2025-10-17_Paper_Goods_Pond_Dam_Inspection.pdf

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 1 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

79 Elm Street • Hartford, CT 06106-5127 www.ct.gov/deep/dams Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

DAM SAFETY PROGRAM

DAM INSPECTION REPORT FORM – FOR REGULATORY

INSPECTION

Please complete this form in accordance with the instructions (DEEP-DAM-INST-002).

Part I: Summary of Dam Inspection

Dam Name: Paper Goods Pond Dam Inspection Date(s): 10/17/25

Alternate Dam Name(s): CT Dam ID #: 707

Location (Municipality): Berlin Temperature / Weather: 53⁰ Clear

Registered?: Yes 201206818 Pool Level: 1”-2” above the spillway crest

Emergency Action Plan?:

Yes or No Yes, Updated 2019 Impoundment Use: Recreation

Hydraulic and Hydrologic Analysis?: Yes or No

Yes, 100-yr storm contained between abutment training walls, ½ PMF storm overtops abutment by 2.9’

Stability Analysis?:

Yes or No

Yes, Stability of dam is sufficient during ½ PMF overtopping event.

Overall Condition of Dam: Poor

Persons present at the inspection (select the tab button in the last cell to the right to create another row) Name Title/Position Representing Jenna Bogaczyk, P.E. Engineer Macchi Engineers Herb May, P.E. Engineer Macchi Engineers Steve Karp Highway Department Town of Berlin Dan Cotto Highway Department Town of Berlin

Paper Goods Pond Dam DamID#707 October 17, 2025

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 2 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

Owners and Operators: If there is more than one owner or operator, copy the empty table below for each owner or operator and paste right below the previous table, then complete the information for each *By providing this e-mail address you are agreeing to receive official correspondence from DEEP, at this electronic address, concerning the subject report. Please remember to check your security settings to be sure you can receive e-mails from “ct.gov” addresses. Also, please notify DEEP if your e-mail address changes by email via deep.damsafety@ct.gov.

Indicate if Owner or Operator: Owner & Operator Name: Town of Berlin Mailing Address: 240 Kensington Road City/Town: Berlin State: CT Zip Code: 06037 Phone: 860-828-7014 ext.:

Emergency Phone:

*E-mail: mahern@berlinct.gov

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 3 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

Part II: General Dam Information General Description: Stone masonry arch structure approximately 73 feet long with a maximum height of approximately 30 feet and a crest width of 4 feet. Dam includes a 61-foot-long broad crested spillway weir. Dam impounds flows of the Mattabesset River in Berlin to create the Paper Goods Pond impoundment. Dam built into natural rocks for its entire length. Appurtenant structures include a 16” blowoff near the center of the dam with operator stand adjacent to the left spillway abutment. Also, upstream concrete training walls at each dam abutment.

Hazard Classification: B Dam Height (ft): 30’

Dam Length (ft): 73’ Spillway Length (ft): 61’

Spillway Type:

Broad crested free overflow stone masonry arch spillway

Normal Freeboard (ft):

6.2’ (Dam abutment walls 122.0’ – Spillway 115.8’)

Drainage Area (square miles): 9.18

Impoundment Area (at principal spillway crest, in acres):

14.4

Watercourse(s): Mattabesset River

OTHER INFORMATION:

1) Dam was constructed in 1890’s for industrial water supply.

2) Repairs initially made in 1939 included shotcrete coating on portions of dam.

3) Repairs made in 1999 included increased lengths and heights of upstream training walls to contain

100-yr storm within dam abutments. Also repairs made to shotcrete, plugged abandoned 48” diameter penstock, plugged abandoned 10” diameter mill supply pipe, replaced stem and guides for 16” diameter blow off valve and provided new concrete operator’s stand.

4) Town reports regular maintenance items including cutting of brush at abutments and exercising gate valve.

Part III: Aerial Photo/Location Map

See Page 4 for Impoundment View, Page 5 for Aerial View, and Page 6 for Location Plan

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Part IV: Dam Information

Dam Name: Paper Goods Pond Dam General Description: Overall dam length is 73’ of which 61’ is spillway. 12’ section of dam is located at left abutment and is 2.6’ above the spillway. This 12’ section consists of stone masonry built up from natural rock and covered with shotcrete. A +/- 7’ wide concrete section was built atop the stone masonry to create an operator’s platform. This 12’ section also acts as an auxiliary spillway section for high flows. There are training walls at each abutment built up to elevation 122.0’ in order to contain the 100-yr storm flows. The wall at the left abutment is 31’-2” in length and +/- 2’-4” width with a 5’ wide cap for access to the operator’s platform. The wall appears to have originally been constructed of stone masonry covered in shotcrete with a newer concrete section built on top. This wall extends upstream to the bridge abutment for the Percival Avenue bridge. The wall at the right abutment is concrete, 34’-6” in length and 18” in width. It extends upstream to natural grade General Condition: Poor Concrete Condition: Crest of 12’ dam section has a ¼” to ½” wide crack towards center. Downstream face has multiple cracks in the shotcrete with visible efflorescence. Spalling on right face below spillway with welded wire fabric visible. Downstream also appears to have bulging, although this could have been the result of uneven shotcrete application over natural stone masonry. Left upstream abutment wall appears to have had a mortar skim coat applied over the original layer of shotcrete. Multiple cracks and spalls in the skim coat layer. The left wall also appears to have significant bulging although this also could have been the result of uneven shotcrete application over natural rock outcrops and stone masonry. Upper concrete cap/access platform at left wall is in good condition. Right upstream concrete abutment wall is in good condition with no visible deficiencies.

Stone Masonry: None Visible Settlement/Alignment/Movement: Bulging on upstream left abutment wall and downstream section of dam as mentioned above, unsure if movement has occurred or was part of shotcrete application.

Seepage/Foundation Drainage: None observed Riprap: N/A Erosion/Burrows: None observed Vegetative Cover: N/A Other: Woody vegetation observed within 25’ of both dam abutments Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

Part V: Principal Spillway, Training Walls, Apron Number of Principal Spillways: 1

Spillway Type: Broad crested stone masonry free overflow spillway General Description: +/-24’ high by 61’ wide stone arch with radius of approximately 55’ and batter at approximately 1:7. Appears the stone arch was capped with a +/- 8” thick by 4’ wide concrete cap. Spillway has main flow area 61’ in length for normal flows. (See above for description of additional 12’ long dam section that will accommodate high flows). At crest of right spillway abutment, small section of natural rock outcrop lies between the right upstream dam abutment wall and the stone masonry arch. The rock outcrop has a small concrete slab upstream for flow transition to the arch.

General Condition: Satisfactory Concrete Condition: Concrete cap section covered in thick coat of algae and water flows prevented thorough examination, however no deficiencies were noted.

Stone Masonry:

Settlement/Alignment/Movement: Flow over spillway and inaccessible route to toe of dam prevented thorough examination. Visible inspection from abutment sections and accessible downstream areas found no deficiencies to downstream face. Small gap was noted at crest near right abutment at interface of stone masonry and rock outcrop. Gap was 1-1/4” wide by +/- 6” in depth.

Cracks: None observed Scouring/Undermining: Toe of spillway is natural rock with mild scouring.

Seepage/Foundation Drainage: None observed Other:

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 8 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

Part VI: Auxiliary Spillway, Training Walls, Apron Number of Auxiliary Spillways: 1

Auxiliary Spillway Type: Broad crested concrete free overflow General Description: The auxiliary spillway is the 12’ long by 7’ wide section of dam towards the left abutment used as an operator’s platform described in Part IV above.

General Condition: Fair Concrete Condition: Crest of 12’ dam section has a ¼” to ½” wide crack towards center. Downstream face has multiple cracks in the shotcrete with visible efflorescence. Downstream also appears to have bulging, although this could have been the result of uneven shotcrete application over natural stone masonry.

Stone Masonry: None visible Settlement/Alignment/Movement: Bulging as indicated above.

Cracks: Cracks in shotcrete as indicated above.

Scouring/Undermining: None observed Vegetative Cover: N/A Riprap: N/A Seepage/Foundation Drainage: None observed Other:

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

Part VII: Downstream Channel Number of Downstream Channels: 1

Channel Name (see instructions), include Watercourse Name: Mattabesset River General Description: Deep gorge with significant flow capacity. Natural bedrock with rock outcrops near toe of dam and in stilling area. Bottom of channel width varies +/- 20 to 50 feet in width. Channel embankments very steep (+/-1:1) and heavily wooded with thick brush. At top of left channel embankment, tall retaining wall for adjacent property parking lot. Wall extends downstream approximately 850’. Riprap along base of retaining wall and sporadic riprap spread in channel where bedrock ends. Remnants of abandoned power house, and tailrace in downstream channel at left channel embankment. About 1500 feet downstream, Mattabesset River empties into Railroad Pond.

General Condition: Good Scouring: None observed.

Debris: Little debris found in normal channel flow path. Significant vegetative growth and debris on channel embankments. However, depth and width of channel gorge provides significant capacity. Channel eventually discharges into large impoundment with no bridge or culvert crossings between spillway outfall and downstream impoundment so there is no worry for debris impacting outflow.

Riprap: Sporadic coverage, however due to natural bedrock, riprap not necessary for erosion protection.

Other:

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

Part VIII: Intake Structure(s) Number of Intake Structures: 1

Intake Structure Type: 16” diameter blowoff valve General Description: 16” diameter cast iron pipe and valve located towards the center of the spillway. Operator stand is at the left side of the spillway and operation is with a non-rising stem operator.

General Condition: Good Concrete Condition: N/A

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 9 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

Stone Masonry: N/A Settlement/Alignment/Movement: N/A Cracks: None observed Other: Stem and guides were replaced during 1999 repairs. Owner regularly exercises valve and demonstrated workability during inspection.

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

Part IX: Outlet Structure(s) Number of Outlet Structures: 0

Outlet Structure Type (see instructions):

General Description:

General Condition:

Concrete Condition:

Stone Masonry:

Settlement/Alignment/Movement:

Scouring/Undermining:

Other:

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

Part X: Miscellaneous Features

List miscellaneous features: (e.g., access roads, bridges, etc.):

1) Percival Avenue (Route 71) bridge located +/- 30’ upstream of dam. Left dam abutment wall ties into bridge abutment wall. Bottom of bridge beam flanges 4’ above spillway elevation. Would begin to impede flows to spillway above the 100-yr storm level.

2) Abandoned turbine house foundation/walls and tailrace walls located immediately downstream of spillway on left side of channel.

3) Old concrete wall located downstream on right side of channel appears to have channeled flows into turbine house.

4) Chain link fencing on upstream abutment walls and on downstream side of crest of 12’ dam section. Fencing on 12’ dam section has had lower portion of fabric trimmed to prevent blockages during overtopping events.

5) Ships ladder from left upstream abutment wall to 12’ dam section (operator’s platform) for access to operator.

Photos/Graphics/Sketches (See Parts XIII and XIV)

DEEP-DAM-FRM-002 Page 10 of 41 Rev. 11/21/2024

Part XI: Downstream Hazard Classification Reassessment

Downstream Hazard Classification:

Current hazard classification is B – Significant Hazard.

Recommend hazard classification remain at B.

Part XII: Recommendations (See instructions for identifying recommendations)

Recommendations:

1. Clear all vegetation with 25’ of dam abutments and clear any vegetation near upstream abutment walls.

2. Repair crack at crest of dam (operator’s platform).

3. Grout fill void at crest of spillway near right abutment at interface between stone masonry and rock ledge.

4. Remove damaged mortar skim coat on upstream left abutment wall and further investigate condition of underlying concrete/shotcrete/stone masonry.

5. Remove damaged shotcrete on downstream side of dam and further investigate condition of underlying concrete/shotcrete/stone masonry.

6. All chain link fence posts were grouted in cored holes. Grout was left low in all cores allowing rain water to collect in holes causing rust and deterioration at base of each fence posts. Core holes should be completely grout filled.

7. Investigate potential seepage under capstone of dam along spillway.

8. Clear all vegetation near the downstream face to avoid further damage.

9. Monitor seepage on downstream left channel.

10. Clear sediment from upstream channel

11. Repair exposed welded wire mesh on downstream right face of dam.

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Part XIII: Photographs/Graphics (see instructions and Appendix C)

Photograph No. 1 – Dam Viewed from Upstream Looking Southerly

Photograph No. 2 – Dam Behind Percival Avenue Viewed from Upstream

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Photograph No. 3 – Downstream Face of Dam Viewed from Downstream Looking Southwesterly

Photograph No. 4 – Downstream Face of Dam Viewed from Further Downstream Looking Southwesterly

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Photograph No. 5 – Crest of Dam Viewed from Right Abutment Looking Northerly

Photograph No. 6 – 12’ Dam Section Viewed from Right Abutment Looking Northerly

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Photograph No. 7 – Downstream Face of Dam Viewed from Right Abutment Looking Northerly

