Slurry Lake 04i Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Slurry Lake 04i, located in Union, Kentucky, is a privately owned tailings dam with a height of 86 feet and a storage capacity of 2253 acre-feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this earth dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, the dam remains an important structure for storing tailings and managing waste in the area.

Situated near Old Shawneetown, IL, this dam plays a crucial role in the local mining operations, although details about its construction date and condition assessment are currently not available. With a high hazard potential, it is essential for emergency preparedness plans to be in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam. As a non-USACE structure, the responsibility for oversight and maintenance falls on the private owner, emphasizing the need for proactive monitoring and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of structures like Slurry Lake 04i can provide valuable insights into the management of tailings and the potential environmental risks associated with mining operations. With its significant storage capacity and high hazard potential, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper design, maintenance, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources and surrounding ecosystems from potential harm.

Dam Length

3280

Dam Height

86

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

2253

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

86
       
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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.