Stp Essential Cooling Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Stp Essential Cooling Pond Dam, located in Matagorda, Texas, was completed in 1981 and stands at a height of 7.5 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by BROWN AND ROOT INC, serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 687 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, specifically for cooling purposes.

Owned by a private entity, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the dam's hazard potential is not available, but it is not rated for condition assessment. Despite the lack of spillway, the dam has a surface area of 46.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.07 square miles, making it a vital component in the local water management system.

The Stp Essential Cooling Pond Dam, while not widely known, is a crucial structure in maintaining water resources and climate control in Matagorda, Texas. With its strategic location near the Colorado River and its high-risk assessment rating, the dam's significance cannot be understated. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role and importance of such structures in our environment is essential for sustainable management and conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

6230

Dam Height

7.5

River Or Stream

OFF CH-COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46.5

Hydraulic Height

7.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

687

Structural Height

7.5

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.
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