Fly Ash Settling Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

The Fly Ash Settling Basin Dam, also known as Fmc Beaver Pond, is a private-owned structure located in South Charleston, West Virginia.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1974 and serves as a tailings dam with a primary purpose of containing waste materials. Standing at a height of 28 feet and with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 620 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 38.3 acres.

Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the Fly Ash Settling Basin Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It is situated along Davis Creek in Kanawha County, with a drainage area of 72 square miles. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory during its most recent inspection in 2009.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Fly Ash Settling Basin Dam can appreciate its role in managing tailings and its significance in environmental protection efforts in the region. The dam's design, construction, and operation are closely monitored to ensure public safety and the preservation of water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

2450

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

DAVIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

38.3

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

72

Nid Storage

620

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

28
       
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.