Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will again offer a free pond clinic for county residents. Clinic will be held on April 15th at 6 p.m. at Pattison Park Lodge just west of Owensville on State Route 50. Topics of discussion will include pond construction, maintenance, and safety. Additional information will be given on stocking, aeration, weed control, hazardous algae blooms (HAB’s), and nuisance wildlife. Stormwater retention ponds will again be addressed during this year’s event.
Those ponds you see in many newer subdivisions not only provide a scenic addition to the community landscape, they are also beneficial to the environment. “When they are properly cared for, these storm water retention ponds limit flooding and remove a number of pollutants,” said Jake Hahn with Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Why do we need neighborhood retention ponds? “There are so many impermeable surfaces in neighborhoods where water can’t soak into the ground after it rains,” said Jake Hahn with the SWCD. “Because rain can’t go through roads, driveways, and buildings, it has no choice but to runoff to areas of lower elevation, washing excess fertilizer and other pollutants into the waterways.” Without retention ponds, this water washes directly into a stream, possibly endangering animals and ultimately ending up as our drinking water.
“Through this free clinic, citizens will learn how recreational and stormwater ponds can be maintained, and the steps to planning their own ponds,” said Hahn. “Since ponds are not a common natural landscape feature in our area they need additional maintenance and care to function properly and meet the landowners’ expectations,” added Hahn. Speak with your Home Owners Association and get them involved to gain a better understanding of the benefits and functions of your retention ponds. Clermont SWCD’s goal is to help construct and maintain a safe, functional, and attractive pond.
For more information or to register for the free clinic, contact the Clermont SWCD at (513) 732-7075. More information is also available on the website www.clermontswcd.org
