Piedmont Minerals Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Piedmont Minerals Lake Dam, located in Orange County, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure on the Eno River with a primary purpose of tailings management.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 50 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet, covering an area of 2.3 acres. While not state-regulated, the dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment done in March 2002, determining it to have a low hazard potential.

Despite its modest size, Piedmont Minerals Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing tailings and preventing potential environmental risks in the area. Its location near Hillsborough makes it a significant feature in the local water resource management system, especially given its association with the Eno River. The dam's structure and operation are subject to ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in preserving water quality and supporting the local ecosystem.

River Or Stream

Eno River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Nid Storage

46

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

50
       
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.