Buckeye Tailings No. 2, located in Itasca, Minnesota, holds a significant historical and environmental importance as a private earth dam constructed in 1950 for tailings storage purposes. This dam stands at a height of 50 feet and spans a length of 5200 feet, with a capacity to store 1500 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam's proximity to the Prairie River-TR and its location in a local residential area highlight the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards. With a drainage area of 0.35 square miles and a surface area of 80 acres, the Buckeye Tailings No. 2 dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's last inspection in August 2017 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, indicating a commitment to ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique features and regulatory oversight of Buckeye Tailings No. 2 present an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of historical infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety. With its earth dam construction, buttress core type, and low hazard potential, this dam serves as a valuable asset in water management while also highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship and regulatory compliance in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.