South Barre Mill Pond
South Barre Mill Pond is a concrete dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1981. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About South Barre Mill Pond
The primary purpose of South Barre Mill Pond 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 South Barre Hydro Electric Company (private). It impounds the Ware River near South Barre.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 315 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 23 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 104 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 years old.
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 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 06/13/2022.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | South Barre |
| River/Stream | Ware River |
| Coordinates | 42.38620, -72.09580 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 315 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 115 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 115 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 115 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 104 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,230 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Barre Hydro Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00091 |
| Federal ID | MA00091 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |