Anson County Wwtp Lower Dam (Sludge Lagoon) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Anson County, North Carolina, the Anson County Wwtp Lower Dam, also known as the Sludge Lagoon, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along McCoy Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet, with a hydraulic height of 23 feet, and a length of 1500 feet. Despite its important role in flood risk reduction, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with a high hazard potential.
The dam has a normal storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10.5 acres. Although the dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection and enforcement by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, its last inspection in August 2020 revealed concerning findings. With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for risk management measures and potentially an emergency action plan to mitigate any potential safety risks associated with the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Anson County Wwtp Lower Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental regulation, and risk management. As discussions surrounding dam safety and maintenance continue to gain importance in the realm of water resource management, the Anson County Wwtp Lower Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and complexities involved in ensuring the safety and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
River Or Stream |
McCoy Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1810cfs |
Rocky River Near Norwood
|
556cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
216cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2390cfs |
Little River Near Star
|
10cfs |
Rocky River Nr Stanfield
|
173cfs |
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.
Anson County Wwtp Lower Dam (Sludge Lagoon)