Pennington Tailings Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
The Pennington Tailings Pond Dam in Jefferson, Georgia, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1991 for the primary purpose of containing tailings.
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Summary
Owned privately and not regulated by the state, this dam boasts a height of 89 feet and a length of 3600 feet, with a storage capacity of 544 acre-feet. The dam, designed by unknown individuals, features a buttress core type and is classified as having low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Located in close proximity to the Charleston District, the Pennington Tailings Pond Dam serves a crucial function in managing tailings from mining operations in the area. While its condition remains unrated, the dam undergoes inspections every five years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2004. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam presents a moderate risk level that necessitates attentive risk management measures.
Despite its low hazard potential, the Pennington Tailings Pond Dam poses a moderate risk that demands ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety and integrity of the surrounding environment and communities. As a key structure for managing tailings in the region, this dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and risk management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
3600 |
Dam Height |
89 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Drainage Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
544 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
89 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spirit Creek At Us 1
|
10cfs |
Butler Creek Below 7th Avenue
|
7cfs |
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
51cfs |
Savannah River At Augusta
|
5230cfs |
Brier Creek Near Waynesboro
|
315cfs |
Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper)
|
1860cfs |
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.
Pennington Tailings Pond Dam