Cove Ridge Tailing Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cove Ridge Tailing Pond, located in Frederick, Virginia, is a privately owned structure with a high hazard potential.
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Summary
The tailing pond has a dam height of 60 feet and a storage capacity of 305 acre-feet, with a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 2 acres. Despite being under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulatory purposes, the state of Virginia does not regulate, inspect, or enforce any requirements on this facility.
This tailing pond poses a potential risk to the surrounding area due to its high hazard potential, although its condition has not been rated. With no emergency action plan in place and no recent inspection or assessment data available, the safety and environmental impact of Cove Ridge Tailing Pond remain uncertain. The structure, completed at an unknown date, is 855 feet long and located within the Pittsburgh District, but lacks critical information on risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and management measures.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor structures like Cove Ridge Tailing Pond to ensure their safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The lack of state oversight and updated information on this facility raises concerns about its potential impact on the environment and surrounding communities. Further evaluation, assessment, and risk management measures are necessary to safeguard against any potential hazards associated with this tailing pond in Frederick, Virginia.
Dam Length |
855 |
Dam Height |
60 |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
305 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cove Ridge Tailing Pond
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