Payne Creek Settling Area No 4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Payne Creek Settling Area No 4 is a private earth dam located in Fort Meade, Florida, along the banks of Payne Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1969, this structure serves the primary purpose of containing tailings. With a dam height of 58 feet and a structural height of 53 feet, the dam spans a length of 20,200 feet and has a storage capacity of 11,000 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks emergency action plans.
Managed by the Jacksonville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Payne Creek Settling Area No 4 is subject to state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its condition and potential risks, as it plays a crucial role in the local water management system. With its location in Polk County, Florida, this dam highlights the importance of maintaining and assessing infrastructure for sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
20200 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
PAYNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
344 |
Hydraulic Height |
58 |
Nid Storage |
11000 |
Structural Height |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
58 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Payne Creek Settling Area No 1