Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dbob on November 8, 2010 at 14:33

Hogeyes
I don't know of any move to add NEW regulation to pond construction in LA. That said, if the pond is large enough and/or dam high enough, it may need to be registered with the LA DOTD dam safety program. If it impacts a stream or wetlands, it may need authorization from the US Army Corps of Engineers. There is also the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) that seems to be gaining traction.

care to offer anymore specifics on what you are contemplating?

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Permalink Reply by hogeyes on November 11, 2010 at 3:51

Dbob, thanks for info. Don't think what we are planning on doing is anything out of the ordinary. I had simply heard through the rumor mill that LA was trying to gain control of things such building ponds on private lands. It is basically on timberland and shouldn't impact streams or wetlands; not sure about pond size/dam height specs to have to register with LA DOTD ( not sure what abbreviation represents.) Probably a 3-5 acre pond for fracing purposes to sell to local operators. Just don't want to get into a legal situation unbeknowingly. If you would like to speak directly, just shoot me you phone or email.

Thanks again

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Permalink Reply by dbob on November 12, 2010 at 16:13

Some of the others here might be able to fill you in on the market size for your pond, but my guess is that if suitable it can serve wells up to 2-4 miles away. You'll want to get a storage capacity of at least 40 acre feet, IMHO so that you can support the larger frac jobs. 40 acre feet would be 5 acres in size with average depth of 8 feet.

if your dam gets 6 feet or taller, or you store more than 50 acre feet, check into the dam safety program

http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/intermodal/dams/home.aspx

if you construct water wells to fill it, they will need to be registered as well:

http://dnr.louisiana.gov/cons/groundwater/oilgasoperators.asp

check out the links and let me know if it makes sense

I'll be happy to review more specifics with you.

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Permalink Reply by hogeyes on November 15, 2010 at 13:38

thanks dbob, I will take a look at links. Can I ask if you are involved in the biz or if you are a property owner who has already experienced some of this yourself?

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Permalink Reply by dbob on November 16, 2010 at 13:14

Hogeyes,

I work on environmental issues, including obtaining water, for a variety of oil and gas companies. Most of the time, i get called after land has identified a likely pond or location for a pond, then suggest alternatives or give a blessing.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Aaron on November 16, 2010 at 14:22

Hogeyes, I heard that the oil companies will build you apond and buy the water back from you. I want another pond anyhow, if this is true I would appreciate your confirmation and who to call. Thanks, Dan

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Permalink Reply by hogeyes on November 16, 2010 at 14:30

Hi Dan, Don't know anything about that. maybe dbob could speak to this. I am looking at a private contractor and I know it "ain't gonna be cheap." You built one already for same purpose?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Aaron on November 16, 2010 at 14:43

Hogeyes, no I just have the original pond that has been here for 50 years. That is reserved for my cows. I have another area that has several springs that I want to put a pond so I can close off. My dang cows go swimming in the summer & screw up my fishing. Thanks, Dan

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Permalink Reply by dbob on November 16, 2010 at 15:16

Dan,

If you are in close proximity to leases, with limited water availability, many times an operator will build a new pond or expand an existing pond. Most of the time, it will include installation of water wells as well. Agreements vary by operator, but many times operator will want access to the water for a period of time, with water sales at a fixed rate.

If there are already large ponds within the area, or a nearby large river, operators are less likely to interested.