Ponds
Types of ponds:
- Online: An online pond is one that is located on a stream, and is built by dredging an area within it or by damming a stream.
- Offline: An offline pond is completely separated from any other waterbody and has no inlets or outlets to a stream channel.
Maintenance and monitoring of your pond:
- Maintenance dredging may be necessary as sediment builds (some dredging activities may require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or the Ohio EPA)
- Prevent trees and shrubs from establishing on berm
- Prevent and repair erosion
- Keep all inlets and outlets free of obstructions
- Monitor at least twice a year for erosion, grass and tree cover, and obstructions, weathering and displacement of material
- Keep written and photographic records
- Take care while applying herbicides and fertilizer around your pond to prevent excess from entering the water
Sediment:
- Excess sediment in your pond reduces storage volume, decreases water quality, and increases required maintenance
- Identify the source of sediments. Sediment sources include: stormwater outfalls, ditches, stream bank erosion, impervious surfaces such as parking lots, agriculture, and construction sites
- Manage the source to reduce the need for frequent dredging
- Install a forebay
Resources:
- Geauga SWCD has tons of pond management resources on their website https://www.geaugaswcd.com/landowner-resources/pond/
- Ohio Pond Management Handbook