Hawkins Pond High Hazard Dam is at the forefront of discussions in Glocester, Rhode Island, as officials seek to address safety concerns and potential costly repairs. During a recent town meeting, updates were provided on the dam's status, which has been classified as a high hazard since a 2019 evaluation by Barr Engineering. The initial repair estimate was around $1.5 million, a figure that has likely increased due to inflation and other economic factors.

In February 2023, the Land Trust Commission received a Notice of Violation from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) after a spillway wall collapsed, prompting an urgent need for inspection and remediation plans. GZA, a respected engineering firm, was hired to assess the situation. Their findings indicated that while the spillway required repairs, it did not pose an immediate threat to public safety.

However, the situation became complicated when DEM hinted at upcoming regulatory changes that could affect the design requirements for the spillway. The current design, which is approximately 44 feet long, may not meet new standards that require a minimum length of 50 feet for high hazard dams. This uncertainty led the town to reconsider the dam's hazard classification.

Under the guidance of engineer Dave Decost, the town decided to challenge the high hazard designation. GZA was engaged again to conduct a thorough analysis, ultimately concluding that Hawkins Pond should be reclassified as a significant hazard rather than high hazard. This change would alleviate the need for extensive and costly spillway modifications.

The reclassification report has been submitted to DEM, and while the outcome remains uncertain, officials are optimistic. They believe that even if the classification does not change, data from FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers supports the current spillway's adequacy.

As the town navigates this complex situation, they are hopeful that funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will help manage the project within budget. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of Hawkins Pond while minimizing financial burdens on the community.