Elizabeth Mine Tp-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Elizabeth Mine Tp-1, located in Orange, Vermont, is a privately owned tailings dam that was completed in 1958.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 120 feet with a length of 2100 feet, creating a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the West Branch Ompompanoosuc River and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020, Elizabeth Mine Tp-1 poses a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. The dam has a history of state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its continued safety and functionality. The last inspection took place in July 2017, with a scheduled frequency of one inspection per year to monitor any changes in its condition.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Elizabeth Mine Tp-1 an intriguing structure to study, given its significant height, storage capacity, and potential impact on the surrounding environment. Understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory oversight of this dam provides valuable insights into the management of tailings facilities and their potential risks. As a key component in water resource management, Elizabeth Mine Tp-1 serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure to safeguard both human populations and natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

2100

Dam Height

120

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH OMPOMPANOOSUC RIV.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

120

Drainage Area

0.43

Nid Storage

1250

Structural Height

120

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

120
       
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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.