Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, is a privately owned tailings dam that was completed in 1967. Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at 40 feet high and has a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. With a surface area of 23.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 acres, the dam serves as a crucial structure for storing fluid waste and preventing potential environmental contamination.

Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in October 2017. The dam has a spillway capacity of 20 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 236 acre-feet. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, its condition is regularly monitored with inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Situated near a tributary to Lake Erie, Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a plays a critical role in managing tailings and waste materials for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to prioritize the maintenance and oversight of such structures to prevent potential environmental disasters and ensure the safe management of fluid waste in the region.