We have a pond that is less than .25 acres, and is maybe 7-8 feet deep. For several reasons, we have decided to get rid of the pond. The pond's over flow goes straight into an intermittent stream. Also there is some type of cement pipe that is 2ft underground that provides water during heavy rain. So one thing is I will likely have to make sure to divert/pipe that water to the stream

My big question is filling in the pond. I have been able to pump the majority of the water out, except for a very small area a few inches deep. When I walk into the middle, I sink to about my knees then stop. There is a pretty thick layer of muck on top, and I know that clay way brought in to make the pond. I am not sure however how much of that 2ft my leg sinks in is clay and how much is muck. So do you think I could just put 6ft or so of fill dirt on top of the 2ft of clay and muck and be ok? Or will future rain water not be able to percolate down, causing a swampy area? The bottom of the pond is elevated above the level of the intermittent stream that runs down and away from the pond, so that should help in the area draining.

I did think that the clay/muck mix could be excavated out, but I only have access to a skid steer. Any input or insight would be of help

I will try to post some pics up

So I was able to go out and actually measure the muck/clay in the middle of the pond. It is actually only about 16in in the middle. I took a shovel, and there appears to be about 4 to 6 inches of muck and 12 to 10 inches of gray clay. In the shallower areas, I was able to dig past the muck/clay and see the relatively dry dirt underneath. So what do you think; just fill it in with dirt, or does the muck/clay need to be dug out? Can I maybe get it up on the banks to dry out; would that be beneficial?

There are A LOT "it depends" going on here and a site visit by a professional would advised, but I understand the expense involved so...

Keep in mind that I have little to no experience in pond building or the reverse.

Assuming that it is not a water table pond...

Any time you take a hole that holds water and fill it in, you run the risk of creating a very wet swampy area. I would at least consider creating a gravel vein (french drain) from the very bottom of the pond through the dam that extends to a point where it can daylight or at least meet porous earth. This way any water that collects in the earth that has been used to fill the pond can drain out. And, make sure your fill has some drainage ability (filling it back up with clay would defeat the french drain).

If it's a tradition dammed pond, you could cut the dam where the natural course of running water would "like" to flow and use the dam materials to fill in the very bottom and lessen the side slopes. This leaves the ravine/ditch that it was originally created in. Of course, if your wanting a plateau as a result, you'll have to bring in dirt and consider the french drain.

Welcome to the forums!

One potential issue MIGHT be the crud in the bottom going into a public waterway.