Pads Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pads Branch Slurry Impoundment is a privately owned tailings dam located in Manuel, Perry County, Kentucky.


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Summary

This earth-filled dam stands at a height of 67 feet and stretches for 3000 feet, with a storage capacity of 935.7 acre-feet. Despite not being regulated by the state, the Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its operations and inspections, ensuring its hazard potential remains low.

The dam, primarily used for tailings storage, poses minimal risk according to available data, with its condition assessment marked as "Not Available." While information on emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and management measures is lacking, the dam's design and purpose align with industry standards. The surrounding area is deemed safe from potential inundation, indicating a low likelihood of catastrophic failure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Pads Branch Slurry Impoundment presents an opportunity to study the engineering and environmental considerations of tailings dams in Kentucky. With its non-federal ownership and oversight by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this structure serves as a case study in private dam management practices and regulatory frameworks. Further research into its operation, maintenance, and emergency response protocols could shed light on best practices for ensuring the safety and sustainability of similar impoundments in the region.

Dam Length

3000

Dam Height

67

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

935.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

67
       
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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.