Campbells Creek Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Campbells Creek Slurry Impoundment, also known as Pointlick Impoundment, is a privately owned structure located in Port Amherst, West Virginia.


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Summary

This impoundment, regulated by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, serves the primary purpose of storing tailings. Completed in 1999, this high-hazard dam stands at 355 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 2,217 acre-feet, with a surface area of 27 acres and a drainage area of 0.08 square miles.

Situated along Pointlick Branch, this impoundment poses a high hazard potential and has not been formally rated for its condition assessment. Despite its critical role in tailings storage, there is limited information available on its inspection frequency, emergency action plan readiness, and risk management measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 32 cubic feet per second, the impoundment's design and structural integrity are crucial considerations for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

As part of the Huntington District, the Campbells Creek Slurry Impoundment represents a significant water resource infrastructure in Nicholas County, West Virginia. With its notable storage capacity and potential environmental risks, this privately owned structure serves as a focal point for ongoing monitoring and management efforts by regulatory agencies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration. As enthusiasts in water resource and climate issues, understanding the status and conditions of impoundments like Campbells Creek is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and mitigating potential hazards.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1275

Dam Height

355

River Or Stream

POINTLICK BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

27

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

2217

Structural Height

355

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

355
       
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.