Coppers Fork Refuse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coppers Fork Refuse Dam in Middlesboro, Kentucky, is a private earth dam primarily used for tailings storage, with a dam height of 530 feet and a length of 1500 feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this dam has a storage capacity of 3200 acre-feet and is situated in a high hazard potential area. Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, this dam serves an essential purpose in managing tailings and waste materials.

Located in Bell County, Kentucky, this dam poses a high risk due to its condition assessment not being available and the lack of emergency action plans in place. With no recent inspection data or risk management measures reported, there is a need for increased oversight and monitoring to ensure the safety and stability of Coppers Fork Refuse Dam. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to advocate for proper maintenance and regulation of such dams to prevent potential disasters and protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.

As enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate, it is crucial to recognize the significance of dams like Coppers Fork Refuse Dam and advocate for proper monitoring and maintenance. With high hazard potential and limited state oversight, there is a pressing need for improved risk assessment, emergency action planning, and overall management to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure. By raising awareness and calling for necessary measures, we can contribute to the protection of water resources and the environment in the face of potential risks and challenges.

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

530

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

3200

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

530
       
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.