Ouch! $18k is a pretty steep premium to pay. Is it possible to downsize the lake to avoid the gas lines? If so, then a 5 acre pond and a 4 acre pond, and a extra $18k might be a better deal. Dealing with public utilities is getting tough these days...a private contractor could do the work at a fraction of what the utility company would charge, but the utility companies won't allow the customer to re-locate or install the lines. They play with their own rules.