Rockland Mine N-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rockland Mine N-3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Fort Meade, Florida, with a primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 7,440 feet, with a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. Situated in an unnamed pond and under the regulatory jurisdiction of the state of Florida, Rockland Mine N-3 is classified as having low hazard potential but a very high risk level.

Despite being in operation for over five decades, Rockland Mine N-3 has not been rated for its condition assessment, and key emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated inundation maps are lacking. The dam's risk management measures and hazard potential are areas of concern, as they have not been clearly defined or outlined. Additionally, the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which may impact its compliance with federal regulations and oversight.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Rockland Mine N-3 an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. With its unique location in Polk County, Florida, and the potential environmental implications of storing tailings, this dam presents a complex set of challenges that require careful monitoring and risk assessment. As efforts to address climate change intensify, the need for effective regulation and emergency preparedness measures at dams like Rockland Mine N-3 becomes increasingly crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

7440

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

UNNAMED POND

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

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.