The Ohio Valley Coal Slurry Disposal Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Ohio Valley Coal Slurry Disposal Dam, located in Alledonia, Belmont County, Ohio, poses a significant environmental concern due to its high hazard potential.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.