NRCS Pond Standard (CPS 378) in Pennsylvania

Sources checked September 28, 2026

NRCS Pennsylvania's Pond standard (Conservation Practice Standard 378, dated October 2023) is the active Pond (378) standard on the state's online Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG) as of Sept. 28, 2026. Its general criteria, which apply to all ponds under the standard, require the pond to be planned, designed and built to comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and require the landowner to obtain all necessary permits for project installation before construction. [1][2][3]

The standard's criteria name no specific DEP permit, dam-permit threshold or permit waiver; the only Pennsylvania law it names is 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105 (DEP), in its references list. DEP's "Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105" web page says Chapter 105 requires a Dam Permit from DEP's Division of Dam Safety to build a dam when one of these applies: the dam is across a watercourse with more than 100 acres of contributory drainage, the maximum water depth measured at the upstream toe to the top of the dam is more than 15 feet, or the impounding capacity is more than 50 acre-feet. [3][4]

DEP says it does not provide advice, guidance or assistance on pond design or construction methods, and that anyone planning a pond should first call DEP to learn what authorizations, regulatory requirements and potential mitigation may be involved. DEP suggests owners may also seek advice from NRCS, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or Penn State Extension, but says these agencies and consultants are not the appropriate resource or authorized to provide regulatory interpretation; some county conservation districts that are delegated parts of Chapter 105 can give some advice. [4]

The standard applies to all excavated ponds, but to an embankment pond only if it meets all of the listed low-hazard criteria. Among them: a dam failure must not cause loss of life, damage to homes, commercial or industrial buildings, main highways or railroads, or interruption of the use or service of public utilities; storage (acre-feet) times effective height (feet) must be less than 3,000; and effective height must be 35 feet or less. Effective height is the elevation difference between the lowest open-channel auxiliary spillway crest (or, if there is none, the lowest point on the top of the dam) and the lowest point in the original cross section on the dam centerline; storage is the reservoir capacity below the crest of the lowest auxiliary spillway (or below the top of the dam if there is no open-channel auxiliary spillway). A pond built by both digging and embanking counts as an embankment pond if water impounded against the embankment at the auxiliary spillway elevation is 3 feet or more deep above the lowest original ground along the embankment centerline. [3]

NRCS Pennsylvania's Dam (402) standard (October 2022) says Technical Release TR-210-60 contains the minimum design criteria for all dams except low-hazard potential earth dams that meet the size criteria in Pond (378). Dams designed under 402 must comply with applicable Federal, Tribal, State and local laws, and all required permits must be obtained before construction begins. [5]

NRCS says its Conservation Technical Assistance is offered at no cost to the producers it serves. For owners seeking financial assistance, Pennsylvania's EQIP page says agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible to apply, and as of Sept. 28, 2026 it shows "Apply by: October 1, 2026." [6][7]

Key points

Official sources disagree

  • DEP's pond page words the Dam Permit tests differently from 25 Pa. Code § 105.3. DEP's page gives the three triggers as alternatives ("when one of the following applies"), mentions a watercourse only in the drainage-area trigger, and measures depth "at the upstream toe to the top of the dam." Section 105.3 regulates a dam on a natural or artificial watercourse (other than one licensed under the Federal Power Act) where one or more of these occur: contributory drainage area over 100 acres, greatest water depth over 15 feet measured by the upstream toe of the dam at maximum storage elevation, or impounding capacity at maximum storage elevation over 50 acre-feet. It regulates a water-storage dam that is not on a watercourse and has no contributory drainage only where the depth is over 15 feet and the impounding capacity is over 50 acre-feet, both at maximum storage elevation. [4][8]

  • StatusThe current Pennsylvania NRCS Pond (378) documents on the Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG, Pennsylvania state code 42, Section 4 'Pond (378)' folder) are: '378 PA CPS Pond 2023' (resource 43827, revision date 2023-10-01, last changed 2024-01-03), plus the '378 PA SOW Pond 2023' Statement of Work, the '378 PA Practice Specification Pond 2023', and the '378 PA Design and Check Data Pond 2023'. The standard itself is served at https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/api/CPSFile/43827/378_PA_CPS_Pond_2023.

    NRCS eFOTG (Pennsylvania), Section 4 > Conservation Practice Standards & Support Documents > Pond (378) folder listing (folderId -173) [1]
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    "resourceId":43827 ... "folderId":-173 ... "resourceRevisionDate":"2023-10-01T00:00:00","stateCode":"42" ... "lastChangeDate":"2024-01-03T14:54:38" ... "resourceTitle":"378 PA CPS Pond 2023" ... "resourceTitle":"378 PA SOW Pond 2023" ... "resourceTitle":"378 PA Practice Specification Pond 2023" ... "resourceTitle":"378 PA Design and Check Data Pond 2023"
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  • RequirementGeneral criteria for all 378 ponds: the pond must be planned, designed and constructed to comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations; landowners and/or contractors must be told they are responsible for locating all buried utilities in the project area (including drainage tile); and the landowner is required to obtain all necessary permits for project installation before construction.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Criteria - General Criteria Applicable to All Ponds (p. 378-CPS-2) [3]
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    Plan, design, and construct the pond to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Notify landowners and/or contractor of their responsibility to locate all buried utilities in the project area, including drainage tile and other structural measures. The landowner is also required to obtain all necessary permits for project installation prior to construction.
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  • The only Pennsylvania law the PA 378 standard names is in its REFERENCES list: 'PA Code, Title 25, Chapter 105, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection'. The criteria refer generally to Federal, State and local laws and to a pool drain 'if required by State law', but do not name any specific DEP permit, dam-permit threshold, or permit waiver; other Pennsylvania items referenced are Penn State/PFBC pond-management publications and (for wetland embankment inlets) PennDOT precast concrete inlet boxes.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), References (p. 378-CPS-12) and Table 4 note 4/ (p. 378-CPS-10) [3]
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    4/ PennDOT precast concrete inlet boxes are acceptable alternatives. ... Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania, Penn State Publications Distribution Center, Pennsylvania State University. ... PA Code, Title 25, Chapter 105, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ... Pond Management & Aquatic Plant Control, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences.
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  • Size cutoffPA DEP's 'Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105' page says Chapter 105 requires a Dam Permit from DEP's Division of Dam Safety to construct a dam when one of the following applies: the dam is across a watercourse where the contributory drainage area exceeds 100 acres; OR the maximum depth of water measured at the upstream toe to the top of the dam is greater than 15 feet; OR the impounding capacity is greater than 50 acre-feet.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds PA DEP, "Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105" web page - Ponds with a Regulated Dam [4]
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    Chapter 105 Rules and Regulations require a person to obtain a Dam Permit from DEP's Division of Dam Safety to construct a dam when one of the following applies: The construction of a dam across a watercourse where the contributory drainage area exceeds 100 acres; or The maximum depth of water measured at the upstream toe to the top of the dam is greater than 15 feet; or The impounding capacity is greater than 50-acre feet.
    Open Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (opens in a new tab)

  • AgencyPA DEP says it does not provide advice or assistance on pond design or construction and that anyone planning a pond should first call DEP about authorizations, regulatory requirements and possible mitigation. DEP suggests owners may seek design advice from NRCS, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or Penn State Extension, but states these agencies (and consultants) are not the appropriate resource or authorized to provide regulatory interpretation; some delegated county conservation districts can give some advice.

