Craig, I'm not an expert but I like the idea of a PVC drain. I have a 12 inch PVC pipe with an anti seep collar. I've only needed it once and it handled a lot of water that I would not have wanted going over the spillway. The natural ground of a spillway can be tough to replace.

I consider a spillway as a real emergency (100 yr. flood) relief system. Most people do but you will find some pretty intelligent people here who disagree with me.

Did the NRCS guy give any reason for not liking the idea of bringing water off the bottom? That stuff is usually "dead" and is the best stuff to get rid of.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa