Bottom Ash Storage Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bottom Ash Storage is a private facility located in Belvue, Kansas, along the Kansas River.
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Summary
The storage structure, classified as an Earth dam with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 81 feet and stretches 2075 feet in length. It has a maximum storage capacity of 5625 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 3000 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 120 acres. The facility is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its compliance with state regulations.
The dam at Bottom Ash Storage poses a significant hazard potential, but its condition assessment is currently rated as satisfactory. The last inspection took place in September 2013, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every five years. Despite its hazard potential, the facility has not experienced any major modifications or risks that warrant the preparation of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or the development of inundation maps. The owner, a private entity, has not received any federal funding, oversight, or involvement in the design, construction, regulation, inspection, or operation of the facility.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Bottom Ash Storage intriguing due to its location along the Kansas River and its significant storage capacity for bottom ash material. The dam's design and regulatory oversight by the state of Kansas ensure its safe operation and compliance with environmental and safety standards. While the facility's hazard potential is a concern, its current satisfactory condition and regular inspections provide reassurance of its stability and functionality. The absence of federal involvement highlights the private ownership and management of the facility, emphasizing local responsibility for ensuring the safety and integrity of water resource infrastructure.
Dam Length |
2075 |
Dam Height |
81 |
River Or Stream |
KANSAS RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
120 |
Drainage Area |
2.18 |
Nid Storage |
5625 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
81 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermillion C Nr Wamego
|
8cfs |
Kansas R Nr Belvue
|
1410cfs |
Kansas R At Wamego
|
1400cfs |
Rock C Nr Louisville
|
16cfs |
Mill C Nr Paxico
|
32cfs |
Soldier C Nr Delia
|
2cfs |
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.
Bottom Ash Storage