    PA DEP, "Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105" web page - New Pond Construction General Information [4]
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    DEP does not provide advice, guidance, or assistance with pond design or construction methods. Anyone interested in constructing a pond should first call DEP to determine what authorizations, regulatory requirements, and potential mitigation may be involved. You may also want to seek advice from the Natural Resource Conservation Service ... However, please recognize that these agencies and consultants are not the appropriate resource or authorized to provide regulatory interpretation. Some County Conservation Districts are delegated certain portions of Chapter 105, they can give some advice
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  • Size cutoffThe PA Pond standard applies to ALL excavated ponds. It applies to embankment ponds only if they meet all the listed criteria for low-hazard potential dams, the first being that failure of the dam will not result in loss of life; damage to homes, commercial or industrial buildings, main highways, or railroads; or interruption of the use or service of public utilities.

    Applies when: Deciding whether an NRCS-assisted pond can be designed under CPS 378 NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Conditions Where Practice Applies (p. 378-CPS-1) [3]
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    This practice applies to all excavated ponds. It also applies to embankment ponds that meet all criteria for low-hazard potential dams as listed below: • The failure of the dam will not result in loss of life, damage to homes, commercial or industrial buildings, main highways, or railroads, or in interruption of the use or service of public utilities.
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • Size cutoffSize limit for embankment ponds under 378: storage (acre-feet) multiplied by effective height (feet) must be less than 3,000. 'Storage' is reservoir capacity in acre-feet below the crest of the lowest auxiliary spillway (or below the top of the dam if there is no open-channel auxiliary spillway). 'Effective height' is the elevation difference, in feet, between the lowest open-channel auxiliary spillway crest and the lowest point in the original cross section on the dam centerline.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Conditions Where Practice Applies (p. 378-CPS-1) [3]
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    The product of the storage times the effective height of the dam is less than 3,000 acre-feet. Storage is the capacity of the reservoir in acre-feet below the elevation of the crest of the lowest auxiliary spillway or the elevation of the top of the dam if there is no open channel auxiliary spillway. The effective height of the dam is the difference in elevation, in feet, between the lowest open channel auxiliary spillway crest and the lowest point in the original cross section taken on the centerline of the dam.
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • Size cutoffThe effective height of an embankment pond's dam must be 35 feet or less for 378 to apply. If there is no open-channel auxiliary spillway, effective height is measured from the lowest point on the top of the dam instead of the auxiliary spillway crest.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Conditions Where Practice Applies (p. 378-CPS-1) [3]
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    If there is no open channel auxiliary spillway, use the lowest point on the top of the dam instead of the lowest open channel auxiliary spillway crest. • The effective height of the dam is 35 feet or less.
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  • DefinitionNRCS defines a pond as a water impoundment made by constructing an embankment, excavating a dugout, or both. Ponds built by embankment are 'embankment ponds'; those built by excavation are 'excavated ponds'. A pond built by a combination of excavation and embankment is classified as an embankment pond if the water impounded against the embankment at the auxiliary spillway elevation is 3 feet or more deep above the lowest original ground along the embankment centerline.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Definition (p. 378-CPS-1) [3]
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    A water impoundment made by constructing an embankment, excavating a dugout, or a combination of both. In this standard, NRCS defines ponds constructed by the first method as embankment ponds and those constructed by the second method as excavated ponds. Ponds constructed using a combination of the excavation and embankment methods are classified as embankment ponds if the depth of water impounded against the embankment at the auxiliary spillway elevation is 3 feet or more above the lowest original ground along the centerline of the embankment.
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • Boundary with the NRCS Dam standard: the Pennsylvania Dam (Code 402) standard (NRCS, PA, October 2022) says NRCS Technical Release TR-210-60 contains the minimum design criteria for all dams except low-hazard potential earth dams meeting the size criteria in CPS Pond (378). Dams designed under 402 must comply with applicable Federal, Tribal, State and local laws, and all required permits must be obtained before construction begins.

    Applies when: Embankments outside the 378 hazard/size limits NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Dam (Code 402) (NRCS, PA, October 2022), Criteria - General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes (p. 402-CPS-1) [5]
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    All dams designed under this standard must comply with applicable Federal, Tribal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Obtain all required permits before construction begins. ... Title 210-TR-60 contains the minimum design criteria for all dams, with the exception of low-hazard potential earth dams and appurtenances meeting the size criteria in NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Pond (Code 378).
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

Getting NRCS and conservation district help, and EQIP

NRCS says it can work with a producer to develop a conservation plan with suggested practices, and the producer can then choose to apply for financial assistance for help installing them. Under federal regulation (7 CFR 610.3-610.4), NRCS technical assistance is provided through and in cooperation with conservation districts, and NRCS help with applying the practices in a conservation plan may include designing, constructing and maintaining them. [6][9]

NRCS's national EQIP page says the first step is to contact the local NRCS office: a conservation planner schedules a visit, walks the land with the owner, and then develops a conservation plan. Technical Service Providers can also help producers plan, design and implement conservation practices. [10]

NRCS accepts program applications throughout the year, but an application must be submitted by the state's ranking date to be considered for the next funding period. [11]

Pennsylvania EQIP (financial assistance): agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible to apply, and eligible land includes cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland and other farm lands. Applicants must control or own eligible land, comply with adjusted gross income limits and with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements, and develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations. The Pennsylvania page says NRCS sets cut-off dates for evaluation, ranking and approval, and as of Sept. 28, 2026 it shows "Apply by: October 1, 2026." Applicants apply at their local USDA service center. [7]

  • ProcessNRCS Conservation Technical Assistance is provided at no cost to producers; NRCS can work with the producer to develop a conservation plan with suggested practices, and producers may choose to apply for financial assistance to install practices in that plan.

    NRCS, "Conservation Technical Assistance" web page [6]
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    NRCS offers this assistance at no cost to the producers we serve. ... If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, we can work with them to develop a conservation plan, with suggested conservation practices that can help them reach their production and conservation goals. Producers can also choose to apply for financial assistance to get help installing the conservation practices outlined in their conservation plan.
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  • ProcessFederal regulation: NRCS technical assistance is provided through and in cooperation with conservation districts in the 50 States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (7 CFR 610.3(a)). NRCS application assistance for applying conservation practices in a plan may include designing, constructing and maintaining conservation practices (610.4(c)(1)). Separately, in carrying out technical phases of USDA soil and water conservation cost-share programs, NRCS's assignment includes certifying that the work done is in accordance with NRCS standards and specifications (610.4(d)(4)).

    7 CFR 610.3(a), 610.4(c)(1) and (d)(4) [9]
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    (a) Technical assistance is provided through and in cooperation with conservation districts in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. ... NRCS assistance for applying the conservation practices in the plan may include: (1) Designing, constructing, and maintaining conservation practices; ... (d) The Natural Resources Conservation Service assists in carrying out certain phases of USDA soil and water conservation cost-share programs. ... (4) Certifying that the work done is in accordance with NRCS standards and specifications.
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  • ProcessHow to start (national EQIP guidance): contact the local NRCS office; an NRCS conservation planner schedules a site visit, walks the land with the owner, and then develops a conservation plan. Technical Service Providers (TSPs) can also plan, design and implement conservation practices for producers.

    NRCS, "Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)" web page - Technical Assistance; How To Get Started [10]
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    Technical Service Providers (TSP) can help producers plan, design and implement conservation practices or develop conservation activity plans to improve their agricultural operations. ... The first step is to contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservation planner will schedule a visit to your property. They will walk the land with you to discuss your goals and review any resource concerns. Following the site visit, the conservation planner will develop a conservation plan
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  • ProcessNRCS accepts program applications throughout the year, but to be considered for the next funding period an application must be submitted by the state's ranking date. NRCS lists five steps: make a plan, start an application, check eligibility, rank the application, implement the plan.

    NRCS, "How to Apply" web page [11]
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    NRCS accepts applications for NRCS programs throughout the year, but to be considered for the next funding period, be sure to submit your application by your state's ranking dates. ... Step 1: Make a Plan Step 2: Start an Application Step 3: Check your eligibility Step 4: Rank your application Step 5: Implement your plan
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  • TimelinePA EQIP: the Pennsylvania EQIP page shows 'Apply by: October 1, 2026'. Agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible to apply; eligible land includes cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland and other farm lands. Applicants must control or own eligible land, comply with adjusted gross income (AGI) limits, comply with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements, and develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations. Applications are accepted continuously but NRCS sets cut-off dates for evaluation, ranking and approval; applicants apply at their local USDA service center (or via 'Get Started with NRCS').

    Applies when: Owners seeking NRCS financial assistance (not required for technical assistance) NRCS Pennsylvania, "PA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)" web page [7]
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    Apply by: October 1, 2026 ... Agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible to apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland and other farm lands. Applicants must: Control or own eligible land Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements Develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations ... applications are accepted on a continuous basis ... "cut-off" or submission deadline dates ... visit your local service center
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Permits, paperwork and timing in the NRCS process

NRCS Pennsylvania's Pond Statement of Work (October 2023) includes among its design deliverables a list of required permits to be obtained by the client. Its installation deliverables include verifying that the client has obtained required permits, and its check-out deliverables include certification that the installation meets NRCS standards and specifications and complies with permits. [12]

NRCS Pennsylvania's Pond Design and Check Data Requirements (October 2023) list items that should be addressed in the design folder, including PA One Call, consideration of the need for any permits, soils and foundation design data (including investigations at least 2 feet deeper than the embankment cutoff trench), and an erosion and sediment control and revegetation plan. [13]

The Pennsylvania Pond practice specification (October 2023) says construction work it covers shall not be performed between December 1 and the following March 15 unless the Engineer or the Engineer's Representative has reviewed and approved the site condition and/or construction methods. [14]

  • ProcessNRCS PA Pond Statement of Work (October 2023): design deliverables include a list of required permits to be obtained by the client and written plans/specifications to the client that adequately describe the requirements to install the practice and obtain necessary permits; installation deliverables include verifying that the client has obtained required permits and certification that the installation process and materials meet design and permit requirements; check-out deliverables include certification that the installation meets NRCS standards and specifications and complies with permits.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Statement of Work, Pond (378) (October 2023), Design deliverables 1.b and 2; Installation deliverables 2 and 7; Check Out deliverable 2 [12]
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    b. List of required permits to be obtained by the client. ... adequately describes the requirements to install the practice and obtain necessary permits. ... 2. Verify that client has obtained required permits. ... 7. Certification that the installation process and materials meets design and permit requirements. ... 2. Provide certification that the installation meets NRCS standards and specifications and complies with permits
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • ProcessThe NRCS PA Pond Design and Check Data Requirements (October 2023) list items that should be addressed in the design folder, including PA One Call, consideration of the need for any permits, soils/foundation design data including investigations at least 2 feet deeper than the embankment cutoff trench (with lab data and liner calculations if appropriate), and an E&S control and revegetation plan.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Design and Check Data Requirements, Pond (Code 378) (Technical Guide Section IV, October 2023), Design Data items 2, 3, 7, 14 [13]
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    The following items should be addressed in the design folder for the Pond. ... 2. Pa One Call 3. Consider need for any permits ... 7. Soils/foundation design data, including investigations at least 2' deeper than the embankment cutoff trench, lab data, liner calculations if appropriate. ... 14. E&S control and revegetation Plan
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  • TimelinePA NRCS Pond practice specification: construction work covered by the specification may not be performed between December 1 and the following March 15 unless the site condition and/or construction methods have been reviewed and approved by the Engineer or the Engineer's Representative.

    Applies when: Ponds built to the NRCS PA practice specification NRCS Pennsylvania Practice Specification, Pond (Code 378) (Technical Guide Section IV, October 2023), Section 1 Scope [14]
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    Construction work covered by this specification shall not be performed between December 1st and the following March 15th, unless the site condition and/or construction methods to be used have been reviewed and approved by the Engineer or his/her Representative.
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Pennsylvania rules that reference NRCS plans

DEP's Chapter 105 General Permit GP-9 (Agricultural Activities, Rev. 6/2013) may only be used as part of a County Conservation District-approved conservation plan, and its practices must be built and maintained according to 25 Pa. Code § 101.8 and the design standards and specifications in the technical guide for Pennsylvania available through NRCS or the County Conservation District. It covers only grassed or lined waterways, terraces, diversions, waste storage facilities, spring development, and minor drainage that supports these activities and is necessary for contour strips, as part of an existing agricultural operation; ponds and dams are not among the listed activities, and GP-9 does not apply in watercourses with a drainage area over 100 acres. [15]

DEP's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations says an NRCS Conservation Plan may fulfill the Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control (Ag E&S) Plan requirement, but the operator or landowner must specifically request this during the NRCS consultation, and DEP is the regulatory authority that decides whether it does. The manual also says an Ag E&S Plan does not cover construction activities, so construction on an agricultural operation may need a Construction E&S Plan and, depending on acres disturbed, an NPDES permit. [16]

  • DEP General Permit BWEW-GP-9 (Agricultural Activities, 3150-PM-BWEW0509, Rev. 6/2013) is a Chapter 105 general permit that may only be used as part of a County Conservation District-approved conservation plan, and it covers only grassed or lined waterways, terraces, diversions, waste storage facilities, spring development, and minor drainage that supports these activities and is necessary for contour strips, as part of an existing agricultural operation; ponds and dams are not among the listed activities. GP-9 does not apply in watercourses having a drainage area greater than 100 acres.

    Applies when: Farm conservation practices near streams/bodies of water PA DEP General Permit BWEW-GP-9, Agricultural Activities (3150-PM-BWEW0509, Rev. 6/2013), ¶¶ 1 and 4(d) [15]
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    These agricultural activities are grassed or lined waterways, terraces, diversions, waste storage facilities, spring development and minor drainage that supports these activities and is necessary for contour strips when engaged in as a part of an existing agricultural operation and shall only be implemented as part of a conservation plan consistent with the 25 PA Code Chapter 102 (relating to Erosion Control) and approved by the County Conservation District. ... d. Watercourses having a drainage area greater than 100 acres.
    Open Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (eLibrary) (opens in a new tab)

  • DEP's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations says an NRCS Conservation Plan may fulfill the requirement of an Agricultural E&S Plan, but the operator/landowner must specifically request this during their consultation with NRCS, and DEP is the regulatory authority that determines whether the NRCS Conservation Plan satisfies DEP's Ag E&S Plan requirements. The manual also states an Ag E&S Plan does not cover construction activities; a person looking to commence construction on an agricultural operation may need a Construction E&S Plan and, depending upon the acres disturbed, an NPDES permit.

