Martin-marietta Quarry Dam

About Martin-marietta Quarry Dam

The primary purpose of Martin-marietta Quarry Dam 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 Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (private). It impounds the Long Creek near Gastonia.

The dam stands 26 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. Completed in 1974, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 12/05/2024.

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