Jordan Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Jordan Tailings Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a crucial infrastructure designed for tailings storage.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 43.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this earth dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, is to contain the tailings produced from nearby mining operations, ensuring the safe disposal of waste materials and protecting the surrounding environment.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Jordan Tailings Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regularly assessed to maintain its fair condition and ensure its continued safety. The last inspection conducted in August 2020 revealed that the dam meets guidelines, with emergency action plans in place, although there are no inundation maps prepared at this time.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricate balance between industrial activities and environmental conservation will find the Jordan Tailings Dam an intriguing case study. The interactions between mining operations, tailings storage, dam construction, and regulatory oversight highlight the complexities of managing water resources in a sustainable and responsible manner. As a vital component of the local water infrastructure, the dam serves as a vital link in ensuring the protection of Black Creek Offstream and the surrounding ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of proper dam maintenance and monitoring in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Dam Height

43.3

River Or Stream

BLACK CREEK OFFSTREAM

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.