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YCCD
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So, You are Thinking about a Small PondPermit, Design and Contractor Guidance For LandownersIntroductionPermits for construction of ponds may be required by the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act. Questions relating to pond construction permits should be referred to the South Central Regional Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Soils & Waterways Section. Failure to secure the proper permits could result in a violation of the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act and may result in the removal of your pond or dam. Some ponds are strictly ornamental in nature while others provide flood and storm water management and recreational opportunities. Proper design and construction are the keys to meeting your own objectives. Enclosed in this packet are suggestions for pond construction, agencies, engineers, contractors, and permit information. STEP 1 The first step in designing a pond involves an evaluation of the pond’s ability to hold water and maintain a desired depth. This may require a study of the soil types on the proposed site. The watershed, or contributing drainage area of the pond, must be examined to determine the amount of water flow through the pond. *(If you have hydric soils a wetland determination will be needed and if drainage area is over 100 acres a permit will be needed.) STEP 2 The pond should be adequately sized if it is to help control storm water runoff or flooding. Professional consultation is recommended to properly design spillways, embankments, and other design features. *(If the total storage is over 50 acre-feet, or if dam height is over 15 feet a permit is needed.) STEP 3 The pond should be designed to meet its intended use. This may entail incorporating shallow areas near shorelines for wildlife and fish habitat or emphasizing features that help remove pollutants, which creates a natural buffer between the upland and pond environment. STEP 4 Identify what types of fish should be stocked. Contact the Fish & Boat Commission Environmental Services for recommendation of types, numbers and size of fish for the size of the pond. STEP 5 Maintenance - A properly designed pond should only require minimal maintenance. Smart planning and quality construction can prevent serious maintenance problems such as leaks, algae blooms, or severe runoff that can fill and destroy the pond. Presently, there is NO government financial assistance to fund pond construction and/or development. However, there is assistance for wetland restoration. We hope this publication will clarify the majority of your questions. However, if some questions are still unanswered, please contact us.
Other excellent resources for pond information: Penn State info link: http://water.cas.psu.edu/ponds.htm
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