Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment, also known as the Island Creek Coal Big Hollow Dam, is a private earth dam located in Davella, KY, Kentucky.
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Summary
Standing at a towering height of 356 feet, this dam is primarily used for tailings storage, providing a storage capacity of 8,567 acre-feet. With a hazard potential classified as high, this structure is under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, with no state regulation or permitting in place.
Situated in Martin County, Kentucky, this impoundment poses a significant risk due to its high hazard potential and lack of state oversight. Despite its impressive size and capacity, the structure's condition assessment is currently marked as 'Not Available', raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. With no inspection frequency or emergency action plan in place, the Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment highlights the need for enhanced monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should be wary of the potential risks associated with the Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment, given its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation or inspection. With its massive size and significant storage capacity, this private earth dam in Kentucky demands increased attention and oversight to prevent any potential disasters or environmental harm. As discussions continue around the safety and management of such structures, it is essential to prioritize the protection of our water resources and the surrounding communities from the potential hazards posed by large impoundments like the Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment.
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
356 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
8567 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
356 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1880cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
492cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
365cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville
|
41cfs |
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.
Big Hollow Slurry Impoundment