Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment, located in Blackburn Bottom, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure primarily used for tailings disposal.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at an impressive 250 feet in height and stretches over 930 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 5337 acre-feet. Despite not being regulated by the state, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, ensuring safety and compliance with federal regulations.
With a high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment is currently listed as "Not Available," signaling a need for further inspection and monitoring. While the emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are also lacking, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to recognize the significance of this structure in terms of potential environmental impact and safety concerns. As a key player in waste management operations, this impoundment demands attention and oversight to mitigate any potential risks to surrounding ecosystems and communities.
As a critical component in the disposal of tailings, the Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment serves a vital purpose in the mining industry. Its massive size and high hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent any catastrophic events. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should keep a close eye on developments regarding this structure to ensure environmental protection and community safety are prioritized in its operation and management.
Dam Length |
930 |
Dam Height |
250 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
5337 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
250 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis
|
5cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
365cfs |
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
134cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
492cfs |
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.
Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment