Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam
Key Takeaway
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 163 ft (taller than 99.9% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 27,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 117.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 940 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 80 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00719 |
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
Empire Iron Mining Partnership
Private
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam 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 Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam is owned by Empire Iron Mining Partnership (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam built?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam 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 Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam has a dam height of 163 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 Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam last inspected?
Empire Mine Tailings Basin Dam was last inspected on September 30, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.