Dam Failure May Alter Deep River’s Future

By Bob Brueckner

A portion of the Lockville Dam on the Deep River was breached April 18, 2023, said William J. Brown, a regional engineer with FERC.

Brown said Dean Brooks, owner of Lockville Hydro Power Co., must either repair the dam or decommission it. Brooks must submit a plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The dam on the Deep River was not in operation prior to the breach because of downed trees and debris upstream of the dam and intake. See video dated June 14, 2020: https://youtu.be/2znbY4axckU

The dam passed its most recent inspection Sept. 21, 2022.

Moncure Manufacturing Co. replaced a log dam in 1922 with the present-day dam, canal and powerhouse, according to a nomination form for National Register listings.

The dam is 13 feet high and 600 feet wide, according to the nomination form. A 2,300-foot long canal carries water to a powerhouse.

Running the broken portion of this dam is not advised since debris may continue to shift.

The Lockville Dam on the Deep River was not in operation prior to the breach. | Photo By Zach Schiada

The owner of Lockville Hydro Power Co., must either repair the dam or decommission it. | Photo By Zach Schiada

This photograph at a lower water level shows where pieces of the dam settled after the breach. | Photo By Michael Merletto