The Intrepid Potash South Perimeter Dam in Eddy County, New Mexico, serves as a crucial structure for managing tailings from the potash mining operation in the region. This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, with a surface area of 54 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico.
Located along the Pecos River, the Intrepid Potash South Perimeter Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and environmental protection in the area. The dam is designed to handle uncontrolled spillways and is subject to a moderate risk assessment level. The dam's inspection frequency is set at three years, with the last assessment done in February 2019. With its critical function in the region's water infrastructure, efforts to maintain and improve the dam's condition are ongoing to ensure its safety and reliability in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.