Over time, ponds often begin to fill as dead algae, leaves, and other organic material settle at the bottom. In a healthy pond ecosystem, aerobic (oxygen breathing) bacteria will break down all of this organic material quickly and efficiently.
However, if a pond does not have adequate amounts of these decomposing bacteria to break down all the organic material, the pond will begin to fill, and its depth decrease. This will cause the pond bottom to become covered by a nutrient-rich muck-like substance.
If this is allowed to continue for long enough the pond will ultimately begin to resemble a wetland or marsh. Once this occurs, many people hire contractors to dredge their pond.
Before any pond can be dredged, regardless of whether it is private or not, the pond has to receive certain permits (how many permits depends on location and extent of the dredging). Permits are necessary because under the Federal Clean Water Act and Amendments, the Corps of Engineers is required to regulate pond dredging in accordance with certain environmental criteria. (more…)
