Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Leaking Pond

Hello,
I purchased app. 4 acres of land 3 years ago in Allegany County, N.Y. and it had a newly constructed 1/2 acre pond. The land is located near the top of a small mountain (big hill). The pond fills to a level of app. 12' deep in early spring and then looses water to the point of app 2' deep. I had a contractor look at it and he says that they dug too deep and there is a lot of Shale rock on the bottom and sides which is causing the leakage. He said to install a clay liner would cost between $10,000 - $15,000 which is more than I am willing or able to spend. His other option was to drain the pond and put 10 - 15 bags of Bentonite along the back wall (levy) and the bottom of the wall. I have quite a bot of run-off nearby, and he suggested we dig a ditch to get the water into my pond.
I have been unable to locate Bentonite in Western N.Y.. Do any of you have any ideas of where I might find this product and do you think the options I listed above is the way to go for now?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and thanks much for the help.
Don

Ollie, First off welcome. Secondly, I am sorry to hear about your problem. I feel your pain.

I would say however for such an extensive leak, I would not expect that Bentonite would work. Not to mention just a few 10-15 bags of it.

If you were looking for it around her ethe best places to go are construction supply companies. We have a few up here in Rochester but it will cost about $19/50 lb bag from those places. This becomes very costly very quick. Some people have stated they can get them from feed stores such as Agway, Central Farm and Tractor ...etc. I havent seen them carry it around this part of NY.

Truth be told, if the contractor believes that 10-15 bags of it will cure the problem then lining that area with clay would not cost $10,000 - $15,000 to do the same thing. I would have the SOil and water district have someone out to take a look. That usually only costs around $150 and they can diagnose a problem and suggest a solution and or give you the name of a good pond contractor. You will find many that say they are but when it comes down to it they are just hole diggers. I have met many who when asked to compact the soil say, " I have never had to do that with the soil around here and its not necessary" Those are the ones to avoid and look for others who know the value of doing something right.

All that being said, He may be a good contractor and it may indeed be the only solution. If thats the case you have some tough decisions ahead of you.

Please let me know how things are going and if you need some local names or help.

Eric, Thanks for your response and I am going to take your advice and see if I can get someone out to take a look and give me some options. I don't have any pond experience and I have been told to try everything from chicken litter to dry wall sheets to seal the leaks. Gets a bit confusing sometimes.
I'm glad I found this site and have been reading up on the different subject matter and expert advice. Hopefully I'll learn a thing or to in case I ever get some water in my pond.
Thanks again and I'll let you know what I find out.

Ollie try this group first:

Allegany County SWCD

Address:

Ag Service Center
5425 County RT. 48
Belmont, NY 14813-9758
Phone: (585) 268-7831, Ext. 3
Fax: (585) 268-7224
Email: alleganyswcd@yahoo.com

WQCC Contact
Fred Sinclair Dist. Mgr.