Vulcan Quarry Dam
Vulcan Quarry Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, built in 2000. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Vulcan Quarry Dam
The primary purpose of Vulcan Quarry Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (local government).
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 265 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 40 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 690 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 2000, the structure is 26 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 10/30/2024.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Jefferson |
| Coordinates | 38.11412, -85.68281 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 265 ft |
| Year Completed | 2000 (26 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 690 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 690 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | LOUISVILLE METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/30/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY01174 |
| Federal ID | KY01174 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |