Oldhouse Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oldhouse Branch Slurry Impoundment in Roxana, Kentucky, is a private-owned tailings dam with a high hazard potential.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for tailings disposal, is an earth dam standing at 481 feet tall and spanning a length of 1740 feet. It has a storage capacity of 6049 acre-feet and is not regulated by the state or subject to state inspections or enforcement.

Located in Letcher County, Kentucky, this impoundment is managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and falls under the jurisdiction of the Louisville District. Despite its significant size and hazard potential, there is limited data available on its condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures. With no state regulation or permitting in place, water resource and climate enthusiasts may be concerned about the potential environmental impact and safety of this structure.

Given its high hazard potential and the lack of available information on its condition and management, the Oldhouse Branch Slurry Impoundment serves as a critical point of interest for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. Further research and monitoring may be necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of this privately-owned structure in the region.

Dam Length

1740

Dam Height

481

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

6049

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

481
       
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.