Big Island
Big Island is a stone dam located in Bedford County, Virginia, built in 1850. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Island
The primary purpose of Big Island is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Gp Big Island, Llc (private). It impounds the James River near Big Island.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 657 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 110 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 550 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,100 square miles. Completed in 1850, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/26/2019.
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Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Bedford |
| Nearest City | Big Island |
| River/Stream | James River |
| Coordinates | 37.53630, -79.35680 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 657 ft |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 550 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 550 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 550 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,100 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | GP Big Island, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/26/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA009002 |
| Federal ID | VA009002 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |