Unocal Storage Pond #3
Unocal Storage Pond #3 is an earth dam located in Garfield County, Colorado, built in 1989. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Unocal Storage Pond #3
The primary purpose of Unocal Storage Pond #3 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 Union Oil Co. Of California (private). It impounds the Parachute Creek-os near Parachute.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 1,850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 years old.
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 11/30/1995. That was over 30 years ago.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Garfield |
| Nearest City | Parachute |
| River/Stream | Parachute Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 39.48028, -108.10195 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 8 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Max Discharge | 27 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Tailings |
| Owner | UNION OIL CO. OF CALIFORNIA |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/30/1995 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02553 |
| Federal ID | CO02553 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |