I have a 2-acre pond that I am in the process of having drained, dredged and rebuilt. I bought the property/pond almost 2 years ago and, after researching as much as I could, decided to go through the �proper channels� and get all of the necessary approvals. I had a representative from the USDA/NRCS look at the pond and tell me that I would need a draw down permit from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (apparently in PA anything over 1 surface acre needs approval before it is drawn down) as well as an approval from the local NRCS for my �erosion & sediment control plan�. The NRCS was easy. I gave them more information than they could ask for and in turn they gave me quick approval. The PA Fish & Boat Commission, however, felt it necessary to stare at my simple 2-page application for more than a month before giving me permission to drain the pond.
Here�s the good part. The PA Fish & Boat�s approval letter said that I was required to contact the PA DEP Division of Dam Safety to make sure it does not need their approval. Since I knew it did not meet the criteria of needing approval I figured I would do everything by the book and call them. After a brief description of my project I was told that my project would be eligible for a waiver and not need any written approvals from them. HOWEVER, they told me I should contact the ACoE (
) to see if they would need to review the project � namely the removal of the spoils when it was dredged. Never mind that I have NRCS�s blessing and also have 32 acres of property to deposit the spoils.
I have to think that calling the ACoE is the kiss of death. Anyone have any opinions on this? Do you think the guy from the PA DEP is just doing his job by the book by making his suggestion? I do not want this to turn into a horror story like Jersey�s experience.
