It is very likely that you will need a permit, and sometimes several, to install a pond. Depending on the usage of the pond, its location, and the duration of its use, you are likely to need permits from the federal level, state level, and local level. Governmental agencies such as Fish and Game might also require you to obtain a permit. You may need to get permits from the water resource agencies for groundwater usage in your area or even to before trucking water to your site.
For ponds that hold more than just clean water, you will likely find requirements to obtain permits from the state, federal, and local agencies. OSHA's laws and regulations, including the use of MSDS, might also be a requirement; especially if the water is treated or contains additives.
Expect to Install Signage as part of the Permitting Process.
In most cases, signage is mandatory, and specific to the usage and location of the pond. Fencing and rails may also be necessary, especially if the pond's site is near a community, public trail, schools or other similar areas.
Safety Issues with Construction Ponds
It is essential to recognize the safety issues that occur with construction ponds. Understanding is the first step in preventing pond issues and one of the main reasons we discuss it. Nobody wants to be responsible for releasing tens of thousands of gallons of water into an unexpecting community or discovering that chemicals held in your pond leached into the groundwater. Safety is a prime concern at BLT, and we design construction ponds to be secure, resist damage, and remain useful for their designed lifespan.
1. Understand the requirements of construction ponds based on their locations. The physical location of the pond is essential. In urban construction zones, pond placement is a serious business. Ponds have a way of attracting the public and placing ponds next to housing, schools or parks can pose a risk to the general public.
2. Unprotected outlets - Outlets, including emergency drains, need to be protected to prevent accidental injury or vandalism. Rock covers are generally a way to safeguard outlets so that they function as designed.
3. Rack Placement when applicable - racks can trap people underwater should they fall into the pond. Proper pond design means we consider rack placement to avoid impingement by designing their placement away from outlets. As the water flows out of the pond, it can trap the people or animals that fall into the water. An animal in your pond means the water is no longer clean and can cause disease. People or animals that become trapped in the pond require the pond's draining. Loss of life would be tragic and disturbing, while also costly on many levels.
4. Pond signage - Installing warning signs indicating that the pond is not for swimming, etc., may not be enough. Some pond designs require fencing to keep out the public. These is especially necessary in locations where the pond's site is next to or near public use areas, such as; a bike trail, hiking trail, or public park. People often think that those signs do not apply to them.
5. Pond Side Slope Construction - part of the pond's structural design includes secure sidewalls or levies. If the sidewall design is too steep, people and animals that accidentally enter the pond may be unable to exit. This, sadly, can leading to potential drowning.
6. Pond Design - The location of the intake and output pipes is critical. The flow of water from both pipes can be very strong. Intake and output pipes should not be placed too close together or directly opposite of each other.
7. Pond Design - Overtopping is an issue. During significant weather events, the pond may fill to overcapacity. When ponds overflow, the erosion force of water exiting the pond can dig trenches in the sidewalls or levies, causing them to buckle.
Understanding pond safety issues is the first step in designing construction ponds that are stable and secure. A pond's structure must be reliable to avoid water loss, personal injury, and other catastrophic events.
The Durability of Construction Ponds
Pond design begins by understanding usage, duration, and size. A standard construction pond can take as little as a few days to install. However, if the pond's intended use is to hold more than just water, the construction period might take longer. For example, installation of a mining pond requires much more careful planning since it will contain water tainted with chemicals. In this case, the water must stay in the pond. No leakage can occur. A pond liner helps achieve that goal. Many times, this type of pond is constructed with a more complex liner system. This may include two layers of liners separated by a soil layer and even a collection mechanism.
Some usage requires that the liquid and solids in the pond be contained and sealed when the pond removal occurs. High quality, strong liners help remove and encapsulate pond debris that requires safe handling, treatment, and disposal. By understanding the pond projects' durability needs, BTL can assist you in selecting liners that meet project requirements, even when the pond dismantling occurs.
Temporary Construction Ponds
Temporary construction ponds generally exist for approximately two years. Most construction projects are two years or less, and at their conclusion, pond removal occurs. There are no shortcuts when building a pond, even if it is to hold water for a single day. The consequences of a failed pond are the same, whether the water or liquid has been there for one day or decades.
Pond dismantling includes removing the water, other liquids, the substrate, and the pond sidewalls. The removal must be precise so that mosquito abatement does not become a problem. If done improperly, natural runoff can also collect and cause other issues that could pose a danger to the surrounding area or community. So, complete this task with care.
