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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32
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OP
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32 |
In 2013 I purchased a property with an existing 2 acre pond constructed in the '70s and fed by seasonal runoff. This pond has a leak, typically I find the water level about 3 feet below the drain pipe and I know of a soggy area in the ground below the dam. Now, I only periodically visit this property and fixing the leak hasn't been a priority as the dam is pretty thick and actually just part of a sloping hill. However, last month the pond was full to capacity (a very wet Tennessee season) and water was generously pouring into the top level pipe. This pond might become this full each year, but it was the first I've seen it become a lake. Should I be concerned about that soggy ground? Should I make this a priority? Should I hire an expert to assess my dam sooner than later? What will that cost?
One more bit of info: my house sits on the side of the hill below the pond.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,868 Likes: 301
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,868 Likes: 301 |
In 2013 I purchased a property with an existing 2 acre pond constructed in the '70s and fed by seasonal runoff. This pond has a leak, typically I find the water level about 3 feet below the drain pipe and I know of a soggy area in the ground below the dam. Now, I only periodically visit this property and fixing the leak hasn't been a priority as the dam is pretty thick and actually just part of a sloping hill. However, last month the pond was full to capacity (a very wet Tennessee season) and water was generously pouring into the top level pipe. This pond might become this full each year, but it was the first I've seen it become a lake. Should I be concerned about that soggy ground? Should I make this a priority? Should I hire an expert to assess my dam sooner than later? What will that cost?
One more bit of info: my house sits on the side of the hill below the pond. That last sentence concerns me. In your situation, I'd get an expert to take a look. When my pond was built, I was told that the future home site would need to be at least 3 - 5 feet above the top of the dam. Not the top of the emergency spillway, the dam itself.
Last edited by anthropic; 06/10/17 05:02 PM.
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32
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OP
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32 |
You're right, probably better safe than sorry. Ok, well to further complicate matters: I,m in Afghanistan and will be here until September, perhaps even October. I've searched in my local area of Bristol for anything to do with ponds unsuccessfully. Where can I find a resource for my situation? Are pond experts all in Texas? Will I need to fly someone to my property? I'm very open to suggestions.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,868 Likes: 301
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,868 Likes: 301 |
There are pond experts in Tennessee, I've seen articles in PB from some of them. Don't know their names off the top of my head, but I'm sure someone here will have that info for you soon.
And thank you for serving our country!
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,198 Likes: 512
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,198 Likes: 512 |
The best pond construction place in your region is Gray Construction Columbia TN. www.grayconstruction.net Mike Gray has an article in every PBoss magazine. Contact these experts for an evaluation of your situation. IMO once the average pond reaches 35-40 years old it needs to be rebuilt if water quality is a priority. If cost is a priority, then the pond could be down sized. High quality fish can be easily grown in 0.5 to 1 acre, plus one acre is easier & less costly to manage than 2 acres when there are problems.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 06/11/17 07:34 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,727 Likes: 898
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent  Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,727 Likes: 898 |
Bill has excellent advice and I would also recommend Gray Construction.
I believe your dam is a ticking time bomb, and just because it's only a few acres doesn't lower the risk to your house.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32
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OP
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32 |
Thanks for the advice, but I contacted Grey Construction and they declined to travel as far as Bristol.
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