The Inland Steel Tailings, also known as the Minorca T Basin Dike, is a private earth dam located in St.
Wind
Humidity
Louis County, Minnesota. Completed in 1976, this structure stands at a height of 44 feet and stretches for 12,000 feet, serving the primary purpose of containing tailings from mining activities. With a storage capacity of 14,500 acre-feet, it is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Situated near the Wouri Creek in a rural area, the Inland Steel Tailings poses a high hazard potential due to its significant storage capacity and proximity to surrounding communities. Despite this, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory and meets regulatory guidelines. It is crucial for local residents and authorities to stay vigilant and prepared in case of emergencies, as the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, the Inland Steel Tailings serves as a key component in the mining operations in the area. With its earth construction and buttress core type, the dam plays a vital role in managing tailings and ensuring the safety of the environment and nearby communities. It stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential risks and safeguard the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
12000 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
WOURI CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
4.4 |
Nid Storage |
14500 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
South Kawishiwi R Abv White Iron Lake Nr Ely
|
239cfs |
South Kawishiwi River Near Ely
|
128cfs |
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Vermilion River Nr Crane Lake
|
102cfs |
Kawishiwi River Near Ely
|
53cfs |
Basswood River Near Winton
|
340cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Rice Lake
|
||
Vermilion Trail Park Campground
|
||
Vermilion Trail
|
||
Sherwood Forest City Campground
|
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Sherwood Forest Campground
|
||
Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS
|