Westvaco Corporation Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Westvaco Corporation Dam, located in Hampton, South Carolina, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife as a designated Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1997, this Earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 370 feet, providing a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 19.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and recreational activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Westvaco Corporation Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of November 2017. The dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While it meets the state's regulatory standards and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, there are concerns about its overall maintenance and long-term sustainability. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to prioritize the upkeep and monitoring of dams like Westvaco Corporation to protect both the environment and surrounding communities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Westvaco Corporation Dam represents a unique intersection of environmental conservation and infrastructure management. As a privately-owned structure regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, this dam serves as a model for balancing the needs of wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and water supply demands. By addressing the current poor condition assessment and implementing risk management measures, the Westvaco Corporation Dam can continue to fulfill its essential role in preserving the delicate balance of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-TENNANTS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.