Mcguire Standby Nuclear Service Water Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcguire Standby Nuclear Service Water Pond Dam, also known as Category I Emergency Cooling Water, is a crucial structure located in Huntersville, North Carolina.


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Summary

Owned by a public utility, the dam was designed by LAW ENGINEERING TESTING COMPANY in 1980. With a dam height of 68 feet and a length of 1260 feet, it serves as a standby resource for cooling water in case of emergencies at the nuclear facility.

Situated on the Catawba River, the dam has a storage capacity of 578 acre-feet and a surface area of 34.9 acres. Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with the last assessment conducted in April 2017. The condition was found to be satisfactory, and the risk assessment is moderate with a score of 3.

Overall, Mcguire Standby Nuclear Service Water Pond Dam plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the nuclear facility by providing a reliable source of emergency cooling water. Its strategic location and design make it an essential component of the infrastructure in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, highlighting the importance of water resource management in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1260

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

CATAWBA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34.9

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

578

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

68
       
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.