Union County Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Union County Pond Dam, located in Union, South Carolina, was completed in 1963 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earthen dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 350 feet along TR-BUFFALO CREEK. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, the dam serves as a recreational hub for the local community.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential improvements. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control regulates the dam, ensuring that it meets state standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. With a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years, it is crucial to monitor and address any issues to ensure the safety and integrity of Union County Pond Dam for both recreation and water resource management.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the resilience and maintenance of dams like Union County Pond Dam are essential. With proper risk assessment, management measures, and emergency action plans, the dam can mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed and advocating for the upkeep of critical infrastructure like Union County Pond Dam is vital for sustainable water management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.