Macoupin Energy/refuse Disposal Area 5
Macoupin Energy/refuse Disposal Area 5 is an earth dam located in Macoupin County, Illinois, built in 1987. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Macoupin Energy/refuse Disposal Area 5
Macoupin Energy/refuse Disposal Area 5 is a dam in Macoupin, Illinois. The dam is owned by Macoupin Energy, Llc (private). It impounds the Spanish Needle Creek near Plainview.
The dam stands 95 feet tall and stretches 7,000 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 9,800 acre-feet. Completed in 1987, the structure is 39 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/24/2026.
At 95 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Illinois dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Macoupin |
| Nearest City | Plainview |
| River/Stream | Spanish Needle Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.21226, -89.87945 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Length | 7,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1987 (39 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 9,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 9,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | MACOUPIN ENERGY, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 03/24/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL50010 |
| Federal ID | IL50010 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |