Another alternative is to use a siphon structure. Siphons can be constructed over the top of a dam or underground to drain ponds. Permanent siphon pipes laid on top of the dam restrict access to the dam and increased labor is required to control vegetation. burying the siphon pipe in the dam would allow vehicle traffic but would require substantial labor. Siphons are relatively slow and will quit working if air leaks into the system, but are a lower cost option for draining ponds. Renovation Costs Contractors who do pond renovation work typically charge by the hour although some may charge by cubic yard of earth moved.
Hourly rates vary with age and size of equipment.
Bulldozers or pan scrapers are commonly used in ponds that can be dried. Moving equipment to the work site is a major expense. It is next to impossible to assess the cost of renovating a pond when it is full of water. Be sure to get assistance from a reputable source in evaluating pond renovation requirements and estimated costs. If modifications required for a pond to be used for commercial catfish production prove to be too expensive, ponds can still be used to produce increased quantities of fish for home consumption.