Cornwall Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Cornwall Tailings, located in Cornwall Borough, Pennsylvania, is a rockfill dam completed in 1961 with a height of 200 feet and a length of 3800 feet.


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Summary

This structure serves the primary purpose of managing tailings, with a storage capacity of 3880 acre-feet and a surface area of 60 acres. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The Cornwall Tailings dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location near Berhard Creek. Despite this, it currently has a fair condition assessment, indicating that it is being maintained adequately. The last inspection was conducted in March 2021, with a recommended frequency of once per year. While there are no emergency action plans or risk assessment reports available for the dam, it is reassuring to note that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Cornwall Tailings to be an intriguing case study in tailings management and dam safety. The combination of its historical significance, large storage capacity, and high hazard potential make it a noteworthy structure in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the infrastructure and regulations surrounding dams like Cornwall Tailings becomes increasingly vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

3800

Dam Height

200

River Or Stream

BERHARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

60

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

3880

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

200
       
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.