H-2 Settling Area Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pol36 South Pierce Chem Works Gypsum
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The H-2 Settling Area, located in Polk County, Florida, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1978 with a primary purpose of tailings storage.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 34 feet, the dam provides significant hazard potential and has a storage capacity of 11,000 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 12,500 feet and covers a surface area of 324 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 670 cubic feet per second.
The H-2 Settling Area is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the state of Florida, with permits for operation, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is not rated, and emergency preparedness measures such as the existence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not specified. The dam is situated along the Alafia River and falls under the oversight of the Jacksonville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the H-2 Settling Area presents a unique case study in dam management and safety regulation. With its history dating back to the late 1970s, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for tailings storage, highlighting the intersection of human activity and environmental impact. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and integrity of dams like H-2, ongoing monitoring and risk assessment will be crucial in mitigating potential hazards and safeguarding surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
12500 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
ALAFIA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
324 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
11000 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
H-2 Settling Area