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Our Pond |
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Introduction As you probably know, our pond has leaked for years. We've seen the level drop this year because the board decided to shut off the replacement water on April 16, 2008. In the latter part of May we saw the leak dry up. Please see photos below.
The replacement water was depleting the budget and since the board was facing the challenge of stopping the leak head on, we chose to save money and spare the homeowners a special assessment or dues increase. Some of this money was used for a geo-technical survey of the dam to understand it's weaknesses and hopefully form an action plan.
Unfortunately, the expert opinions and recommendations we received to restore the pond to its previous level were cost prohibitive for the near term. An alternative plan, also suggested by the consultants, was to leave the pond at the level it reached in May, where the leak all but stopped.
We also found that the soil at the base of the retaining wall had eroded significantly. The board decided to correct the erosion problem and then raise the pond level to the maximum, manageable level. We're currently requesting estimates for this work, but in all likelihood, it will be next year before any work can start.
March 27, 2009 Update
The board has been working diligently to carefully budget for the
dam repair. On March 2, 2009 the Board submitted a formal
application for a Garland Neighborhood Vitality Grant. The
purpose of the application is to seek matching funds to offset some
of the expense that will be incurred by the Swim and Recreation
Center to repair the dam. Although we won't know until September,
2009 if it is approved, the board has a set of construction plans and
written specifications for the work to be done. Until we hear
from the City of Garland, work on the dam is on hold since any
expenditure on this project prior to the approval from the city will
not be eligible for matching funds. Larry Wortham Pond Committee Chairman during 2008 Firewheel Swim and Recreation Center
Recent Photos
April 5, 2008 Long series of leak paths, mostly behind the waterfall
April 5, 2008 Elongated opening about 18" wide with yellow tracer dye
April 5, 2008 Funnel shaped opening about the size of a tennis ball with tracer dye
April 5, 2008 Small fish 'hanging out' under the retaining wall
May 25, 2008 South end of pond after leak stopped
May 25, 2008 North end of pond after leak stopped
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Copyright © 2009 Firewheel Swim and Recreation Association |
