Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Pond deepening....

Hello. I am new to the forum and am looking for some advise. Just bought property with a 1acre plus pond here in northeast Pennsylvania (specifically luzerne county) The pond appears to be man made some time ago (50+years) and has a healthy population of bluegills, sunnys, catfish as well as largemouth bass. Also turtles and an infestation of frogs .

I have measured the depth and the deepest part is about 5 1/2 feet. I would like to deepen it significantly to help support the bass population -I am thinking to somewhere between 12-15 feet. The pond is adjacent to what I would classify a seasonal wetlands as well as a few swamps. I have been doing some research on siphoning and like this a method of lowering the water level.

What are the likely governmental challenges ? Definitely check into what is possible before you get your hopes up.

Is the sediment that we are removing useful in some way? Is it something that is fertile and can be used as a topsoil ? Yes, good after it breaks down. That is if its organic sediment. If its something like sand, then its just a fill material.

Is there a chance that significant deepening could cause a leak? I have also been told that one leak solution is a a bentonite lining. Any problem with this ? Yes, could leak. If you go as far as your thinking with this, the best is to have it compacted properly. Don't rely on bentonite.

What is the best time of year for this type of project ? Shortest answer, when it's the driest Good luck if you can predict the weather

If we drop he pond significantly below the water level of the swamp, is there a chance the swamp will dry out and return to open water rather than sediment and muck when the water level is returned to the pond? Most likely the plants will return in full force. The muck that is left will slide down into the deeper areas if they are given a chance.

Sorry if these questions are repetitive, this is all new to me.

Thanks

SW