Bottom Ash Ponds 1a

About Bottom Ash Ponds 1a

The primary purpose of Bottom Ash Ponds 1a 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 Appalachian Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Kanawha near Black Betsy.

The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 38 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 450 acre-feet.

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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/31/2025.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.