Plant Wansley Separation Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Plant Wansley Separation Dike, located in Lowell, Georgia, was completed in 1975 and serves a primary purpose of managing tailings.
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Summary
Owned privately by Southern Company Services, this earth dam stands at a height of 110 feet with a hydraulic height of 105 feet, providing a storage capacity of 19,000 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for the dike is rated as high (2), indicating the need for careful monitoring and management.
The dam, with a surface area of 343 acres, is not regulated by the state but undergoes inspections every five years. With a buttress core and unknown foundation type, the Plant Wansley Separation Dike is not equipped with a spillway. While it has not been rated for condition assessment, the risk management measures for this structure remain unspecified. This dike plays a crucial role in tailings management, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource practices and climate resilience in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation will find the Plant Wansley Separation Dike an intriguing case study due to its unique design features and risk profile. As a key element of the Southern Company Services' infrastructure, this dike showcases the intersection of engineering innovation and environmental stewardship. With its high risk rating and lack of state regulation, the dike poses interesting challenges in terms of emergency preparedness and long-term sustainability. Understanding and addressing the risks associated with this structure are essential for ensuring the continued protection of water resources and the surrounding community in Georgia.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Height |
110 |
River Or Stream |
Unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
343 |
Hydraulic Height |
105 |
Nid Storage |
19000 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
110 |
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.
Plant Wansley Separation Dike