West Enfield
West Enfield is a concrete dam located in Penobscot County, Maine, built in 1988. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About West Enfield
The primary purpose of West Enfield 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 Bangor-pacific Hydro Associates (public utility). It impounds the Penobscot River near Howland.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 972 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,125 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,480 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,100 square miles. Completed in 1988, the structure is 38 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 07/22/2022.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Penobscot |
| Nearest City | Howland |
| River/Stream | Penobscot River |
| Coordinates | 45.25030, -68.64870 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Length | 972 ft |
| Year Completed | 1988 (38 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,480 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,480 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,480 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,125 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,100 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 96,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Bangor-Pacific Hydro Associates |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/22/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00142 |
| Federal ID | ME00142 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |