Elmwood Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Elmwood Tailings, located in Carthage, Tennessee, is a private-owned dam used for tailings storage.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this dam stands at a structural height of 107 feet and has a hydraulic height of 92.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 4,337 acre-feet, Elmwood Tailings sits on the Tributary Fork River and covers a surface area of 71 acres.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Elmwood Tailings is classified as a significant hazard with a satisfactory condition assessment. Inspected regularly, the dam has an inspection frequency of every two years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. Despite its moderate risk rating, Elmwood Tailings does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, raising questions about its preparedness for potential emergencies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Elmwood Tailings can appreciate its unique design as an "Other" dam type with a buttress core. With its location in Smith County, Tennessee, and its association with the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulatory oversight, Elmwood Tailings presents an intriguing case study for those concerned with the intersection of mining activities, dam safety, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

3600

River Or Stream

TRIBCANEY FORK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

71

Hydraulic Height

92.5

Drainage Area

0.79

Nid Storage

4337

Structural Height

107

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

107
       
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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.