How inappropriate is it to just have a dozer do the work, without the sheepsfoot to knit the layers together?
Could the current level be at the water table, and the pumping out of the pond be ineffective?
The surrounding soil is clay. How much time would it take to move enough clay and pack it with a D8 dozer, to cover 1-2 acres?
Since there are some unknowns and no guarantees, how big of a gamble is it to forge ahead on this project (i.e. what is the success rate?)
I'm not a pro, but I've seen a few ponds.
The answer to the first question is "very". A tracked machine won't put down the necessary pounds per square inch that's required to knit and compact the layers of clay.
2nd question. It'w very possible that the water level in the pond is at the water level in the ground. It's also possible that the leak is above where the water level drops, and once it's dropped past where the leak is it won't leak out any more water. I dug my pond in sandy soil, and had water continually dumping into the pond because I had dug past the water table. I was able to keep ahead of the water coming into the pond with a 15,000 gph pump. So, yes, you can pump out faster than the water comes in.
3rd question - forever. You cannot compact the soil enough with a dozer. If you're asking how long it'd take to do the work with the dozer pulling a sheepsfoot, I can't answer that. It all depends on the slope of the pond, how dry you can get it, and the skill level of the operator.
The last question would be better answered by the pond designer. He's seen the type of soil and the conditions that pertain to that particular BOW. If you had good soil, and can get the proper compaction, I'd say the chances of it working out for you are very good if the whole bottom (area that would be under water) was lined and compacted. I wouldn't put much faith in patching a leaky spot. How do they know it's only one spot? I'd feel better with four (4) 6" lifts of clay compacted and knitted together.
Now for a question of my own. Why wasn't the design of the pond followed in the first place?
If it was my pond, and I had a budget to work with, I'd make durn sure that it was done right the first time because if it still leaks after the "patch", then how much more would it cost me to drain it again, have the equipment brought back out, and possibly re-seeding the torn up area again to keep erosion to a minimum? I think I'd be money ahead to do it right and do it once.
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