Coal Refuse Disposal Facility No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Coal Refuse Disposal Facility No.


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Summary

1, located in Tallmansville, West Virginia, is a privately owned facility primarily used for tailings disposal. The dam at this facility stands at a height of 190 feet and stretches over 1100 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 6100 acre-feet. While the site is not regulated by the state, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration for inspections and enforcement.

Despite lacking state oversight, the facility poses a high hazard potential due to its size and function. The condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as "Not Available," raising concerns about its safety and stability. Emergency action plans and risk assessment measures for the site are also lacking, highlighting the need for improved emergency preparedness and management protocols to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources.

With the risk of inundation and potential environmental impact from a dam failure, stakeholders and regulators must prioritize the assessment and monitoring of Coal Refuse Disposal Facility No. 1. This facility serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and emergency readiness in safeguarding water resources and the surrounding environment from the impacts of coal refuse disposal operations.

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

190

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

6100

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

190
       
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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.