Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment, also known as Sapphire Slurry Impoundment, is a private-owned structure located in Polly, Letcher County, Kentucky.
Wind
Humidity
This tailings dam, primarily designed for storing mining waste, stands at an impressive height of 375 feet and spans a length of 1400 feet. With a storage capacity of 10,590 acre-feet, this earth dam poses a high hazard potential due to its sheer size and location.
Despite being under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment is not regulated by the state of Kentucky. This lack of state oversight raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of the structure, especially given its high hazard potential. With no available condition assessment or inspection data, the current state of the impoundment remains unknown, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and regulatory enforcement to prevent any potential environmental disasters.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper regulation and maintenance of industrial structures. As a privately-owned facility with no state permitting or inspection requirements, this massive tailings dam presents a significant risk to the surrounding area. With its high hazard potential and unknown condition assessment, there is a pressing need for increased oversight and accountability to ensure the safety and integrity of Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment for both the local community and the environment.
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
375 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
10590 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
375 |
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25cfs |
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103cfs |
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293cfs |
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44cfs |
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149cfs |
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1460cfs |
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