Photograph No. 8 – Dam Viewed from Left Abutment Looking Southerly

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Photograph No. 9 – Dam Viewed from Atop Left Abutment Looking Southerly

Photograph No. 10 – Downstream Face of Dam Viewed from Left Abutment Looking Southerly

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Photograph No. 11 – Left Abutment Viewed from Downstream Looking Westerly

Photograph No. 12 – Left Abutment Viewed from Above

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Photograph No. 13 – Dam Viewed from Left Abutment on 12’ Dam Section Looking Southerly

Photograph No. 14 – 12’ Dam Section Connection to Percival Avenue Viewed Looking Southerly (Note: Voids in Caulking)

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Photograph No. 15 – 12’ Dam Section Viewed from Upstream Looking Easterly

Photograph No. 16 – Operator Platform Viewed from Upstream Looking Easterly

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Photograph No. 17 – 12’ Dam Section Viewed from Entrance Looking Southeasterly

Photograph No. 18 – Northern Side of Spillway Viewed from Downstream Looking Southwesterly

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Photograph No. 19 – Southern Side of Spillway Viewed from Downstream Looking Southwesterly

Photograph No. 20 – Edge of Spillway Viewed from the Right Abutment

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Photograph No. 21 – Right Toe of Dam Viewed from Above (Note: Tree within 25’)

Photograph No. 22 – Right Training Wall Viewed from the Right Side Looking Northeasterly

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Photograph No. 23 – Right Training Wall Viewed from Upstream Looking Southeasterly

Photograph No. 24 – Overview of Left Training Wall Viewed from Above

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Photograph No. 25 – Connection of Left Training Wall and Crest of Spillway Viewed from Above

Photograph No. 26 – Downstream Channel Viewed from Dam Looking Easterly

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Photograph No. 27 – Downstream Channel Viewed from Above on the Left Bank

Photograph No. 28 – Left Bank of Downstream Channel Viewed from Dam Looking Easterly

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Photograph No. 29 – Left Bank of Downstream Channel Viewed from Above

Photograph No. 30 – Downstream Channel Viewed from Bottom of Left Bank Looking Southeasterly

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Photograph No. 31 – Stem and Stem Guide for 16” Blowoff Operation Viewed from Operator Stand Looking Westerly

Photograph No. 32 – Downstream Side of Dam Viewing Opened 16” Blowoff Pipe in Operation from Left Abutment Looking Southerly

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Photograph No. 33 – Overview of Reservoir Area

Photograph No. 34 – Northern Side of Percival Avenue Viewed from the Dam Looking Northwesterly

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Photograph No. 35 – Side of Percival Avenue Viewed from the Dam Looking Westerly

Photograph No. 36 – Southern Side of Percival Avenue Viewed from the Dam Looking Southwesterly

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Photograph No. 37 – Concrete Pipe Support Located on Left Bank of Downstream Channel

Photograph No. 38 – Typical Core Holes for Fence Post Installation (Note: Grout Not Filled to Top of Core Hole and Deterioration at Base of Post)

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Photograph No. 39 – Vegetation on the Side of 12’ Dam Section Looking Northeasterly

Photograph No. 40 – Vegetation along Right Abutment Looking Northerly

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Photograph No. 41 – Dead Vegetation on Area Downstream of Left Abutment

Photograph No. 42 – Hairline crack Along 12’ Dam Section with Clipboard for Scale.

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Photograph No. 43 – Crack Along Top of 12’ Dam Section

Photograph No. 44 – Bulging and Cracking in 12’ Dam Section Looking Northwesterly

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Photograph No. 45 – Closer View of Bulging and Cracking in 12’ Dam Section Looking Northwesterly

Photograph No. 46 – Overview of Bulging and Cracking in 12’ Dam Section Looking Northerly

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Photograph No. 47 – 12’ Dam Section Underneath Stairs Leading to Operator Platform Looking Northerly

Photograph No. 48 – 12’ Dam Section Underneath Stairs Leading to Operator Platform Looking Northeasterly

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Photograph No. 49 – Spalling in Concrete on Right Side of Spillway (Note: Exposed Welded Wire Fabric)

Photograph No. 50 – Possible Undercutting/Erosion at Bottom of Right Side of Spillway

Part XIV: Sketches

See Page 36 for Sketch and Photo Locations.