Tailings Pond No. 1 Dam Getty Oil Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tailings Pond No.


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Summary

1 Dam Getty Oil, located in New Castle, Delaware, was completed in 1960 with a primary purpose classified as "Other." This private dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet, with a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam is designed as a gravity structure with a buttress core type, making it suitable for low hazard potential according to official assessments.

Despite being a non-federally regulated structure, Tailings Pond No. 1 Dam Getty Oil serves as a critical component in managing water resources in the area. Positioned along the Delaware River, this dam plays a role in controlling water flow and storage, contributing to the overall climate resilience of the region. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but its low hazard potential indicates that it poses minimal risk in times of emergency.

While Tailings Pond No. 1 Dam Getty Oil may not be subject to regular inspections or enforcement measures, its strategic location and design highlight its importance in water management and climate adaptation efforts. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like this in the broader context of environmental sustainability and climate change resilience is crucial for safeguarding our natural ecosystems and communities.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

DELAWARE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Nid Storage

300

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.