Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment is a privately owned structure located in DRENNEN, West Virginia, specifically on the SUGAR CAMP BRANCH.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This coal refuse impoundment serves the primary purpose of tailings storage and has a dam height of 150 feet and a length of 1900 feet. Completed in 2006, it has a storage capacity of 19,901 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 75,200 cubic feet per second.

Being regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Mining and Reclamation, this impoundment has a high hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Although the emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are not available, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to keep an eye on such structures to ensure proper maintenance and prevent any potential environmental disasters in the future.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

150

River Or Stream

SUGAR CAMP BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

249

Drainage Area

1.46

Nid Storage

19901

Structural Height

150

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

150
       
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.