Settling Area No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Settling Area No 1, located in Polk, Florida, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of tailings storage.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 2350 feet, providing a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Situated on the North Prong Alafia River, this significant hazard potential dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Florida.

Despite its small surface area of 3 acres and limited drainage area, Settling Area No 1 poses a risk to nearby residents and the environment. Though its condition has not been formally rated, the dam's emergency action plan status, contact information, and risk assessment measures remain unknown. With no designated outlet gates, spillway, or locks, the potential for a catastrophic failure underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and water resource protection in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts focus on the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship, understanding the complexities of dams like Settling Area No 1 is crucial. With its historical significance and potential for future modifications, this earth dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and natural resource conservation in our changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2350

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

NORTH PRONG ALAFIA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

51

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.