Rockcamp Branch Refuse Disposal Facility Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Rockcamp Branch Refuse Disposal Facility in Gilboa, West Virginia, is a private tailings dam with a height of 213 feet and a length of 1000 feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this facility has a high hazard potential and is not regulated by the state. Despite its significant size and capacity of 837 acre-feet, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, raising concerns about its structural integrity and potential environmental impact.

Located in Nicholas County, this Earth dam poses a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. With no state jurisdiction or permitting in place, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of the Rockcamp Branch Refuse Disposal Facility falls primarily on the owner. Given its proximity to water resources and the potential for downstream impacts, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor developments at this site and advocate for proper regulation and oversight to prevent any adverse effects on the environment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the Rockcamp Branch Refuse Disposal Facility's status and potential risks is crucial for understanding its impact on local waterways and communities. With a lack of available information on its condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures, there is a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability in ensuring the safety and security of this large-scale tailings dam. By advocating for regulatory oversight and regular inspections, concerned individuals can help mitigate the potential hazards associated with this facility and protect the surrounding environment from any harmful consequences of its operation.

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

213

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

837

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

213
       
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.