Mechanic Falls
Mechanic Falls is a masonry dam located in Androscoggin County, Maine, built in 1866. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mechanic Falls
The primary purpose of Mechanic Falls 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 Kei (maine) Power Management (iv) Llc (private). It impounds the Little Androscoggin River near Mechanic Falls.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 172 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 27 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 250 square miles. Completed in 1866, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 05/15/2018.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Androscoggin |
| Nearest City | Mechanic Falls |
| River/Stream | Little Androscoggin River |
| Coordinates | 44.11110, -70.39170 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 172 ft |
| Year Completed | 1866 (160 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 103 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 103 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 103 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27 acres |
| Drainage Area | 250 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | KEI (Maine) Power Management (IV) LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/15/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00379 |
| Federal ID | ME00379 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |