Detroit Metro Airport Stormwater Pond 6

Detroit Metro Airport Stormwater Pond 6 is an earth dam located in Wayne County, Michigan, built in 1970. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Detroit Metro Airport Stormwater Pond 6

The primary purpose of Detroit Metro Airport Stormwater Pond 6 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Wayne County Airport Authority (private). It impounds the Frank & Poet Drain near Romulus.

The dam stands 17 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 70 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 660 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

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 07/17/2017. That was 8 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.

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 Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMichigan
CountyWayne
Nearest CityRomulus
River/StreamFrank & Poet Drain
Coordinates42.21499, -83.32748

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height17 ft
Dam Height17 ft
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage660 acre-ft
Max Storage660 acre-ft
Surface Area70 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge46 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerWayne County Airport Authority
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection07/17/2017
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMI02682
Federal IDMI02682
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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