Pond Building

[The Engineer]

I have a small creek running through my property. After it comes down the hill it levels off and the water slowly works it way across the property. I was thinking of digging an oval hole let the water run in one side and then let it spill out the other end and keep on going. Any info would help. I was thinking of hiring someone but I am cheap and I like playing in the dirt too

Thanks,

[SplitG2]

that will work but make sure the discharge side is firmed up or it will wash out.

Edited January 8, 2012 by splitG2

[Skillet]

Might want to check with the DEC.

Edited January 8, 2012 by Skillet

[Pygmy]

You defintiely need to check with the DEC..

There are strict regulations involving wetlands and waterways here in NY..

[cbx46]

Or if its in the middle of the woods just do it and say its always been like that. this state has a little to much to say about what people can do with their own property. If it boiled down to more then fees and money it would be legit but.....

[growalot]

cbx....have you been to Google Earth lately?...because our town zoning and tax guys spends most of his day on it....the days of doing anything in the woods on the sly are...GONE!!!.....and let me say...it drives me wild...yep ever feel like your being watched when taking a woodland potty break...YOU ARE...lol

Edited January 9, 2012 by growalot

[landtracdeerhunter]

Some friends of ours, just dug a pond. They had to have an Eviormental Impact Study done before the first shovel full of dirt was moved. They also couldn't transport any dirt off their property. The last may have been a local code.

Edited January 9, 2012 by landtracdeerhunter

[Culvercreek hunt club]

The stream could be State or Federal Wetlands. Might ne neither. But you sure do not want to get caught having already built something. The days of "it's easier to get forgiveness or permission" are over. The restoration costs and fines can be significant. It is especially touchy if downstream is classified as trout waters.

I would start with the DEC

[G-Man]

an excavated pond can be as big as you want if its a dammed pond(dike) then you can only impound a million gallons of water approx an 1-2 acre average depth 6'.with out and engineering study. as for a stream running in and out.. it will fill your pond with sediment. The dec is not really involved. but contacting your local soil and water conservation district . will tell you if it is a protected stream. give you a list of certified excavators. a pond off to the side of the stream will be better than one going thru it. for the $ or time you spend you don't want it filled up in to a year or two. plus soil and water may give you options to enter different programs that pay for part or all of the cost of putting the pond in as well as issue you a permit for stocking and fishing your own pond with out a licence!