Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1

Boone, West Virginia· Earth· 780 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Private

Physical Details

Dam Height 780 ft (taller than 99.8% in WV)
Dam Length2,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage37.7K acre-ft
NID IDWV00532

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Elk Run Coal Company, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Lotts Branch Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 478 ft

Moccasin Hollow Impoundment

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High Hazard 310 ft

Jarrells Branch Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 520 ft

Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment

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Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 365 ft

Jake Gore Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 610 ft

Bean Hollow Slurry Impoundment (Plant 1 Crdf)

Boone, WV

High Hazard 415 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1?

Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Who owns Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1?

Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1 is owned by Elk Run Coal Company, Inc. (Private).

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.