Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations HELP - leak - big bummer

My 3' deep wetlands created this past september in southern indiana has began to leak. It is about a half acre in size, paid for 90% by the local nrcs. It is leaking about an inch per day. Strange thing is that is was full all winter and then the last week of March it began to leak! I noticed 2 spots below the dam where water was coming up out of the ground and draining down to the creek. As the water began to lower, I could actually hear and see the water running down into the craw-dad holes along the shore. The dam is about 15 wide and 3 foot tall, the site is on an old farm field. The excavator came back and dug out the area where the water was coming out of the ground. About a 15 x 10 foot area, we packed in the dirt back w/ bentonite. Now, it seems to be leaking around the area we packed, but not the original spot. Our next step is to dig a 6' deep trench down to virgin soil across the length of the dam (about 80') back in bentonite the length of the dam so hopefully, the leak can't find a way around it.

Can crawdads dig deep enough to cause leaks and if so...how do you get rid of them? These are small holes, about an inch and half around. I had a muscrat trapper out to look and he found no evidence of any. Please help with any advice!!! Thanks-

I doubt crawdads as the culprits. Was the dam originally cored?

Burrowing crayfish can most definitely cause a pond to drain. I don't know of any way to get rid of them though.

Defined Cored? Do you mean did he put a keyway in?

I was only there for part of the excavation, the entire project was done with a Dozer, the excavator is a good guy and used by many in the area he has been in business for 25 plus years. He also built my pond the year before, which I have had no issues with.

I'm not sure how well a keyway can be constructed with a dozer?

Yeah, core and key way are the same thing. If properly done, I have found that a dozer can do a good job. I think all compacting is best done with a sheepsfoot roller but I've seen quite a few successfully done with a dozer.