Cardinal Plant Ash Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Cardinal Plant Ash Pond Dam, located in Rayland, Ohio, is a significant earth dam completed in 1974 for the primary purpose of tailings storage.
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Summary
Managed by a public utility, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 4700 feet, with a storage capacity of 453 acre-feet. Situated offstream from the Ohio River, this structure is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are monitored effectively.
With a drainage area of 0.05 square miles, the Cardinal Plant Ash Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing tailings in the region while posing a potential risk if not properly maintained. Despite a fair condition assessment as of November 2017, efforts to mitigate risks and enhance emergency preparedness have not been fully documented. As climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to monitor the ongoing maintenance and regulatory actions for this dam to safeguard water resources and prevent any environmental repercussions in the surrounding Jefferson County area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the Cardinal Plant Ash Pond Dam and its associated risks is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding communities and ecosystems in Ohio. By understanding the regulatory oversight, hazard potential, and condition assessment of this earth dam, individuals can advocate for preventative measures, emergency preparedness, and risk management strategies to mitigate potential impacts on water resources and the environment. Continued monitoring and engagement with the regulatory agencies and stakeholders involved in the management of this dam will be crucial in addressing any emerging challenges and ensuring the long-term resilience of this vital infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
4700 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
OFFSTREAM - OHIO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
453 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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