Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F
Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F is an earth dam located in Gaston County, North Carolina, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F
Lithco Mine Tailings Dam F is a dam in Gaston, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (private). It impounds the Long Creek near Bessemer City.
The dam stands 70 feet tall and stretches 792 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 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. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/19/2024.
At 70 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 North Carolina 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 | North Carolina |
| County | Gaston |
| Nearest City | Bessemer City |
| River/Stream | Long Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.33830, -81.29840 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Length | 792 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 56 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 56 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/19/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC02641 |
| Federal ID | NC02641 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |