Martin-Marietta Quarry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Martin-Marietta Quarry Dam, located in Gastonia, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for tailings management.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. Situated on Long Creek, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management in the area.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the Martin-Marietta Quarry Dam poses a significant hazard potential. With a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam's last inspection in May 2019 highlighted the need for further evaluation and potential risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain undetermined, raising concerns for both water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the condition of the Martin-Marietta Quarry Dam, there is a clear need for increased oversight and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential structure. With its location on Long Creek and its significant hazard potential, stakeholders must prioritize the assessment and potential improvements to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the effective management of dams like the Martin-Marietta Quarry Dam becomes even more critical for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1974

River Or Stream

Long Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.9

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.