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OP
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Seems like it would be a very good pond site since it is already holding some water. Where exactly does the water originate (surface?, springs?), and where does it drain to during excessive wet weather? If it's just a low spot which really doesn't have much flow, then I would be a little concerned about oxygen levels and temperature levels during the summer for trout, and might want to take some temperature readings throughout the year. Yes, digging it deeper would help, but I'm not sure whether it would just stratify without much flow. If your climate doesn't stay too hot for too long, then it might work. Definitely ask neighbors in the county if they know of others with a similar situation.
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Hi sjkrck1, thanks for your response! The water is groundwater. Right across the road is a pretty major river. When the river is high the water hardly seeps but when it is low the water in the main area (and the overflow areas) drains more rapidly. I had been thinking about the oxygen levels and was considering putting in an air pump. I think that should be more than enough air (amazon has some beefy ones for around $50) I think what I'm going to do this summer is excavate three deep test holes and check out the soil composition at the bottom and sides. I'm fairly certain it has pretty high clay from some mason jar testing I did earlier but I might have been reading them wrong cause my clay reading well over %15. When I do it again I'll post here for the experts. I was also considering some sort of pump / filter system In fact here is my amazon shopping cart of stuff I was thinking about for my pond http://a.co/hianFli Thanks again
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,722 Likes: 282
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,722 Likes: 282 |
Before doing any modification, you should understand any potential environmental laws or permitting so you do not get any "surprises" later.
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OP
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Hi RAH, thanks for the response, I'm not incredibly stoked by permits, fees and inspections, but I understand they're part of life and pond building...
I just hope they don't find any endangered species of flower frog porcupine berries or what have you that keep me from doing anything.
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
Before doing any modification, you should understand any potential environmental laws or permitting so you do not get any "surprises" later. Yes, beware of "swampbuster" laws. In reality, it will probably be cheaper to build a pond where there is NOT already standing water. You might be better off to leave that wetland as is and select a site above it. Working in muddy muck with large equipment is a slow messy process. Much easier to build a new pond than to renovate an old one.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
Is that your house in the lower right of the picture? If it is, why not build the pond just to the left of it across that access road to the barn? Then you could have something like this to look out your house window like I do. View of our main pond from our patio (and sun room and kitchen) Leave the wetlands for the birds, frogs and critters. At least that is the way I would do it.
Last edited by snrub; 03/18/18 11:23 PM.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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thanks snrub! Wow you brought up two really good points i hadn't even thought of! In my head I just saw the wet, low part of my property and automatically thought, thats where the pond goes. But whats the point of a pond if i cant even see it from my house where I am 99% of the time. I'm going to seriously think about other locations. in addition to being more enjoyable and easier to work with, I bet that would also add a lot more value to the home too.
I think you're totally right that disturbing existing wetlands is probably not a good idea. both for the fight with the county and the sake of the ecosystem thats developed back there.
thanks again.
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Joined: May 2009
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Lunker
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Lunker
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This a great example of how this forum helps us all out!
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
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In Washington state, your enlightened legislature has determined the water rights of the entire state belong to cities that are in the various watersheds. Toss on top of that, the EPA drooling over easy money in fines because an existing wetland was disturbed, and life could change dramatically for you....
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Joined: May 2009
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Lunker
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Lunker
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Last edited by RAH; 03/19/18 09:17 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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Joined: Oct 2015
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I would just move to a more favorable state if it was me and wanting a pond. The "red tape" in WA is impossible.
The permitting fees alone for a single 1/4 acre pond would cost more than I have total in both my 1/4 acre ponds. No permitting is required here if the disturbed soil is one acre or less, and if somewhat bigger, the permit is quick and cheap.
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 36
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Joined: Oct 2018
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Since this is a big project don't go hasty on it. Secure the papers and whatever the law requires so that when you begin all you'll think about is the end product.
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