Going to build a new Tech Pond....1st step......

[MRC Dream]

Got a call into the local conservation agent for assistance in this initial startup. Maybe a bit premature because I haven't had the soil tested yet, but this will get the ball rolling for what I hope is a productive summer. I'm going to try and keep this thread updated with my progress and the steps in doing this, as to maybe help someone else down the line. I will be doing this on a very tight budget, so thinking outside the box will be involved.

I've got a perfect site on my newly aquired 6 acres of heaven just north of Madison. Future house site as well.

Step 1: Assistance from Conservation Office with location, survey, and recommendations. (Free service). Soil Test to follow.

Step 2: Pond design and tree removal.

Step 3: Bring in the equipment baby!!

It's going to be about 1.5 to 2 acres in size. Coves and irregular shore line for the most part with multiple crossing channels. This is not going to be strictly a training pond, but will be stocked with fish, and will have to be athestically pleasing. I do plan on leaving some natural obstacles like tree stumps ect........

Anyone with experience in doing this, is more than welcome to come by and offer their respective opinions.

I'm presently toying with the idea of buying some equipment, and doing it myself with a hired hand for the grunt work. Sell the equipment afterwards....... Obviously it would probably take me all summer to complete this myself, but what the hell. Dozer, big tractor, and a dirt pan with a borrowed excavator when needed. (got a buddy with one that already told me he would help me.)

I do plan on getting a couple of bids on the project. I've got one preliminary estimate already, so it seem do able if I hire it out.

The adventure starts shortly.......

I plan on documenting this thread with pictures...before, clearing, building, and after.

[Baker McCool]

I got with the local NRCS office prior breaking ground on my tech pond. They did a watershed analysis for me from the get go to see how much shed I had to support my proposed acreage. We had to check with TDEC(Tennessee Environmental folks) to get clearance and permits to make sure we did not alter any existing creeks/swales. Erosion control was a major priority with them too.
I laid it out in AutoCAD from there to get some "apples to apples" bids.
From the winning bidder, we got started and made changes along the way to save money and improve structure. Not having to top load the pans made for a swifter finish too.
Good luck.

[chopper30]

I know an engineer you can hire within close proximaty

[MRC Dream]

I know an engineer you can hire within close proximaty

Hope he works for free.......

[waterbug]

I know an engineer you can hire within close proximaty

Hope he works for free.......

I heard he works for beer and steak The Lardy article example on pond design would be a good one to do on 1 to 2 acres added to the stuff you are talking about. You seen that article?

[flyntwt]

DIB,

Debt free, dog training, and now building your own tech pond. Never thougt I would say this, but man, youre turning into my hero!

[Copiah Creek]

Mine too ,,, just hurry every chance you get .

[CF]

build me a covered porch to sit under to drink cold beverages...that's about all that is missing...

[MRC Dream]

Man Cave and Shelter will be included.......

Meeting with the conservation dude at 9:30am this morning........

[msbigdawg1234]

damn son go head on......try to add to ya budget for a well and pump to keep good cool water for those hot steamy days....lol

[MRC Dream]

damn son go head on......try to add to ya budget for a well and pump to keep good cool water for those hot steamy days....lol

Actually, I'm going to make it 8-10' deep, and provide some type of aireation equipment to keep the water moving. Not sure about that yet......

[huntersmky]

tight budget, but you're "buying equipment to build and adding an aerotor for your pond"? what is tight about that budget

damn son go head on......try to add to ya budget for a well and pump to keep good cool water for those hot steamy days....lol

Actually, I'm going to make it 8-10' deep, and provide some type of aireation equipment to keep the water moving. Not sure about that yet......

[MRC Dream]

tight budget, but you're "buying equipment to build and adding an aerotor for your pond"? what is tight about that budget

damn son go head on......try to add to ya budget for a well and pump to keep good cool water for those hot steamy days....lol

Actually, I'm going to make it 8-10' deep, and provide some type of aireation equipment to keep the water moving. Not sure about that yet......

Equipment will be used, and resold after completion. Basically, if you buy it right, it doesn't cost you a dime, except maintenance and diesel.

Not sure I want to go this route, however. Depends on the bids.

Conservation man just left, nice guy. He basically said it's an excellent site, and the soil looked great. He marked the water lines around the perimeter, and located the levy and emergency overflow area's. He's sending me calculations on the cubic yards, etc..that will need to be moved for the core ditches and levy. Levy will be 315 ft. long down one side of the pond. Height will vary from 5 to 10', and deeper at the natural ditches.

I'm now going to work on a drawing, and define the technical areas of the pond including coves and points.

Wish my engineer friend would lay it out on CAD for me.......that would help. hint hint chopper........

[chopper30]

I'm there for you, hollar at me and we will talk

[gator]

NOW TAKING ODDS ON WHEN HOW LONG IT'LL TAKE FOR HIM TO RUN OVER HIS HEAD W/ A BULLDOZER.

start the time frame at 5 minutes..................do i hear 6, 6 anyone?????

gator