Mill Brook Site 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in New Berlin, Chenango County, New York, the Mill Brook Site 2 Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region, serving its primary purpose of flood risk reduction since its completion in 1986.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam spans 730 feet in length and reaches a height of 87 feet, with a storage capacity of 1065 acre-feet to mitigate flooding in the area. The dam overlooks the TR-UNADILLA RIVER and is regulated by the NYS DEC, ensuring state oversight for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite its significant role in flood risk reduction, the Mill Brook Site 2 Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition as assessed in November 2018. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam requires regular inspections every two years to monitor its structural integrity and ensure the safety of the surrounding community. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway, 190 feet in width, adds another layer of complexity to the dam's operations and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness.

As a vital component of water resource management in the region, the Mill Brook Site 2 Dam highlights the intersection of infrastructure, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight. With its history of serving the local community in flood risk reduction, the dam's future maintenance and potential upgrades will be crucial in safeguarding the area against adverse weather events and preserving its essential role in water resource management.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

730

Dam Height

87

River Or Stream

TR-UNADILLA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Drainage Area

1.35

Nid Storage

1065

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

87
       
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.