West Shore Trail Dam, located in Sparta, New Jersey along the Wallkill River, is a privately-owned structure that falls under the regulatory oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Wind
Humidity
This earth and gravity dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, last inspected in January 2020. Despite its state-regulated status, the dam lacks specified purposes or details on its physical attributes such as height, length, or storage capacity.
The dam's location in Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, highlights its significance in the local water resource management landscape. With limited information available on its design and construction history, there is substantial room for further exploration and assessment of the West Shore Trail Dam's structural integrity and potential risks. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental impact may find this dam to be a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of managing and maintaining critical water infrastructure.
Given the lack of detailed data on the dam's design and operational aspects, there is a clear need for more comprehensive inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the West Shore Trail Dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, the importance of proactive monitoring and management of dams like this one becomes increasingly vital. This case presents an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with safeguarding water resources in a changing climate landscape.
River Or Stream |
Wallkill River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hazard Potential |
High |
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