1. Contact the Hancock SWCD. We have been involved in  approximately half of the 500+ ponds in Hancock County. Zoned townships require a permit. Zoning inspectors require pond construction plans. They accept ours.

2. The Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS 1-800-362-2764) must be notified. They will inform us if there are any buried utilities in the area of the proposed pond.

3. Test holes must be dug with one of our technicians present. The landowner is responsible for hiring a contractor to dig the holes.

4. If the soils are suitable for construction, our SWCD technicians will survey the proposed pond site.

5. The landowner will be signed up as a cooperator and sign a pond agreement. A $50 deposit is required prior to pond plan design.

6. Plans will be developed to the landowner's desires, and must meet NRCS specifications.

7. The landowner hires a contractor and immediately notifies the Hancock SWCD. Technicians will stake out the pond shape and answer contractor questions.

8. When earthmoving is near completion, technicians will perform a final construction check of the pond.

9. If construction meets the NRCS specifications, the deposit is refunded. If not, the $50 deposit is held until the pond construction is corrected.