Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b
Key Takeaway
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b is classified as significant hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 860 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 115 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 99 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2015 |
| NID ID | WA00434 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC
Public Utility
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b is owned by TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b built?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b was completed in 1980, making it 46 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b last inspected?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3b was last inspected on August 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.