Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F, located in Bessemer City, North Carolina, stands as a crucial structure with a primary purpose of water supply along Long Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1992, this 70-foot high earth dam serves as a significant resource in managing water storage with a maximum capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 4.4 acres and has a drainage area of 86 square miles, showcasing its importance in the region's water management system.

Despite its vital role, Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment rating of fair. The dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2019, highlighting the attention given to its safety and maintenance. The dam's regulatory oversight falls under the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, specifically the Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F lies in its role as a critical water supply structure in Gaston County. Its design and construction reflect the importance of sustainable water management practices, while its regulatory compliance ensures the safety and integrity of the dam. With its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to safeguard the dam's functionality and prevent any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

792

River Or Stream

Long Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Drainage Area

86

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

70

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

70
       
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.