Empire Mills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Empire Mills Dam, also known as Metz Pond, is a private concrete structure located in Sodus Center, Wayne, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1916, this dam primarily serves a recreational purpose and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 102 feet. Situated on Salmon Creek, it offers a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 19 acres.

Owned by a private entity and regulated by the NYS DEC, Empire Mills Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The spillway, with a width of 75 feet, is uncontrolled, and the maximum discharge capacity is 3300 cubic feet per second. Although the last inspection was conducted in 1977, this dam remains in moderate risk with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined.

Overall, Empire Mills Dam is a historic structure that contributes to the recreational landscape in the area while maintaining a moderate level of risk. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's essential to stay updated on the regulation and maintenance of such structures to ensure their safety and functionality for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

102

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SALMON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

19

Nid Storage

126

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.