Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds

OHIO RIVER· Marshall, West Virginia· Built 1975· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Tailings Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. 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 27 ft (taller than 19.4% in WV)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage464 acre-ft
Normal Storage92 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
NID IDWV05108

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: Yes
Last Inspection: March 31, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds 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 Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds is owned by AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds built?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds 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 Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds 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 Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds has a dam height of 27 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 Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds last inspected?

Mitchell Bottom Ash Ponds was last inspected on March 31, 2023. 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.