Finney Branch Embankment

About Finney Branch Embankment

The primary purpose of Finney Branch Embankment is tailings. Tailings dams contain waste material from mining operations — typically a slurry of finely ground rock left over after valuable minerals have been extracted. These structures require ongoing monitoring because tailings can contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The dam is owned by Hatfield Enterprises (private). It impounds the Finney Branch near Dunbar.

The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 03/27/2018.

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