Rocklick Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Rocklick Slurry Impoundment in Greenwood, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

Standing at a towering height of 540 feet and a length of 1900 feet, this impoundment has a storage capacity of 29,993 acre-feet. Despite being classified as non-regulated by the state, the Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its inspections and operations, highlighting its importance in ensuring safety and compliance within the mining industry.

With a high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Rocklick Slurry Impoundment is currently not available, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance. Despite the lack of state regulation and permitting, the impoundment serves a critical role in managing tailings and waste materials from mining activities. As a significant structure in the region, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the potential risks and safety measures associated with this imposing earth dam.

While the dam may not be subject to state jurisdiction or permitting, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the complexities of structures like Rocklick Slurry Impoundment is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the safety of communities and ecosystems in the area. By staying informed and advocating for responsible management of such facilities, enthusiasts can contribute to safeguarding water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

540

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

29993

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

540
       
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.