English Road Detention Facility Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The English Road Detention Facility Dam, located in Rochester, New York, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Paddy Hill Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 645 feet, providing a storage capacity of 235 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge capacity of 16,210 cubic feet per second, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 433 feet, highlighting its robust design to handle high hazard potential situations.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The most recent assessment in August 2020 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, meeting the state's enforcement and permitting requirements. The facility also boasts a moderate risk assessment rating, reflecting its resilience in mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the strategic role of the English Road Detention Facility Dam in safeguarding the surrounding area from flood risks. Its effective flood risk reduction capabilities, coupled with regular inspections and maintenance, showcase a commitment to ensuring public safety and environmental protection in Monroe County. As a critical infrastructure asset, this dam stands as a testament to proactive water resource management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

645

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

PADDY HILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

4.25

Nid Storage

235

Hazard Potential

High

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.