Cataract - East Channel Dam
Cataract - East Channel Dam is a concrete dam located in York County, Maine, built in 1938. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cataract - East Channel Dam
The primary purpose of Cataract - East Channel 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 Brookfield Renewable Power Llc Nyro (private). It impounds the Saco River near Biddeford.
The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 165 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,703 square miles. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 09/20/2018.
At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | York |
| Nearest City | Biddeford |
| River/Stream | Saco River |
| Coordinates | 43.49570, -70.44680 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Length | 165 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,703 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,625 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00030 |
| Federal ID | ME00030 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |