Square Feet Inflow includes all water entering the pond. Ground water flowing out of a cut often adds 300 GPM or more and needs to be added to the process water flow. The recycle pond should be sized for the total plant flow plus all water gain. Ponds need to be three to five times longer than they are wide to prevent short circuiting. Dikes or baffles will also help.
Most miners build a series of ponds.
The first pond is a small pre-settling pond which can be easily emptied of sediment. An intermediate pond is used for recycle. The final polishing pond treats any overflow from the recycle pond. GPM 4,200 sq. 600 GPM 8,400 sq.