Bottom Ash Ponds 1a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Bottom Ash Ponds 1a, also known as John Amos Flyash 1a & 1b, is a public utility structure located in Putnam, West Virginia.


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Summary

This tailings dam, primarily designed for storing coal combustion residues, stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 800 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 297 acre-feet and a surface area of 38 acres.

The dam is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation. The last inspection in December 2010 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential. While no modifications have been reported since its completion, the emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in June 2017.

Located along the Kanawha River in Black Betsy, Bottom Ash Ponds 1a plays a crucial role in managing coal combustion residues in the region. With its state-regulated status and satisfactory condition assessment, this structure serves as a key component in the state's water resource management efforts.

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

KANAWHA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Nid Storage

450

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.