Rob Fork Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rob Fork Slurry Impoundment, also known as Beth-Elkhorn Mine No.


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Summary

29 Dam, is a private water resource structure located in Penny, Pike County, Kentucky. This dam primarily serves the purpose of tailings management, with a dam height of 450 feet and a storage capacity of 8,766 acre-feet. Despite being unregulated by the state, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, highlighting its importance in the mining industry.

The dam's high hazard potential, coupled with limited information on its condition assessment, raises concerns about its safety and environmental impact. With no state permitting, inspection, or enforcement in place, oversight of this structure falls on federal agencies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The lack of detailed data on its risk assessment, emergency action plan, and maintenance measures further underscores the need for transparency and proactive management of this critical water resource infrastructure.

Given its significant size and potential risk, the Rob Fork Slurry Impoundment warrants closer scrutiny and monitoring by both state and federal authorities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for increased regulation, inspection, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of this essential water management facility.

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

450

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

8766

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

450
       
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.