The Ohio Valley Coal Slurry Disposal Dam, located in Alledonia, Belmont County, Ohio, poses a significant environmental concern due to its high hazard potential.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1981 by GEO-MECHANICS, INC., the private-owned dam stands at an impressive height of 275 feet and spans 850 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 30,746.8 acre-feet. Situated near a tributary to Captina Creek, the dam's primary purpose is for tailings disposal, making it crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its condition closely.
Despite being regulated and inspected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the dam's condition remains unrated, raising concerns about its long-term stability and potential risks. With a history of regular inspections dating back to September 2000 and an Emergency Action Plan last revised in July 2020, the dam's proximity to residential areas underscores the urgency for continued monitoring and risk management measures. As a pivotal structure in the region's water management system, the Ohio Valley Coal Slurry Disposal Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between industrial development and environmental protection in the Ohio Valley.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
275 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO CAPTINA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
292.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.75 |
Nid Storage |
30746.8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
275 |
Captina Cr. At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills
|
15cfs |
Wheeling Creek Below Blaine Oh
|
25cfs |
Wheeling Creek At Elm Grove
|
71cfs |
Ohio River Above Sardis
|
20500cfs |
Boggs Fork At Piedmont Oh
|
18cfs |
Stillwater Creek At Piedmont Oh
|
252cfs |