O'Neal Miller Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Stone Dam Areharts Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
O'Neal Miller Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches to a length of 515 feet, with a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet. Situated on the Big Branch river, the dam offers a surface area of 13 acres for water-based activities and enjoyment.
Despite its recreational value, O'Neal Miller Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of August 2017. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its design classified as buttress earth, the dam's foundation type is listed as unknown, raising questions about its long-term structural integrity and safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, O'Neal Miller Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the balance between human recreational needs and environmental safety. As a privately owned structure with limited federal involvement, the dam's management and maintenance are crucial in ensuring the safety of both visitors and the surrounding ecosystem. With its location in the Savannah District and close proximity to the Congaree National Park, the dam stands as a reminder of the delicate relationship between water resources, recreation, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
515 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
284 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
O'Neal Miller Dam