I'm at a loss as to why that metal panel would be in the ground like that, unless it was use as some sort of device to try to stop a leak. Maybe somebody else has a better idea, but it really doesn't make any sense to me why it would be there other then a leak.

Is there pipe behind or under it? From the picture, it looks like water has been coming out from the bottom of the hole. Is this the case? Have you seen water in there, or coming from there?

If it was me, I'd remove it and find what's going on in there. If it's not your problem, it is something that needs to be addressed.

Good luck,
Eddie

Lake Marabou http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=139488&fpart=1

It's not how many ideas you have, but how many you make happen.

3/4 and 4 acre ponds.