Anson County Wwtp Upper Dam (Sludge Lagoon) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Anson County Wwtp Upper Dam, also known as the Sludge Lagoon, is a crucial infrastructure owned by the local government in Anson County, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1970, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along McCoy Creek in the city of Blewitt Falls Dam. With a hydraulic height of 1 foot and a structural height of 19.9 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.3 acres.

Despite its importance in flood risk management, the Anson County Wwtp Upper Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection conducted in August 2020 revealed the need for improvements and potential safety concerns. The dam falls under state regulation by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and the Dam Safety Program, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the state of dams like the Anson County Wwtp Upper Dam, it is essential to recognize the critical role these structures play in protecting communities from flood risks. Continued assessment, maintenance, and potential upgrades are necessary to enhance the safety and effectiveness of these infrastructure assets in safeguarding against natural disasters and preserving water resources.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1050

River Or Stream

McCoy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.3

Hydraulic Height

1

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

19.9

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.