Old Grist Mill Pond Dam

About Old Grist Mill Pond Dam

The primary purpose of Old Grist Mill Pond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Mp390 Fr Llc (private). It impounds the Runnins River near Seekonk.

The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1745, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/09/2020.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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