Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4

TRIBUTARY TO LAKE ERIE - OFFSTREAM· Ashtabula, Ohio· Built 1977· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 21.5% in OH)
Dam Length3,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage275 acre-ft
Normal Storage152 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge72 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDOH00946

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

EMC Ashtabula, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 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 Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 is owned by EMC Ashtabula, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 built?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 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 Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 has a dam height of 18 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 Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 last inspected?

Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 was last inspected on September 29, 2022. 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.