Jersey,
We need to stand up for each other's rights. If you think writing a complaint letter in support would help, please request one from each member of this forum via this site.
Here in Oklahoma, the only pond requirements I know of is not to damage federally identified wetlands, not to build a pond within 15 feet of a septic system, and we must request a state inspection on a new dam if people living below the dam can be flooded by a dam washout. These are reasonable restrictions. If there are any other permitting requirements, I am not aware of them and my neighbors don't seem to be concerned with any permits. For the most part, we hold to the "ignorance is bliss", "They will tell us when we have gone too far." and just "Get R Done". As stated in an earier post by another member, "That is why they call Oklahama, 'Native America'".
Now from the top of the rickity soapbox....
This pond building permit topic is really a major concern and extremly touchy issue. It comes down to a basic question of: "Do you have the right to do what you want to with your land if you are not infringing on other's rights, placing others in danger, or destroying the environment."
I really take offense that rules and regulations can be interpeted differenly for different people. I do not think we can over-react when it comes to protesting unfair and un-equal treatment by U.S. Government Agencies. If we do not take a stand on fair treatment without the interference of political cronies, we will become no better than those in some countries where bribery is a daily way of doing business.
I have been to 25 countries and I have had to bribe people to open an airline counter in time to allow me and others to catch a flight out of the country. I have had to pay "administration charges" to allow my tools to pass special inspection points set up by "goverment inspectors". I have endured insulting border crossing inspections of my tools and personal belongings because I didn't have the cash for a bribe. I have seen co-workers retained for 16 hours because they refused to offer a bribe. I finally came back and paid an "administrative fee" for them. In some countries, everyone in a uniform has their hand out. I have had to pay a "fee" to use a government road. I have had to pay $50 to keep our driver from being shot. (That one was a tough decision.) I have had to keep $500 U.S. cash on hand just in case the the U.S. decided to invade a neighboring country. The $500 would guarentee passage across the border into a "friendly" country. In all these and more situations, I never liked it and just saw it as part of doing business overseas. I always told myself, "Never in the good ole US of A."
What is the difference between getting a special interpetation requested by a U.S. Senator or just handing over fifty bucks per person in the car to the Nigerian Army Officer holding a .45 to your driver's head? The difference is the Nigerian is being more direct in his strong-arm tactics. I respect the bandit with a gun more than I respect a politician that just expects a "donation". In fact, the U.S. Senator should be impeached or recalled.
On the lighter side.... What we really need is a 28th amendment to the constitution.... "The ownership of a pond is necessary for the pursuit of happiness, the right to build and maintain a pond shall not be infringed."
Now back to the dark side....Even with an amendment as simple as that, I am sure their are some that would try to regulate ponds out of existence. I may be jaded, but I could see the govt. even creating a federal agency dedicated to the regulation of and the assignment of special taxes on ponds. Sounds familiar?
Sometimes "civil disobedience" is a proper act to get the attention and support of the media. An act of civil disobedience would be to build a pond in protest of a refused permit and stand your ground. Perhaps just a small pond that would not involve a lot of cash outlay.
Civil disobedience is a lot easier advised than done....., especially if a person is working for a living and has small children to support and if the kids are too young to know the difference between protesting and breaking the law.
Perhaps there is some retired person out there that is willing to give it a shot? I am wiling to do it but no one in this county seems to care if you build a pond, there are absolutely no building permits or construction criteria required in this county. The only permit I needed for building a complete house was a state approved septic system permit.
Well, again I have gotten too long winded. I keep telling myself to keep my keyboard quiet but my fingers just start moving on their own.
Thanks for listening. I always have been parial to the slogan, "Clean House and Senate too."
