Removal Of Major Dam In Simsbury Topic Of Forum

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury officials will hold a public information meeting on Thursday, June 4, to discuss plans for the removal of the Stoddard Reservoir Dam, a project expected to begin in 2027 and continue through the 2028 construction season.

The public information meeting will be held Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. in the Weatogue Room at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St.

The Town of Simsbury is removing it to eliminate ongoing maintenance costs, remove the risk of dam failure, and restore Stratton Brook to its natural, free-flowing state.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Dam Safety Program classified the dam as a "Class BB Moderate Hazard" and requires it to either be upgraded to modern engineering standards or removed.

The dam, located at 61 West Mountain Road, impounds Stratton Brook and creates the approximately 2.35-acre Stoddard Reservoir.

According to the town, the structure is 285 feet long and ranges from about 8 feet high at the spillway crest to 11 feet high at its highest point.

It consists of a masonry wall with earthen embankments on either side.

Under the preliminary design, the dam will be demolished in two phases over two construction seasons.

The project would restore the impoundment and dam site to a natural, meandering section of Stratton Brook intended to resemble conditions before the dam was built.

Planned stream restoration features include cross vane crests, boulder clusters, boulder weirs, and root wads designed to support the new stream channel.

Town officials said preliminary design work has been completed and construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The project is currently funded by the Town of Simsbury, although officials said they will seek grant funding if opportunities become available before construction begins.

The town is seeking public input as the project moves forward.

Residents with questions may contact the Simsbury Engineering Department at dgannon@simsbury-ct.gov.

For more information on this project, click on this link.