Briggs Street Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Briggs Street Detention is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, specifically in Scranton City.


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Summary

This earth-type dam along TR Keyser Creek stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, posing a high hazard potential.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Briggs Street Detention is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its functionality and safety. The last inspection in January 2021 highlighted the need for maintenance and potentially an emergency action plan due to its deteriorating condition. With Congressman Matt Cartwright representing the district, there is a call for heightened attention and potential risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community from the impacts of a potential dam failure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of infrastructure like Briggs Street Detention is essential in addressing the increasing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. Advocating for the rehabilitation and proactive maintenance of such structures is vital in ensuring the resilience of our communities against the threats of flooding and safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR KEYSER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

12

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.