Engelhard Trapnell # 1 Plant Tailings Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Engelhard Trapnell # 2 Plant Tailings Impoundment Engelhard Trapnell # 1 A Plant Tailings Impoundment
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Engelhard Trapnell # 1 Plant Tailings Pond, located in Wilkinson, Georgia, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1978 for the primary purpose of storing tailings.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 23 feet and a length of 5865 feet, the pond has a storage capacity of 475 acre-feet and a surface area of 120 acres. Although the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is not currently rated for its condition and has not been inspected since January 2018.
The pond's spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plan (EAP) currently in place. The pond is situated in a drainage area of 195 square miles, but the specific river or stream it feeds into is listed as unknown. Despite being located in a state that does not regulate its operations or permitting, the dam is inspected every five years to assess its safety and potential risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Engelhard Trapnell # 1 Plant Tailings Pond presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in a rural area of Georgia. The lack of specific regulatory oversight and formal risk management measures raises questions about the potential environmental impact and safety of such structures. As interest in sustainable water resource management grows, further monitoring and assessment of dams like this one will be essential to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
5865 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
120 |
Drainage Area |
195 |
Nid Storage |
475 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
846cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
145cfs |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
635cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
1430cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Macon
|
2030cfs |
Oconee River At Dublin
|
2420cfs |
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.
Engelhard Trapnell # 1 Plant Tailings Pond