Clinch Valley Mine Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clinch Valley Mine in Grainger, Tennessee, is a private tailings dam managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 70 feet and serves the primary purpose of storing tailings. While specific details such as dam length, volume, and storage capacity are not provided, the significant hazard potential of the dam indicates the need for attention and monitoring.

Located in the Nashville District, Clinch Valley Mine is situated in a region represented by Tim Burchett (R) with no specified town nearby. Despite being unlisted for inspection frequency and condition assessment, the dam's buttress core type suggests a sturdy design. With no state regulation or permitting required, the dam's ownership and operation solely fall under private entities, raising questions about accountability and oversight in the event of any environmental risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the unique characteristics of Clinch Valley Mine, given its undisclosed inspection dates and limited information on storage capacity. The dam's lack of state jurisdiction and regulatory agency oversight could pose challenges in ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards. As a significant hazard potential structure, the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness measures remain critical aspects to monitor for the protection of the surrounding ecosystem and water resources.

Dam Height

70

Primary Dam Type

Other

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

70
       
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.