Kyger Creek Tailings Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kyger Creek Tailings Pond, located in Gallia, Ohio, is a significant Earth dam completed in 1955 with a height of 32 feet and a length of 8150 feet.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this tailings pond is to store tailings, with a storage capacity of 3856 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 123 acres and drains a small area of 0.2 square miles, discharging a maximum flow of 198 cubic feet per second into the Ohio River - offstream.

Managed by a public utility, Kyger Creek Tailings Pond is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio. The dam has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2016, with a significant hazard potential. Despite its fair condition, the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the pond was last revised in October 2020, indicating a commitment to emergency preparedness and risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kyger Creek Tailings Pond represents a vital infrastructure for storing tailings in Ohio. With its strategic location near the Ohio River and its regulated status, the pond plays a crucial role in managing waste from mining operations in the region. By adhering to inspection and regulatory requirements, the owners and operators of the dam uphold safety standards and prioritize emergency preparedness to mitigate potential risks associated with the structure.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

8150

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

OHIO RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

123

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

3856

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

32
       
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.