Plant Site Settling Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Plant Site Settling is a private water resource infrastructure located in Virginia, Minnesota, along the Sand River-OS.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earthen dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 2400 feet, providing storage capacity for tailings with a maximum storage of 463 acre-feet. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it is inspected, permitted, and enforced to maintain its structural integrity.

With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013, Plant Site Settling plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 295 cubic feet per second and has a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, with a normal storage capacity of 297 acre-feet and a surface area of 40 acres.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the vital role of infrastructure like Plant Site Settling is essential for sustainable water management. By ensuring proper regulation, inspection, and maintenance of such structures, we can protect communities and the environment from potential hazards while maintaining the efficient storage and control of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

2400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SAND RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

463

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.