Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, is a privately owned tailings dam that was completed in 1967.
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Summary
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at 40 feet high and has a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. With a surface area of 23.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 acres, the dam serves as a crucial structure for storing fluid waste and preventing potential environmental contamination.
Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in October 2017. The dam has a spillway capacity of 20 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 236 acre-feet. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, its condition is regularly monitored with inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Situated near a tributary to Lake Erie, Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a plays a critical role in managing tailings and waste materials for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to prioritize the maintenance and oversight of such structures to prevent potential environmental disasters and ensure the safe management of fluid waste in the region.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
3350 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LAKE ERIE - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
278 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Conneaut Creek At Conneaut Oh
|
2170cfs |
Brandy Run Near Girard
|
16cfs |
Walnut Creek Upstream Pool
|
57cfs |
Grand River Near Painesville Oh
|
1890cfs |
Mosquito Creek Near Greene Center Oh
|
298cfs |
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
|
189cfs |
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.
Elkem Fluid Waste Pond 3a