    Applies when: Farms using an NRCS conservation plan PA DEP, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations (383-4200-002, effective Oct. 5, 2019), Foreword (p. 1) and Appendix C, 'Construction E&S' (p. 67) [16]
    Show the source text
    An NRCS Conservation Plan may fulfill the requirement of an Ag E&S Plan, but the operator/landowner must specifically request this during their consultation with NRCS. Additionally, the Department is the regulatory authority that determines if the NRCS Conservation Plan satisfies the Department's regulatory requirements of an Ag E&S Plan. ... An Ag E&S Plan does not cover construction activities; therefore, if a person is looking to commence construction on an agricultural operation, a Construction E&S Plan and, depending upon the acres disturbed, an NPDES permit may be necessary.
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Embankment ponds: side slopes, top width, freeboard and spillways

For embankment ponds, the standard requires each side slope to be 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2H:1V) or flatter, and the upstream and downstream slopes to sum to 5H:1V or flatter. Minimum top width depends on total height (settled top of the dam to the lowest elevation at the downstream toe): 6 feet under 10 feet; 8 feet at 10-14.9 feet; 10 feet at 15-19.9 feet; 12 feet at 20-24.9 feet; and 15 feet at 25-35 feet. A dam top used as a public road needs at least 16 feet for one-way or 26 feet for two-way traffic. [3]

Freeboard must be at least 1 foot between the design high-water flow elevation in the auxiliary spillway and the settled top of the embankment, and the auxiliary spillway crest must be at least 2 feet below the settled top when the dam has more than 20 acres of drainage area or more than 20 feet of effective height. A pond with no auxiliary spillway needs at least 1 foot of freeboard above the peak elevation of the design hydrograph. Separately, the design must include a settlement allowance of at least 5% of the dam's total height at each cross section, unless detailed laboratory soil testing and settlement analyses, or experience in the area, show a lesser amount is adequate. [3]

A principal spillway pipe must be placed under or through the dam unless a rock, concrete or other lined spillway is used or a vegetated or earth spillway can safely handle the design flow; the pipe's minimum inside diameter is 4 inches, except where debris flow or animal activity creates an unusual risk of plugging. The auxiliary spillway crest must be at least 6 inches above the principal spillway crest when drainage area is 20 acres or less, and at least 1 foot above it when drainage area is over 20 acres. [3]

A dam must have an open-channel auxiliary spillway unless the principal spillway can pass the peak discharge of the design hydrograph and the trash that reaches it without overtopping the dam; a closed-pipe-only design needs, at minimum, a pipe with a cross-sectional area of 3 square feet or more, an inlet that will not clog and an elbow designed to pass trash. The auxiliary spillway's minimum design storm (24-hour duration) is the 10-year storm when drainage area is 20 acres or less, effective height is 20 feet or less and storage is under 50 acre-feet; the 25-year storm when storage is under 50 acre-feet and either drainage area is over 20 acres or effective height is over 20 feet; and the 50-year storm in all other cases. The standard notes special criteria for certain wetland embankments. [3]

  • Size cutoffEmbankment side slopes: each side slope 2H:1V or flatter, and the upstream plus downstream slopes must sum to 5H:1V or flatter.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Side slopes (p. 378-CPS-4) [3]
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    Design each side slope with a ratio of two horizontal to one vertical or flatter. Design the sum of the upstream and downstream side slopes with a ratio of five horizontal to one vertical or flatter.
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • Size cutoffMinimum dam top width by total height (settled top to lowest downstream toe): less than 10 ft - 6 ft; 10-14.9 ft - 8 ft; 15-19.9 ft - 10 ft; 20-24.9 ft - 12 ft; 25-35 ft - 15 ft. A dam top used as a public road needs at least 16 ft (one-way) or 26 ft (two-way).

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Top width and Table 1 (pp. 378-CPS-3 to -4) [3]
    Show the source text
    Total height is the vertical distance between the settled top of the dam and the lowest elevation at the downstream toe. Design a minimum width of 16 feet for one-way traffic and 26 feet for two-way traffic for the top of a dam used as a public road. ... Less than 10 6 10–14.9 8 15–19.9 10 20–24.9 12 25–35 15
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  • Size cutoffFreeboard: at least 1 ft between the design high-water flow elevation in the auxiliary spillway and the settled embankment top; at least 2 ft between the auxiliary spillway crest and the settled top when the dam has more than 20 acres of drainage area or more than 20 ft effective height; and, where there is no auxiliary spillway, at least 1 ft above the peak design-hydrograph elevation.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Freeboard (p. 378-CPS-4) [3]
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    Design a minimum of 1 foot of freeboard between design high-water flow elevation in the auxiliary spillway and the top of the settled embankment. Design a minimum 2 feet of elevation difference between the crest of the auxiliary spillway and the top of the settled embankment when the dam has more than 20 acre drainage area or more than 20 feet in effective height. Design a minimum of 1 foot of freeboard above the peak elevation of the design hydrograph to the top of the settled embankment when the pond has no auxiliary spillway.
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  • RequirementSettlement: build the dam higher so the settled top meets design elevation, with a minimum settlement allowance of 5% of total dam height at each cross section unless lab testing/settlement analysis or local experience shows less is adequate.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Settlement (p. 378-CPS-4) [3]
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    Design a minimum settlement allowance of 5 percent of the total height of the dam associated with each dam cross section, except where detailed laboratory soil testing and settlement analyses or experience in the area shows that a lesser amount is adequate.
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  • Size cutoffPrincipal spillway: a pipe with appurtenances must go under or through the dam unless lined (rock, concrete, etc.) spillways are used or a vegetated/earth spillway can safely handle the design flow. The auxiliary spillway crest must be at least 6 inches above the principal spillway crest where drainage area is 20 acres or less, and at least 1 foot above it where drainage area exceeds 20 acres.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Principal spillway (p. 378-CPS-4) [3]
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    A pipe with needed appurtenances shall be placed under or through the dam, except where rock, concrete, or other types of lined spillways are used, or where a vegetated or earth spillway can safely handle the rate and duration of the design flow. Design a minimum of 6-inches difference between the crest elevation of the auxiliary spillway and the crest elevation of the principal spillway when the dam has a drainage area of 20 acres or less. Design a minimum of 1 foot difference when the dam has a drainage area of over 20 acres.
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  • RequirementAuxiliary spillway: a dam must have an open-channel auxiliary spillway unless the principal spillway alone can pass the design-hydrograph peak and trash without overtopping; the minimum for a closed-pipe-only design is a pipe of at least 3 sq ft cross-section, a non-clogging inlet, and an elbow designed to pass trash.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Auxiliary spillways (p. 378-CPS-7) [3]
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    A dam must have an open channel auxiliary spillway, unless the principal spillway is large enough to pass the peak discharge from the design hydrograph and the trash that comes to it without overtopping the dam. The minimum criteria for acceptable use of a closed pipe principal spillway without an auxiliary spillway consists of a pipe with a cross-sectional area of 3 ft2 or more, an inlet that will not clog, and an elbow designed to facilitate the passage of trash.
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  • Size cutoffMinimum auxiliary spillway design storm (Table 3, all 24-hour duration): drainage area 20 acres or less AND effective height 20 ft or less AND detention storage under 50 acre-feet - 10-year; drainage 20 acres or less, effective height over 20 ft, storage under 50 acre-feet - 25-year; drainage over 20 acres, any height, storage under 50 acre-feet - 25-year; all others - 50-year. Capacity is the design-storm peak less credit for principal spillway discharge and detention storage; pipe discharge may be credited if the conduit is 10 inches or larger. Special criteria apply to certain wetland embankments.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds (and excavated ponds, which must meet Table 3) NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Auxiliary spillways and Table 3 "Minimum auxiliary spillway capacity" (pp. 378-CPS-7 to -8) [3]
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    Design the minimum capacity of a natural or constructed auxiliary spillway to pass the peak flow expected from a total design storm of the frequency and duration shown in Table 3, less any reduction creditable to the principal spillway discharge and detention storage. If the pipe conduit diameter is 10 inches or greater, the pipe design discharge may be considered ... 20 or less3 20 or less < 50 10 24 20 or less3 > 20 < 50 25 24 3 > 20 All < 50 25 24 All others All all 50 24 ... Special criteria is listed for certain wetland embankments.
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Soils, seepage control and excavated (dug-out) ponds

