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: