West Newton Sludge Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Newton Sludge is a privately owned dam located in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, specifically in Rostraver Township.


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Summary

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, this structure is state-regulated and meets all necessary permitting and inspection requirements. With a dam height of 99 feet and a length of 2150 feet, the primary purpose of this Earth-type dam is designated as "Other", with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, but its condition assessment is marked as unsatisfactory, indicating potential areas for improvement. Despite being last inspected in June 2017, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every five years, there are no records of recent modifications or updates. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unknown, its location within the Youghiogheny River watershed presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and assess the environmental impact of this structure on the surrounding area.

Dam Length

2150

Dam Height

99

River Or Stream

WTRSHD YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

99
       
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.