The standard requires a site with an adequate supply of water for the intended purpose, of suitable quality, from surface runoff, ground water or a supplemental source; where surface runoff is the primary source, the soils must be impervious enough to prevent excessive seepage losses or be of a type that sealing is practicable. The Pennsylvania Pond practice specification says the use of soil dispersants or bentonite in soil liners must conform to Specification 520, and other liners such as flexible membranes must be installed under Specification 521. [3][14]

For embankment ponds, the standard calls for a geological investigation of the foundation, auxiliary spillway and borrow areas, and a cutoff of relatively impervious material under the dam and up the abutments as required to prevent seepage, deep enough to intercept flow and connect with a relatively impervious layer; borrow areas must not expose pervious materials that could make the pond leak. Seepage control is also required if the cutoff does not intercept pervious layers, seepage could create undesired wet areas, embankment stability requires it, or special problems require drainage for a stable dam. [3]

When a dam's effective height is 15 feet or more, pipes through the embankment with inverts below the peak elevation of the routed hydrograph need filter diaphragms or anti-seep collars, and a drain outlet for the filter diaphragm is to be provided at the downstream toe. The standard allows anti-seep collars in lieu of diaphragms where its listed soil and site conditions apply; the list includes embankment soils documented to be non-dispersive, soil tests showing a plasticity index of 15 or greater, and ground slopes near the conduit, transverse to the embankment centerline, no steeper than 2H:1V. [3]

Excavated ponds need at least 1 foot of freeboard above the peak elevation of the design hydrograph, a pipe and auxiliary spillway meeting the capacity requirements of the standard's Table 3 (the design storms listed under embankment ponds above), and excavated side slopes no steeper than 1H:1V. Excavated material must be placed so it does not endanger side-slope stability or wash back into the pond, in one of these ways: spread uniformly no higher than 3 feet with the top sloped away from the pond; placed at its natural angle of repose a distance from the edge equal to the pond depth but not less than 12 feet; shaped to blend with the landscape; used for low embankments and leveling; or hauled offsite. [3]

  • RequirementSite conditions: the site must have an adequate water supply (surface runoff, ground water or a supplemental source) of suitable quality; if surface runoff is the primary source, the soils must be impervious enough to prevent excessive seepage or be of a type that sealing is practicable; and reservoir water elevations must not flood or impede drainage of adjacent landowners' property unless appropriate easements are obtained.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Site conditions (p. 378-CPS-2) [3]
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    Select a site that has an adequate supply of water for the intended purpose through surface runoff, ground water, or a supplemental water source. Water quality must be suitable for its intended use. If surface runoff is the primary source of water for a pond, the soils shall be impervious enough to prevent excessive seepage losses or shall be of a type that sealing is practicable. Water elevations in the reservoir shall not cause flooding or impede the removal of water from property of adjacent landowners unless appropriate easements are obtained.
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  • RequirementPractice specification: soil liners using soil dispersants or bentonite must conform to Specification 520, and other liners such as flexible membranes must be installed per Specification 521. Construction must control erosion and minimize water and air pollution, and State and local pollution-abatement laws must be followed.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Practice Specification, Pond (Code 378) (October 2023), Sections 7 (Soil Liners/Other Liners) and 8 (Erosion Control and Water Removal) [14]
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    The use of soil dispersants or bentonite shall conform to Specification 520. ... Other liners, e.g., flexible membrane, shall be installed in accordance with Specification 521. ... Construction operations will be carried out in such a manner that erosion will be controlled and water and air pollution minimized. State and Local laws concerning pollution abatement will be followed.
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  • RequirementEmbankment ponds - foundation cutoff and borrow: design a cutoff of relatively impervious material under the dam and up the abutments as required for preventing seepage, located at or upstream of the dam centerline, deep enough to intercept flow and connect with a relatively impervious layer, with cutoff side slopes no steeper than 1H:1V. Borrow areas must be located and used so pervious materials that could cause the pond to leak are not exposed.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Foundation cutoff; Borrow (p. 378-CPS-3) [3]
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    Design a cutoff of relatively impervious material under the dam and up the abutments as required for preventing seepage. Locate the cutoff at, or upstream from, the centerline of the dam. Extend the cutoff deep enough to intercept flow and connect with a relatively impervious layer. ... Design cutoff side slopes no steeper than one horizontal to one vertical. ... Borrow areas must be located and used so that pervious materials which could cause the pond to leak are not exposed.
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  • RequirementEmbankment ponds - seepage control is required if the foundation cutoff does not intercept pervious layers, seepage could create undesired wet areas, embankment stability requires it, or special problems require drainage. Unless site-specific analysis shows otherwise, the phreatic surface is assumed to run through the embankment at 4H:1V from the 10-year water surface elevation toward the downstream toe.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Seepage control (p. 378-CPS-3) [3]
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    Include seepage control if— ... • Foundation cutoff does not intercept pervious layers. • Seepage could create undesired wet areas. • Embankment stability requires seepage control. • Special problems require drainage for a stable dam. ... Unless site specific conditions and analyses indicate otherwise, the phreatic surface shall be assumed to pass through the embankment at a slope of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical from the 10-year frequency water surface elevation toward the downstream embankment toe.
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  • Size cutoffInternal erosion: when the dam's effective height is 15 feet or greater, pipes through the embankment with inverts below the peak routed-hydrograph elevation must have filter diaphragms (per NEH Part 628 Ch. 45) or anti-seep collars; a filter-diaphragm drain outlet is to be provided at the downstream toe.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds with effective height >= 15 ft NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Internal erosion; Filter diaphragms (p. 378-CPS-6) [3]
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    Install filter diaphragms for internal erosion control or anti-seep collars to reduce hydraulic gradient along the pipe extending through the embankment with inverts below the peak elevation of the routed hydrograph when the effective height of the dam is 15 feet or greater. ... To improve filter diaphragm performance, provide a drain outlet for the filter diaphragm at the downstream toe of the embankment.
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  • RequirementExcavated (dug-out) ponds: provide at least 1 foot of freeboard above the peak design-hydrograph elevation; provide a pipe and auxiliary spillway meeting Table 3 capacity; consider runoff flow patterns when siting the pond and placing spoil; excavated side slopes no steeper than 1H:1V; and protect side slopes from erosion where surface water enters through a channel.

    Applies when: Excavated ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Additional Criteria for Excavated Ponds (p. 378-CPS-7) [3]
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    Design a minimum of 1 foot of freeboard above the peak elevation of the design hydrograph. Design a pipe and auxiliary spillway that meets the capacity requirements of Table 3. Consider runoff flow patterns when locating the excavated pond and placing the spoil. Side Slopes In the excavated area, design side slopes that are no steeper than one horizontal to one vertical. Inlet Protection Protect the side slopes from erosion where surface water enters the pond in a natural or constructed channel.
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  • RequirementExcavated material must be placed so it does not endanger side-slope stability or wash back into the pond, by one of: spreading uniformly no higher than 3 feet with the top sloped away from the pond; placing at its natural angle of repose at a distance equal to the pond depth but not less than 12 feet from the pond edge; shaping to a landscape-blending designed form; low embankment construction and leveling; or hauling offsite.

    Applies when: Excavated ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Excavated material (p. 378-CPS-8) [3]
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    Uniformly spread to a height that does not exceed 3 feet, with the top graded to a continuous slope away from the pond. • Uniformly place and with side slopes assuming a natural angle of repose. Place excavated material at a distance equal to the depth of the pond, but not less than 12 feet from the edge of the pond. • Shape to a designed form that blends visually with the landscape. • Provide for low embankment construction and leveling of surrounding landscape. • Haul material offsite.
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More detail

More detail: 20 more verified statements on the NRCS Pennsylvania Pond (378) standard and related Pennsylvania rules

  • StatusOn the Pennsylvania eFOTG menu, the 'Pond (378)' folder (itemId -173) sits under Section 4 'Conservation Practice Standards & Support Documents' and is not an archive folder, i.e. the 2023 PA standard listed there is the active version, not an ARCHIVED copy.

    NRCS eFOTG (Pennsylvania) folder menu, stateFolder/getMenu/42 [2]
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    "title":"Pond (378)","itemId":-173,"isNRTVersion":true,"isReadOnly":true,"isArchiveFolder":false ... "title":"Conservation Practice Standards & Support Documents","itemId":-3 ... "title":"Section 4 - Practice Standards and Supporting Documents"
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  • StatusThe Pennsylvania document is titled 'Conservation Practice Standard, Pond, Code 378 (no)', and each page is marked 'NRCS, PA / October 2023'. The standard says NRCS reviews and periodically updates practice standards and that the current version is obtained from the NRCS State office or the online Field Office Technical Guide.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), p. 378-CPS-1 [3]
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    CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD POND CODE 378 ... NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current NRCS, PA version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at October 2023
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  • StatusNRCS's national Pond (378) page states that national conservation practice standards should not be used to plan, design or install a practice and directs users to the state-level Field Office Technical Guide. The national Pond (378) standard listed there is dated 7/2022; the page says the next review of the national standard is expected to begin October 2030. (The PA version is dated October 2023.)

    NRCS, "Pond (No.) (378) Conservation Practice Standard" web page [17]
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    NOTICE - National conservation practice standards should not be used to plan, design or install a conservation practice. To find these documents at the local level, visit our Field Office Technical Guide website. ... Pond (No.) (378) (7/2022) Standard Document ... Updated in 2026, the next review of this national conservation practice standard is expected to begin October 2030.
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  • DefinitionThe listed purposes of a 378 pond are to store water for livestock, fish and wildlife, recreational use, fire control, erosion control, and flow detention, and to improve water quality.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Purpose (p. 378-CPS-1) [3]
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    Store water for: • Livestock • Fish and wildlife • Recreational use • Fire control • Erosion control • Flow detention • Improve water quality
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  • RequirementAll 378 ponds: design sediment storage equal to the structure's design life or provide for periodic cleanout, and protect the drainage area above the pond from sedimentation; design safety measures per NRCS National Engineering Manual Part 503 'Safety'; and evaluate cultural resources in the project area and project impacts on them.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), General Criteria; Cultural resources (p. 378-CPS-2) [3]
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    Design a minimum sediment storage capacity equal to the design life of the structure, or provide for periodic cleanout. Protect the drainage area above the pond to prevent sedimentation from adversely affecting the design life. Design measures necessary to prevent serious injury or loss of life according to the requirements of NRCS National Engineering Manual (NEM) (Title 210), Part 503, "Safety." ... Evaluate the existence of cultural resources in the project area and any project impacts on such resources.
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  • RequirementEmbankment ponds - geological investigation: use pits, trenches, borings, existing data or other means to characterize the embankment foundation, auxiliary spillway and borrow areas; classify soils by ASTM D2487-17e1 (Unified Soil Classification System); and determine whether problem soils exist (including dispersive, collapsible, soft, or expansive clays, low internal-erosion-resistance soils, loose coarse-grained soils, high soluble content soils and caliche) that call for defensive design.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Additional Criteria for Embankment Ponds - Geological investigations (pp. 378-CPS-2 to -3) [3]
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    Use pits, trenches, borings, and reviews of existing data or other suitable means of investigation to characterize materials within the embankment foundation, auxiliary spillway, and borrow areas. Classify soil materials using ASTM D2487-17e1 ... Problem soils, include but are not limited to ... dispersive clays, collapsible soils, soft clays, expansive clays, low internal erosion resistance soils, loose coarse-grained soils, high soluble content soils, and caliche soils.
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  • RequirementBypass ponds: design so flood flows in the adjacent stream do not erode the downstream embankment slope, using at least a 25-year, 24-hour event to evaluate the bypassed stream; bypass ponds must not restrict or alter the stream's flow characteristics so that adjacent landowners are adversely affected.

