Cherry Tree Hollow Refuse Facility Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Cherry Tree Hollow Refuse Facility in Hollyhurst, West Virginia, is a privately-owned tailings dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

The dam, with an impressive height of 385 feet and a length of 1450 feet, provides a storage capacity of 6042 acre-feet. Located in Boone County, the facility is under the oversight of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and inspections.

Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Cherry Tree Hollow Refuse Facility is not available, highlighting the need for further evaluation and monitoring. Emergency preparedness measures, such as the existence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, are also not currently in place. Given its critical role in storing tailings, the facility's risk management measures and overall risk assessment are areas that require attention to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding environment and community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Cherry Tree Hollow Refuse Facility will find the data on its design, purpose, and regulatory oversight intriguing. The facility's impressive scale and capacity, coupled with its location in a high-hazard area, underscore the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols. As the facility continues to operate, ongoing risk assessments and emergency preparedness efforts will be crucial in safeguarding against potential environmental impacts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the dam.

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

385

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

6042

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

385
       
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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.