Ragsman,
First, welcome to Pond Boss.
I would suggest that you contact your local
NRCS office. If your local office hasn't been budget cut, they may be able provide tremendous help. If your NRCS services have been eliminated, try your
Tennessee Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Office.
I don't have a good suggestion on how to find a good contractor to assist, except by references from the above offices -- unless, there is someone here on Pond Boss who can vouch for local contractors.
I believe that your first suggestion will be pretty risky. It could work. I'm afraid it won't work if your dam was not properly built.
A second dam, with a good "keyway", is probably the best and least expensive (in the long run).
Good luck. Keep us informed.
Hopefully, a number of other experienced Pond Boss pond builders will provide additional suggestions.
Regards,
Ken