    Applies when: Ponds built beside (bypassing) a stream NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Slope protection - bypass ponds (p. 378-CPS-4) [3]
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    Bypass ponds must be designed so that flood flows from the adjacent stream do not erode the downstream embankment slope. ... The minimum design frequency for evaluating flows in the bypassed stream is a 25-year, 24-hour duration event. Bypass ponds must not restrict or alter the flow characteristics of the stream such that adjacent landowners are adversely affected.
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  • RequirementPrincipal spillway details: provide an anti-vortex device; analyze the riser for flotation assuming all orifices and pipes are plugged, with a factor of safety of 1.2 or greater; principal spillway pipe minimum inside diameter 4 inches (except where unusual plugging risk from debris or animals); water supply and other pipes minimum 1-1/4 inches inside diameter.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Principal spillway (p. 378-CPS-5) [3]
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    Provide an anti-vortex device to handle pressure flow in the principal spillway pipe. ... The riser shall be analyzed for floatation assuming all orifices and pipes are plugged. The factor of safety against flotation shall be 1.2 or greater. ... Design a principal spillway pipe with a minimum inside diameter of 4 inches except in cases of unusual risk of plugging from debris flow or animal activity. Design pipe with a minimum inside diameter of 1-1/4 inches for water supply pipes or for pipes used for any other purpose.
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  • RequirementPipe materials: water supply pipes shall be galvanized steel or another material listed for pipe conduits, and supply pipes and valves shall have adequate frost protection; all valves should be located at or upstream of the dam centerline. Pipe conduits are to be designed using ductile iron, welded steel, corrugated aluminum, reinforced concrete (precast or site-cast) or plastic; cast iron or unreinforced concrete pipe may not be used if the dam is 20 feet or more in total height.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Principal spillway - pipe (p. 378-CPS-5) [3]
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    Water supply pipes shall be galvanized steel or other material identified below for pipe conduits. All valves should be located at or upstream of the dam centerline. Any supply pipes and valves shall have adequate frost protection. ... Design pipe using ductile iron, welded steel, corrugated aluminum, reinforced concrete (precast or site-cast), or plastic. Do not use cast iron or unreinforced concrete pipe if the dam is 20 feet or greater in total height.
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  • Size cutoffPVC pipe in PA ponds (Table 2) - maximum depth of fill over pipe: for 4-inch or smaller nominal size, Schedule 40 = 6 ft, SDR 26 = 10 ft, Schedule 80 = 20 ft; for 6-24 inch, Schedule 40 = 6 ft, SDR 26 = 10 ft, Schedule 80 = 15 ft. Other flexible pipe is designed under NEH Part 636 Chapter 52 with no more than 5% wall deflection.

    Applies when: Plastic (PVC) conduits through embankments NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Table 2 "Acceptable PVC Pipe for use in Ponds" (p. 378-CPS-5) [3]
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    Use specifications in Table 2 for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For other sizes and materials, design flexible pipe according to the requirements of NRCS National Engineering Handbook (NEH) (Title 210), Part 636, Chapter 52, "Structural Design of Flexible Conduits" which allows no greater than five percent pipe wall deflection. ... Schedule 40 6 4 or smaller SDR 26 10 Schedule 80 20 Schedule 40 6 6 – 24 SDR 26 10 Schedule 80 15
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  • Size cutoffCorrosion protection: protective coatings are required on all steel pipe and couplings where pipe corrosion has traditionally occurred or where embankment saturated soil resistivity is under 4,000 ohm-cm or soil pH is under 5.

    Applies when: Steel pipe NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Corrosion protection (pp. 378-CPS-5 to -6) [3]
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    Provide protective coatings for all steel pipe and couplings in areas that have traditionally experienced pipe corrosion or in embankments with saturated soil resistivity less than 4,000 ohm-cm or soil pH less ... than 5.
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  • RequirementAnti-seep collars can be used in lieu of filter diaphragms where the listed soil and site conditions apply, including: embankment soils documented to be non-dispersive (by crumb testing or evidence the site is in geologic formations known to be non-dispersive); soils tests showing plasticity index 15 or greater; natural or excavated ground slopes transverse to the embankment centerline near the conduit no steeper than 2H:1V (plus moisture-content and foundation-stiffness/density conditions). Collar spacing may not exceed the lesser of 14 times the minimum collar projection or 25 feet, collars may be no closer than 10 feet apart, and they must be designed to lengthen the seepage path along the pipe within the fill by at least 15%.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds using anti-seep collars NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Anti-seep collars (p. 378-CPS-6) [3]
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    Anti-seep collars can be used in lieu of diaphragms where the following soil and site conditions apply: ... documented to be non-dispersive ... plasticity index (PI) equal to or greater than 15. ... ground slopes transverse to the embankment centerline in the vicinity of the conduit are no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. ... Limit the maximum spacing of the anti-seep collars to 14 times the minimum projection of the collar ... or 25 feet, whichever is less. ... no closer than 10 feet apart. ... increase the seepage path along the pipe within the fill by at least 15 percent.
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  • RequirementTrash guard and pool drain: install a trash guard at the riser inlet unless the watershed has no clogging debris. Provide a pipe with a suitable valve to drain the pool if needed for pond management or if required by State law; the principal spillway pipe may serve as the drain if located to do so.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Trash guard; Pool drain (pp. 378-CPS-6 to -7) [3]
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    Install a trash guard at the riser inlet to prevent clogging of the pipe, unless the watershed does not contain trash or debris that could clog the pipe. ... Provide a pipe with a suitable valve to drain the pool area if needed for proper pond management or if required by State law. The designer may use the principal spillway pipe as a pond drain if it is located where it can perform this function.
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  • RequirementAuxiliary spillway routing and construction: flood routing starts at the principal spillway crest or the water surface after a 10-day drawdown, whichever is higher; a constructed auxiliary spillway is trapezoidal, located in undisturbed earth or in-situ rock, and must have at least a 10-foot bottom width for dams with effective height of 20 feet or more.

    Applies when: Embankment ponds NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Auxiliary spillways (p. 378-CPS-7) [3]
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    Start the routing either with the water surface at the elevation of the crest of the principal spillway or at the water surface after a 10-day drawdown, whichever is higher. ... Design the auxiliary spillway with a trapezoidal cross-section. Locate the auxiliary spillway in undisturbed earth or in-situ rock. ... Design a minimum bottom width of 10 feet for dams having an effective height of 20 feet or more.
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  • Size cutoffThe PA standard allows alternative criteria for low wetland creation/enhancement/restoration embankments (practices PA657, PA658, PA659), Category I - all must apply: total height 3 feet or less (plus 6 inches may be added for settlement); drainage area under 100 acres; total storage to top of embankment under 50 acre-feet; no downstream hazards. Top width, seepage control and principal spillway criteria for embankment ponds still apply.

    Applies when: Wetland embankments only (not ordinary farm/recreation ponds) NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Design Criteria for Wetland Creation/Enhancement/Restoration Embankments - Category I (p. 378-CPS-8) [3]
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    For low embankments, used to create, enhance, restore wetlands (conservation practice standards PA657, PA658, PA659) ... all other criteria for embankment ponds relative to top width, seepage control, and principal spillways are applicable. ... Total height is less than or equal to three feet. In addition, 6" can be added to account for settlement after construction. b. Drainage area is less than 100 acres. c. Total storage to the top of the embankment is less than 50 acre-feet. d. No downstream hazards.
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  • Size cutoffWetland embankment Categories II and III (all conditions must apply): Category II - total embankment height under 6 feet, drainage area under 50 acres, storage under 50 acre-feet, no downstream hazards, auxiliary spillway sized for the 10-year, 24-hour peak; Category III - height under six feet, drainage area between 50 and 99 acres, storage under 50 acre-feet, no downstream hazards, auxiliary spillway sized for the 25-year, 24-hour peak.

