Essar Steel Reclaim Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Essar Steel Reclaim Pond, located in Pengilly, Minnesota, is a private water resource facility built on the old Butler Taconite Tailings Dam.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 70 feet and a length of 9600 feet, serves primarily for tailings storage. Completed in 2011 by Essar Steel, the pond has a storage capacity of 9600 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 192 acres. The dam is state regulated and inspected, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2014.
The Essar Steel Reclaim Pond plays a crucial role in managing tailings in the area, with a high hazard potential due to its size and function. Despite its potential risks, the dam is maintained in a satisfactory condition, meeting state regulatory standards and inspection requirements. The facility is located near O'Brien Creek in Itasca County, Minnesota, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Division of Ecological and Water Resources.
With its significant storage capacity and strategic location, the Essar Steel Reclaim Pond serves as a vital component of water resource management in the region. As a private facility, it underscores the importance of private sector involvement in maintaining and regulating critical water infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find interest in the design and function of this earth dam, which stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating environmental impacts.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
9600 |
Dam Height |
70 |
River Or Stream |
O'BRIEN CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
192 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
9600 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
70 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Mississippi River At Grand Rapids
|
606cfs |
St. Louis River At Scanlon
|
693cfs |
Mississippi River At Aitkin
|
1010cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Essar Steel Reclaim Pond
Swan Lake PWA