Modernizing Berry College Dam While Preserving History

Berry College, home to the world’s largest college campus by area, relies on its historic dam, built in the late 1920s and raised 20 feet in the early 1930s, as the primary water source for the campus. Classified as Category I and recognized as a historical site for its unique architectural features, the dam required renovations to meet current State regulations. PeoplesQuigley | DCCM designed stabilizing improvements including a downstream berm with filter diaphragm drains to intercept seepage, a velocity dissipation structure at the principal spillway outlet, and renovation of draw-off piping within the reservoir’s gate tower. During construction, a crack along the dam crest was discovered, prompting collaboration with a geotechnical engineer to implement a monitoring plan with inclinometers and surface settlement monuments. Our team provided comprehensive engineering support throughout the project, including construction drawings, permitting assistance, technical specifications, and design documentation. In January 2023, the Berry College Dam was successfully brought into compliance, ensuring both structural integrity and preservation of its historic character.

Services Provided

• Dam inspection & condition assessment
• Regulatory compliance design & permitting
• Structural stabilization (berms, drains, and spillway improvements)
• Draw-off piping renovation
• Construction documents & technical specification preparation
• Construction phase support & geotechnical coordination
• Stability monitoring & instrumentation (inclinometers, settlement monuments)