Paradise Fossil Plant - Gypsum Scrubber Sludge Impoundment

Paradise Fossil Plant - Gypsum Scrubber Sludge Impoundment is an earth dam located in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, built in 1984. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Paradise Fossil Plant - Gypsum Scrubber Sludge Impoundment

Paradise Fossil Plant - Gypsum Scrubber Sludge Impoundment is a dam in Muhlenberg, Kentucky. The dam is owned by Tva (federal). It impounds the Jacob's Creek - Offstream near Drakesboro.

The dam stands 62 feet tall and stretches 7,850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 225 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 264 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/19/2025.

At 62 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

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

Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
Significant HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateKentucky
CountyMuhlenberg
Nearest CityDrakesboro
River/StreamJacob's Creek - Offstream
Coordinates37.24100, -86.99900

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height62 ft
Dam Height62 ft
Dam Length7,850 ft
Year Completed1984 (42 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage264 acre-ft
Max Storage264 acre-ft
Normal Storage149 acre-ft
Surface Area225 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge94 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerTVA
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection06/19/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDKY05014
Federal IDKY05014
More InfoState Dam Safety Program