Hey Richard,
Just saw your post series now and the "potential" issues with the permits and the process. I have the same issues and concerns related to my current 26 acre pond and a new 1-1.5 acre pond that I would like to build. I'm currently researching options for assistance in obtaining a permit to build the smaller pond. I also want to dredge out parts of the 26 acre pond but at this point I feel there is a better chance of obtaining the new pond permit so I'm concentrating on that project for now. There is no way I'm going to approach the Michigan DEQ for a permit without professional help as once that genie is let out of the bottle it will never go back in. I know of multiple pond owners who have been shut down for doing anything related to maintenance or improvements on their ponds as in no maintenance dredging of any kind. A local guy who has been involved in many pond installations and maintenance projects has said it is getting to the point that he recommends against folks digging ponds due to the lack of permit application success and the overall hassle of the process. He also says that if you apply for a permit and are denied for something like maintenance dredging they will observe your site for years to make sure you don't dredge without a permit and if you do then the real problems start. I should know more here in the next few weeks with a couple of the places I'm researching the permit process with and will let you know. I'll also pm you my email and phone number if you are interested in comparing notes. Thanks.
Bryan
Last edited by bryani289swmi; 12/27/15 08:30 PM.
