Scioto County Sludge Lagoon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Scioto County Sludge Lagoon, located in Lucasville, Ohio, is a tailings dam designed for the storage of sludge materials.


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Summary

Built in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and spans a length of 317 feet, with a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2017, the Scioto County Sludge Lagoon poses a moderate risk level. While the dam is currently classified as fair, ongoing risk management measures are essential to mitigate any potential hazards that may arise. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 508 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial structure in managing the flow of the tributary to Candy Run.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Scioto County Sludge Lagoon provides a valuable case study on the design and management of tailings dams. As a key component of the local government's infrastructure, this dam plays a crucial role in storing and regulating sludge materials, highlighting the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and hazard management measures in ensuring the safety and reliability of such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

317

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CANDY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

48

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.