We usually are contacted by a homeowner interested in having a pond on their site. Using Stoneco is usually an affordable option because we market the sand excavated from the site.

Over the past several years we have created ponds ranging in size from a half acre to 15 acres. Each project has its own set of challenges, but our experience and know-how always sees us through.

The process of having Stoneco dig a pond for a landowner generally goes something like this:

• The homeowner contacts Stoneco to express their interest in having a pond installed. The Stoneco representative will ask some basic questions about the size and location of the property and the desired size of the pond. Sometimes, we will decline a pond at this stage due to location. There are areas where we won.t dig due to the poor quality of the sand deposit. This is also where we discuss a time frame in which the homeowner would like to have the pond completed. If everything is agreeable, the Stoneco representative will schedule an appointment to meet with the homeowner at the proposed pond site.
• At the site visit, we will inspect the site for many different items. These include; access to a main road, wooded areas, wetlands, locations of any building on the property, and road frontage. All of these items affect Stoneco.s decision whether or not to take on the project, and if we do take on the project, they effect how the pond will be designed. Often, if we are unsure of the sand deposit at the location, we will also bring a backhoe to dig a hole to test the depth of the sand.
• If everything at the site looks favorable, we will draw up a contract. Once the contract is agreed upon and signed, Stoneco will start the permit process. On most projects the site plans and permitting are handled by a subcontractor working for Stoneco. Several permits are needed. They include; township permits, drain commission permits, and road commission permits. For ponds greater than five acres in area, a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality permit may also be required.
• Once all of the required permits are obtained, Stoneco will deliver the equipment needed to excavate the pond to the site. In general an excavator and front end loader are used to create the pond. The first order of business is usually to install an access road for customer trucks to use. After that, we strip off the topsoil in the pond area and set it aside. It will be put back over the banks of the pond when we are finished. Once the topsoil is removed we begin digging the pond. The excavated sand is stockpiled by the excavator and loaded on customer trucks by the front-end loader.
• Once the pond has completely excavated and all of the sand has been loaded onto trucks, a bulldozer will be brought in to place the topsoil and put the finish grade on the banks of the pond. Usually, the homeowner is required to seed the banks to prevent erosion. After all of this the homeowner is left with an attractive, fun, and useful property feature.

Call Stoneco at 734.241.8966 for further information.