Re: OT Digging a Pond

Posted by Jon C -Florida on August 30, 2004 at 14:41:00 from (66.209.40.195):

In Reply to: OT Digging a Pond posted by Peanut on August 30, 2004 at 11:07:19:

Peanut - I relieved to see that you are not attempting to dig a fish pond in S.W. Florida.

If you were, TheRealRon has only highlighted SOME of the issues that would have to be dealt with for the smallest of puddles, if it were to be dug here.

First, you would have to hire and environmental scientist to determine of there were any potential "habitat issues". Gopher turtles, indigo snakes, scrub Jays and basic wetlands could not be jepordized without significant "mitigation". Assuming you were clear of these, but happened to want to place the pond in the natural low area that may have a touch of "wetland soils", then you would need to have your environmental scientist "flag" the wetland areas.

Then after its flagged, you would have to set up an appointment with the various agencies to confirm the flag locations, and move them back and fourth a bit until all agencies are satisfied.

After that, you need to hire a "Professional Surveyor and Mapper" to locate each flag, as well as provide a topographic and boundary survey of your and your adjacent neighbors lot, to "make sure" you do not impact them.

The signed and sealed "jurisdictional" wetlands map would of course have to be verified again and filed with the agencies.

You will also need to dig holes and have a soil scientist determine where the "Seasonal High Water" table is. A detailed report outlining the assumptions and conclusions will be necessary.

While your at it, a "Phase 1" environmental report would be nice, to make sure that there is no potential of underground tanks and the like in the area. They one of the less expensive studies you need at only around $2000.00.

Then, you go to hire a "Professional Engineer" who then takes the topographical data from the surveyor and develops detailed "Construction plans". As a minimum, typical cross sections indicating 4:1 side slopes to a point 2 feet below low water, specific cross sections, existing contours, final contours, haul routes, fill volume calcs., "best management practices" indicating exactly where the silt and erosion control measures will take place, dewatering plans, pump size and placement details, exact type of excavating equipment used, and final seeding and grading plans are necessary, as a minimum.

If you are impacting any "jurisdicional wetlands" then the process gets WAY more complicated, with mitigation plans, wetlands plantings and long term monitoring to "ensure success criteria" is met for the new wetlands.

The engineered plans are submitted with 15 copies, all originals (signed and sealed), to one of several agencies. Just one agency has 15 departments to review and comment on the "application package", which includes all the reports and studies generated to date.

And every one of them will have multiple comments. To paraphrase Truman "Any jacka$$ can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one". And so every "Jacka$$" who has no financial or vested interest in your little pond will have all the authority.

The engineer, will have to bow to all the agencies comments, re-submitting numerous times with letters and revised plans, all the while billing you for it.

Of course dont forget the direct "application fees" which run into the thousands, and of coures the "reclaimation bonds" and "road bonds" to make sure that you know how to dig the pond in exact accordance with the engineered plans.

If you ever do actually get all the permits, then digging the pond is simple. But when you finish, then you have to re-hire the engineer, and surveyor to provide final certifications and "as-builts" , and get the final agencies release. Most likely they will find something wrong, and keep a part of the bond money you posted.

So, again Im so glad you in Mo. where I hope you have some property rights left. Here in Florida, we get to pay taxes on property, but really don"t have much control over it anymore.

Good luck with your new pond!

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]