The Bel Air Dam (MA1061) is located in the City of Pittsfield in Berkshire County and impounds Pontoosuc Brook, which is a tributary to the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The construction of the dam was contracted in 1832, and it was originally used for power generation for a woolen mill until the 1920s. In the 1940s the use of the mill for wool production was abandoned. Bel Air Dam is now located upstream of several businesses, residences, and thoroughfares. A failure of the dam at maximum pool may cause loss of life and substantial damage to downstream buildings, roadways, and other infrastructure. Therefore, in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) Dam Safety Regulations, Bel Air Dam is classified as a HIGH (Class I) Hazard Potential dam.
Latest News
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Dam Safety Permit
October 1, 2024
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MassDEP 401 Water Quality Certificate Issued August 23, 2024
August 26, 2024
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Wetlands Protection Act Notice of Intent
August 26, 2024
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Chapter 91 License Application Public Comment Period
August 26, 2024
Upcoming Events
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Bel Air Dam Public Meeting
October 23, 2024
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Polish Falcon’s Club
Latest Documents
- Notice of License Application pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 91 Waterways Application Number 24-WW01-0114-APP File extension: pdf File size: 4 MB
- MassDEP 401 Water Quality Certification Application File extension: pdf File size: 129 MB
- US Army Corps of Engineers Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) Application File extension: pdf File size: 79 MB
- MassDEP Chapter 91 License Application File extension: pdf File size: 44 MB