Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment

Bell, Kentucky· Earth· 191 ft tall

High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. Its primary use is tailings. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	191 ft (taller than 95% in KY)
Dam Length	1,350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	1.2K acre-ft

NID ID	KY83600

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: March 3, 2021

State Regulated: No

Ownership

Nally & Hamilton Enterprises, Inc.

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment?

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment?

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment is owned by Nally & Hamilton Enterprises, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment?

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment?

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment has a dam height of 191 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment last inspected?

Betsie Branch Refuse Impoundment was last inspected on March 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.