Brookside Mill Dam
Brookside Mill Dam is a stone dam located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, built in 1862. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Brookside Mill Dam
The primary purpose of Brookside Mill Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Trustees Of The Brookside Condominium Trust (private). It impounds the Stony Brook near Westford.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 83 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 18 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 37 square miles. Completed in 1862, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 09/20/2016.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Westford |
| River/Stream | Stony Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.60961, -71.41101 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 83 ft |
| Year Completed | 1862 (164 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Trustees of the Brookside Condominium Trust |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2016 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00131 |
| Federal ID | MA00131 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |