Georgia Kaolin 7a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Georgia Kaolin 7a Dam, located in Twiggs County, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for tailings storage.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 39.8 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1540 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 240 acre-feet. The dam, built by Golder Associates, features a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition. However, regular inspections are carried out every five years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. The dam is not regulated by the state but is under state jurisdiction, with no state permitting or enforcement in place.

As a crucial component for managing water resources in the area, the Georgia Kaolin 7a Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for storing tailings. Its location in Dry Branch, Georgia, highlights its importance in the region's water management system. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, continued monitoring and maintenance of the dam are essential to ensure its safety and functionality for the future.

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

39.8

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Nid Storage

1540

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.