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My latest project took some doing, but I learned valuable lessons in the process. I was talking to my site contractor about an old culvert that needed repair and he got me started on this project. First I needed to make an application for a “permit by notification” in which I spelled out the issues of an existing pipe that had failed and needed to be replaced. In the process of this repair I read some literature about wildlife habitats and about a movement to build private bird sanctuaries on like minded peoples property. It seamed like a simple task at first, then came the permit process. I had a two acre pond in mind, but later found by keeping it under 50,000 square feet I removed many of the state and local hurdles (and additional costs) that I would have to face under the jurisdiction of “site specific application” with the Department of Environmental services.

Even with this hurdled cleared I was required to provide the following information prior to successful permitting.

1) A letter from the department of transportation detailing their recommendations regarding a train track, and road set backs.

2) A survey of the boundary lines and elevations.

3) An engineers stamp drawing on the proposed pond, construction specifications, erosion controls, stabilizing plan, and outfall swale.

4) A letter from the D.E.S. with comments and recommendations regarding the shore lands protection act.

5) A letter from a Certified wetlands scientist which indicated there was no jurisdictional wetland in the area the pond was proposed to be.

6) A letter from the Army Corps of Engineers indicating they did not require any additional permits.

7) An insurance bond for the reclamation of the pond area to insure the town all proposed work would be completed as drawn.

I just wanted to dig a hole in my back yard and let it fill up with water; the process took seven (7) months and several thousand dollars. I’ll let you know how it turns out when it’s done.

If you are looking for a real estate company with design, construction and permitting experience you’ve come to the right place at Alpine Lakes Real Estate we do it all.