If you want to build a pond, you should first know the legalities and regulations surrounding the project. You must first determine whether you will need planning permission and, if so, what the process is. You need to research a watershed, an area of land which drains and feeds into a body of water on land. There are several guidelines you need to follow and you should always consult a professional.
Excavated Ponds
A dugout pond is a form of the excavated inland water basin. The water source for this type of pond is groundwater or runoff that is diverted from a drainage way. The pond is typically smaller than a pond and is dug into a relatively flat area. Because of this, it is well suited for locations with relatively low water demands. The area can also be excavated in a way that exposes the least water surface area per unit volume. Consequently, it has become popular in many areas of the state.
Before building your excavated pond, it is necessary to secure planning permission. If you wish to build a combination pond with an existing dam, you will need to apply for planning permission. You may wish to get the help of an engineer to design your pond and supervise the construction of the dam. During the construction process, great care must be taken to protect the surrounding area from erosion and sedimentation. In addition, the owner will want to keep the height of the dam as low as possible in order to avoid additional engineering costs.
Soil surveys will determine the type of soil on the site of the pond. In New York, almost all soils are classified. Some are suitable for ponds while others are not. A large property will have several types of soils that must be accounted for. Changing this type of soil is not possible once it is determined. A soil survey can also help you make an informed decision about whether your proposed pond is suitable.
When you decide to build a pond, you should remember that if you do not obtain permission, you can face serious consequences. You may end up paying a fine of $500 to a thousand dollars and possibly spending up to one year in jail. If you build a pond without planning permission, the government will issue a “stop work” order, requiring you to stop all work until the situation is resolved. In addition to fines, your project may be prohibited from selling or moving unless it receives the appropriate permissions.
You can also ask your local authority for a permit if you plan to dig a pond. Remember that excavators vary in size and strength. A compact one will be perfect for a small personal pond, while a standard one will be needed for larger projects. If you do not have any knowledge about how to get a permit, you can always seek professional help. If you are unsure, ask your neighbors for references.
If you do not have springs, your pond will be dependent on overland runoff. The water level will fluctuate if the pond has no natural spring water source. Also, the water from land may contain excess nutrients and silt that makes the pond’s water quality problems. Moreover, land flow ponds are usually warmer than spring water, which limits the pond’s wildlife.
Site Selection
When digging a pond, it’s important to select a site that is suitable for the type of water feature you want. Generally, clay-type soil will be ideal. To determine whether your site is suitable for a pond, take soil cores at several locations around your property. You can also seek help from your local Soil Conservation Service Office. If the soil type you have chosen doesn’t meet your expectations, you can use packed clay or plastic to line the pond. The costs of this method are almost prohibitive.
After selecting a site, you must clear the area of trees and bushes that will cause a pond to fill. If possible, you can employ animal power to clear large bushes and trees. You should also clear out the site of any wood or large stones. Surface soil is the worst kind for a pond because it contains the highest concentration of roots. Make sure to avoid the surface soil, and instead select an area with less topography.
Besides topography, other factors must also be considered when choosing a pond site. The area should have a sufficient amount of water, and the bottom should not be prone to flooding. Make sure the soil is able to hold water and prevent evaporation. The pond should be able to drain properly and not flood. It should also have good drainage and be high enough to allow gravity flow.
If there are any wetlands present, you may want to look for another pond site. This will avoid unnecessary costs, paperwork, and litigation. You can also avoid having to purchase mitigation measures and pay for a wetlands assessment from the USACE. If you have land that is suitable for a pond, make sure you take into account the location of buried utilities. There are many ways to avoid having to pay for mitigation or legal fees if the pond is located under a power line.
It’s important to choose a site that’s free of eroding watersheds. The soil must be able to hold six to twelve feet of water. The best drainage areas for a pond are those that are covered by permanent vegetation such as grass or trees. Using erosion control practices will keep silt out of your pond’s inflow. Generally, three types of water are used to fill a pond.
Before you dig a pond, make sure to identify wetlands. Private landowners should consider the federal no-net-loss policy. You can contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to find out what regulations may apply to your land. Furthermore, you should check with utility companies and U.S. Geological Survey Office about the right of way in your area and ensure that your project does not impact any of them.
Cost
A pond is a great property feature, but if you don’t have the proper planning permission, you might be prohibited from building a pond. In most states, digging a pond is legal, but you’ll still need to apply for a permit. Whether or not you need planning permission is dependent on the specifics of your project. You’ll need to know whether your yard is suitable for a pond, including the amount of clay soil and nearby watershed.
You should also check whether the site you’re planning to dig a pond is suitable for such a structure. Depending on your location, a pond can be fed by surface runoff or by springs. If you’re not sure if your site is suitable, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (NRCS) office and see if they can help you determine the level of water and the soil composition.
When choosing a location, consider the size of the pond and the amount of excavation required. It is advisable to use a narrow section of a valley, as it will require less material to build the dam. The slope of the ground uphill from the dam should also allow for floodwater to reach the area. Keep the pond away from sensitive areas, where it could potentially be polluted.
Depending on the location of the pond, excavation costs can be between $2,000 and $25,000, or more. The size of the pond, the depth, and the location of the pond will all influence the cost. Depending on the size of the pond, planning permission to dig a pond will determine the cost of construction. It may also be wise to have a landscaper come in and perform this work on your behalf.
A pond requires planning permission and many other consents. The Environment Agency will also review the pond to make sure it doesn’t disturb any protected species. A pond is different from a reservoir, which is a built-up lake and gets its water from dammed rivers. A natural lake, however, is a natural lake that replenishes itself through rivers. Planning permission to dig a pond can increase the value of your property.
A tall dike pond is typically built on a hillside. This type of pond is best suited for locations with limited water demand because its design can expose the minimal surface area in proportion to its volume. It is also a more effective choice in areas with high evaporation losses or a high amount of runoff in the wet season. Consequently, excavated ponds are popular in many parts of the state.
A good contractor will have many satisfied clients and will have access to an engineer to consult on the layout. They will also provide surveyed plans and insurance. They will also inform you about whether permits are required and who is responsible for obtaining them. You may have to pay a little extra for a good contractor, but this is usually money well spent if you want someone who knows their stuff. You can even contact your local NRCS office to inquire about a good contractor in your area.