Bulls Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bulls Pond Dam, also known as Bessie Bull Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, along the Ball Branch river.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 880 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam is also regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols are in place.

Despite its low hazard potential, Bulls Pond Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of July 2017. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam is in need of maintenance and potentially poses a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in July 2019, indicating that measures are being taken to address any potential safety concerns. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the condition of Bulls Pond Dam and advocate for necessary improvements to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

880

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

BALL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.