Repairing a pond dam.

[roadhunter]

I've done a few dam/pond rehabs from small dams to large dams on state/federal land. A tractor is a poor choice for this kind of work IMO unless the soil is very solid and dry. All you will do is get stuck unless you dewater the area for an extended period of time before you start work. A tracked excavator is the proper tool for the job. Working with sloppy silt is no fun. It's easier to build a new pond and dam than to repair an old one.

I'd go with the siphon pipe method if possible. Running a gas powered pump gets old and can be an issue if there is a breakdown. Depending on your flow a smaller electric pump might work. I've used the little electric multiquip pumps on jobs with success and it takes time for most soil to dry out enough to work with if you are dredging.

Also this is the opportunity to choose a overflow for the pond which is a big decision IMO. Typically there are what is called stop logs used to adjust the level in smaller ponds but some use PVC pipe or other methods. Might want to use some rip rap where that overflow lets out to prevent erosion as well.

 

[Redneck in training]

I would get some bentonite to mix in with the fill material. You can get in bags at many farm/feed stores and some locations you can buy it bulk.

If you don't have good tight clay you could be facing a leaking pond after all the work is done! The bentonite will help that problem.

If you don't have good clay then bentonite might seal whatever material you use. There are several types of bentonite. The type you need is sodium bentonite because it swells when wet plugging all the crevices in permeable soil. If I remember it right I paid about $5500 for 16 tons delivered from WY to IA about 8 years ago.