Refinery Upground West Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Refinery Upground West Reservoir, also known as West Reservoir, is a privately owned water resource in Allen, Ohio, located in the city of Allentown.


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Summary

This reservoir serves as a tailings storage facility, primarily used for storing tailings from the refinery operations. Constructed in 1968, the dam stands at a height of 9.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 90 acre-feet.

Managed and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Refinery Upground West Reservoir is a vital component of the water infrastructure in the region. With a surface area of 15 acres and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, the reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential hazards. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 reported it as satisfactory, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area.

In the event of emergencies, such as dam breaches or flooding, the reservoir has designated inspection frequencies and emergency action plans in place. The last inspection in June 2017 deemed the structure to be in good condition, meeting guidelines and ensuring it is well-prepared for any potential risks. With its strategic location and importance in water resource management, Refinery Upground West Reservoir stands as a key asset in the region's infrastructure for water storage and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

9.2

River Or Stream

OTTAWA RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

152

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.