Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site where to get clay?

I'm looking to re do my pond with a clay liner. I have searched online for places to buy bulk clay locally but no luck. Most local dirt places just have the basic stuff, mulch,sand,stones etc. Where do you guys normally look to get clay in your area? Should I call an escavating company? I'm located in Upstate NY. Thanks for any info.

LoneGoose,

I think you can simply call an excavator or two. Sometimes when they have a job they will strike clay, especially here in Upstate. In fact in some cases they may be looking for convenient places to dispose of it elsewhere off site (think fill), but then you are relying on luck for good material to be found for your pond. You will need to be very specific to make sure you don't wind up with clay mixed with asphalt.

But yes, while clay is valuable for ponds, it isn't in high demand enough to be sold regularly. Excavators around here are your best bet, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.

Where about are you in NY?

I'm from Saratoga County. I have a few emails out to some local escavating companies. I heard blue clay is way to go. I'm thinking I will need 20 yards.

If you only cover your pond bottom 12" thick you'll need 180 cubic yards. 65x75=4875÷27=180.555555 You should plate the whole bottom of the pond up to and above the high water line. I'd feel a LOT more comfortable with 18" of clay.............

Here's why: You drain the pond down. Bring in the one semi-truckload of clay. Get the heavy equipment to place and pack the clay. Pay for the equipment rental and delivery charge. Fill up the pond, find that you didn't hit the leak, repeat.

You can't just dump the clay into the pond and pack it properly with a tractor or skid loader.

I meant to say 120 yards that we estimated. I think the trucks carried 20 yards I believe. I have been emailing and talking so many #'S I'm starting to forget what is what. Leaning towards a liner now i think.
No need to drain pond down..It's empty lol. I learned very quick that diggin a hole isn't building a pond. Wish I found this site before I took on this project. I have some pics of this "pond"aka hole in the ground project.. We did one thing wrong after another. From not good soil to not compacting right to not using the right machine. Want my 3rd attempt to be my final one.

here are some pics of my hole

some more pics being filled from our lower pond