance and ensure continued safety for the area. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, structures like Bee Brook Detention Dam are essential for managing flood risks and safeguarding communities. With its modest storage capacity and low hazard potential, this privately-owned earth dam stands as a testament to proactive flood risk reduction efforts in the face of evolving climate challenges. As the dam continues to be regulated and inspected by the NJDEP, it remains a vital piece of infrastructure in the fight against flooding in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Bee Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.