Hough Millpond Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1935 primarily for recreational purposes. The earth dam, standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 525 feet in length, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to oversee its operations. The last inspection in April 2020 revealed the dam's poor condition, prompting concerns about its structural integrity and potential risks in case of emergencies. With a drainage area unspecified and no spillway type mentioned, there are key details that require further assessment to understand the dam's full operational capacity and potential vulnerabilities.

Given its critical role in providing recreational opportunities and serving as a water resource in the region, the Hough Millpond Dam's maintenance and risk management measures are crucial to ensure its long-term sustainability. With a designated emergency action plan still pending and risk assessment details yet to be fully explored, stakeholders and authorities must prioritize the dam's safety and environmental impact to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystems.