Trophy Pond in Arkansas
Lake and pond construction in eastern Arkansas
New lakes and ponds in eastern Arkansas, and lakes over ten acres anywhere in the state, built by a licensed general contractor with a heavy excavation endorsement who is also a fisheries biologist.
1Building in Arkansas
Arkansas dam permits, before the dozer
Arkansas requires a construction and operation permit for a dam 25 feet or taller, or one holding 50 acre-feet or more at normal pool, and a smaller dam can be brought under the rules if it threatens life or property downstream. Federal rules for streams and wetlands apply on top of the state's.
We add what most builders cannot: depth and bottom contours drawn for the fish you want, and every step needed to minimize the chance of a leak.
2Lake design
A lake drawn for the fish it will hold
Depth and bottom contours drawn for the fish you want, and every step needed to keep the water in, planned before the first tree comes down. Walt Foreman knows things about both that other contractors do not.
3Permits
Arkansas approvals to check
| Where | What can apply |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | A dam 25 feet or taller, or one holding 50 acre-feet or more at normal pool, needs a construction and operation permit from the Dam Safety Section of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. A smaller dam can be brought under the rules after a petition and a public hearing if it threatens life or property downstream (UAPB Extension). |
| Every state | Section 404 of the Clean Water Act covers filling streams and wetlands. Farm and stock ponds are on the EPA exemption list, with exceptions, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decides whether a site is a regulated water. Nobody should tell you your lake is exempt before that check. |
Questions
Building in Arkansas: questions
Does my Arkansas dam need a state permit?
If it will be 25 feet or taller, or hold 50 acre-feet or more at normal pool, yes: a construction and operation permit from the state's Dam Safety Section. A smaller dam can be brought under the rules after a petition and a public hearing if it threatens life or property downstream.
Do you build ponds anywhere in Arkansas?
Lakes and ponds of any size in eastern Arkansas, from a quarter acre up. Elsewhere in the state we build lakes larger than ten acres.
Planning a lake or pond in Arkansas?
Tell us the acreage and what you want to catch in five years.
Or call (931) 374-0536