Detention Pond In Floodplain 1

[Captain Coyote]

Hello all-

New to the forum. While I am an engineer by training and in trade, my question is not in my area of expertise. We recently purchased some acreage adjacent to our home. Most of it is in the floodplain with a semi-dry creek running through it. When we have regular rain, as we have this year, the creek flows more or less continually. It's usually a couple of feet wide and a few inches deep. We've been fairly dry for the last several weeks and it's still flowing.

The pasture on the north side of the creek is dry. Across the creek to the south is the lowest spot on the property and it is still quite wet. I'm wondering if I can dig out a 3-5 acre pond in the lowest area. The water table in this area is very high. When we have heavy rains, water will stand back there for days and weeks on end. I know for sure that the pond would overrun in the heaviest rains.

If someone could point me to some resources or existing threads, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks-

Chris

 

[gbam]

IMO, you should check with your City/County/Parish/State on the criteria for you to excavate a pond. They may or may not require a floodplain study to show that your design has no adverse impact to adjacent properties. I.e. where you stock pile excavated material.

 

[oldestguy]

There are US agencies that deal with this subject. Likely even on ponds for some purpose such as watering stock. US Dept of Agriculture for one. Soil Conservation Service.

 

[1503-44]

See
How to identify and avoid wetlands.


“What I told you was true ... from a certain point of view.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Return of the Jedi"

 

[Captain Coyote]

Hello all-

Thanks for the info. So I went to the Wetlands Inventory Map and found some info. I overlaid the WIM data along with our county 100 year floodplain map over an aerial photograph of the property. I also have a contour map if that would be helpful. My main question is, is this 5 acre pond project doable strictly from a feasibility standpoint? The area between the two creeks is very wet most of the time. The area south of the smaller creek is also very wet. My guess is that the water table is pretty high and that I would be excavating in water and mud. I think I can keep the excavator on dry ground and reach where I would need to. I'm just curious if it's even a thing that can be done. Appreciate your help!

Chris

 

[oldestguy]

Other than possible permits, etc being that close to developments, maybe. However in order to handle the earth more than a back-hoe is likely needed and a disposal area.

 

[1503-44]

More than likely yes, it can be done, if you can get the permits. I think you'll be doing this from on top of wood swamp mats, timbered access roads, with silt controls, oil spill catch plans, etc. Have a talk with the appropriate authorities first. Pretty sure that'll be your critical path to a yes, or a no.

“What I told you was true ... from a certain point of view.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Return of the Jedi"

 

[ACtrafficengr]

What is the purpose of the pond? That will affect your chances of getting the permit. You mentioned pasture. Will it he a water source for livestock?

When your title said detention pond, I thought you meant a pond to reduce runoff from new impervious area. Those are not allowed in flood plains.

Maybe you can spin it as creating habitat for waterfowl or something like that.

My glass has a v/c ratio of 0.5

Maybe the tyranny of Murphy is the penalty for hubris. -

http://xkcd.com/319/