    Applies when: Wetland embankments only NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Wetland embankments - Categories II and III (pp. 378-CPS-9 to -10) [3]
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    CATEGORYII: ... a. Total embankment height is less than 6 feet. b. Drainage area is less than 50 acres. c. Total storage to the top of the embankment is less than 50 acre-feet. d. No downstream hazards. ... The auxiliary spillway sized to carry the 10-year, 24-hour peak discharge ... CATEGORYIII: ... a. Total embankment height is less than six feet. b. Drainage area is between 50 and 99 acres. c. Total storage to the top of the embankment is less than 50 acre-feet. d. No downstream hazards. ... Auxiliary spillway sized to carry the 25-year, 24-hour peak discharge
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • RequirementPlans and specifications must at minimum include a plan view of the pond layout and appurtenant features; typical profiles and cross sections of the spillways, dam and appurtenant features, as needed; structural drawings; requirements for establishing vegetation or other ground surface protection, as needed; safety features; site-specific construction and material specifications; and utility location and notification requirements. An operation and maintenance plan must be prepared for the operator; its listed minimum items include periodic inspection of all structures, prompt repair or replacement of damaged components, and preventing establishment of woody vegetation on the embankment fill and around spillway appurtenances.

    NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard Pond (Code 378), 378-CPS (NRCS, PA, October 2023), Plans and Specifications; Operation and Maintenance (p. 378-CPS-12) [3]
    Show the source text
    A plan view of the layout of the pond ... Typical profiles and cross sections ... as needed. ... Structural drawings ... Requirements for establishing vegetation or other ground surface protection ... Safety features. • Site-specific construction and material specifications. • Utility location and notification requirements. ... Prepare an operation and maintenance plan for the operator. ... Periodically inspect all structures ... Promptly repair or replace damaged components. ... Prevent the establishment of woody vegetation on constructed embankment fill and around spillway appurtenances.
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG) (opens in a new tab)

  • RequirementPractice specification construction minimums: where specified, a cutoff trench is excavated; unless otherwise shown on the drawings its bottom width is governed by the excavation equipment but not less than 4 feet, and its minimum depth is 3 feet or as otherwise shown on the drawings (if large boulders or bedrock are encountered, the minimum depth is not required if, in the Engineer's opinion, the trench cannot be excavated to it). Frozen material may not be placed in the fill. Unless otherwise specified, fill lifts before compaction may be no thicker than 8 inches (sheepsfoot rollers), 6 inches (rubber-tired compaction equipment) or 4 inches (track-type compaction equipment, which must be 10 tons or greater).

    Applies when: Embankment ponds built to the NRCS PA practice specification, unless the drawings or Section 10 of the specification provide otherwise NRCS Pennsylvania Practice Specification, Pond (Code 378) (October 2023), Sections 4 (Cutoff Trench) and 6 (Embankment) [14]
    Show the source text
    Where specified, a cutoff trench shall be excavated ... Unless otherwise shown on the drawings, the bottom width ... not less than four feet. The minimum depth of the cutoff trench shall be three feet or as otherwise shown ... If large boulders or bedrock is encountered ... the minimum depth will not be required if, in the opinion of the Engineer ... Frozen material shall not be placed in the fill ... eight inches for sheepsfoot rollers, six inches for rubber-tired compaction equipment, or four inches for track-type compaction equipment (must be 10 ton or greater), unless otherwise specified
    Open USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (opens in a new tab)

  • RequirementGP-9 conditions: use of GP-9 is authorized only as part of a conservation plan approved by a County Conservation District; the covered practices must be built and maintained according to 25 Pa. Code Chapter 101.8 and the design standards and specifications in the technical guide for Pennsylvania available through USDA NRCS or the County Conservation District; the owner must register before construction with the delegated district or DEP regional office and may not begin work until registration is acknowledged; and the PFBC regional office must be notified 10 days before construction.

    Applies when: Only the GP-9-listed agricultural practices (not ponds) PA DEP General Permit BWEW-GP-9 (Rev. 6/2013), ¶¶ 6, 12(a)-(b), 18 [15]
    Show the source text
    may not begin work until he has notified the appropriate office and received an acknowledgement of that registration. ... a. The use of this General Permit is only authorized as part of a conservation plan approved by a County Conservation District ... must be constructed and maintained according to 25 Pa. Code Chapter 101.8 and the design standards and specifications found in the technical guide for Pennsylvania available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service ... ten (10) days prior to start of construction.
    Open Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (eLibrary) (opens in a new tab)

  • ExemptionPennsylvania's Clean Streams Law § 316 lets DEP order a landowner or occupier to correct a condition causing pollution or danger of pollution, but if the pollution results from an act of God in the form of sediment from land that has a complete conservation plan developed by the local soil and water conservation district and the Soil Conservation Service (USDA), and the plan has been fully implemented and maintained, the landowner is excluded from the Act's penalties.

    Applies when: Sediment pollution from land under a fully implemented district/SCS conservation plan Clean Streams Law, Act of June 22, 1937, P.L. 1987, No. 394, § 316 (amended Oct. 10, 1980, P.L. 894, No. 157) [18]
    Show the source text
    the department may order the landowner or occupier to correct the condition ... If the department finds that the pollution or danger of pollution results from an act of God in the form of sediment from land for which a complete conservation plan has been developed by the local soil and water conservation district and the Soil Conservation Service, U.S.D.A. and the plan has been fully implemented and maintained, the landowner shall be excluded from the penalties of this act.
    Open Pennsylvania General Assembly (opens in a new tab)

Open questions to ask the agency

Not confirmed from a primary source

We could not confirm the following from an official source. Ask the agency listed before relying on any of it.

  • Whether Pond (378) is an eligible practice, with a payment rate, on Pennsylvania's FY2026 EQIP cost list and payment schedule. The cost-list file could not be retrieved. — ask: NRCS Pennsylvania State Office, EQIP Program Manager (717-237-2201), or the local USDA service center
  • Whether NRCS Pennsylvania will design or assist with a purely recreational or residential (non-farm) pond, and how it prioritizes such requests. — ask: Local USDA service center / NRCS field office
  • Whether any Pennsylvania regulation, DEP general permit or Chapter 105 waiver specifically recognizes NRCS-designed or conservation-district-reviewed ponds, for example as a permit substitute or a streamlined review. None was found; GP-9 does not list ponds. — ask: Waterways and Wetlands Program at the PA DEP regional office; county conservation district
  • Which State law the 378 standard means when it requires a drain pipe "if required by State law" (the standard names none), and whether any Pennsylvania law requires a drain for a pond that is not a DEP-regulated dam. — ask: PA DEP Division of Dam Safety
  • Whether building a farm or NRCS-designed (CPS 378) pond on an agricultural operation counts as exempt agricultural plowing or tilling, or as a construction earth disturbance that needs NPDES coverage at 1 acre or more. — ask: DEP Bureau of Clean Water, Chapter 102 program (RA-EPChapter102@pa.gov); county conservation district

Sources

Every statement above links to one of these official sources. Expand “Show the source text” under any statement to read the exact passage it rests on.

  1. eFOTG Pennsylvania - Pond (378) folder document listing (API listByFolderAll, folderId -173) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS eFOTG, document date retrieved 2026-09-28, retrieved September 28, 2026
  2. eFOTG Pennsylvania - folder menu (API stateFolder/getMenu/42) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS eFOTG, document date retrieved 2026-09-28, retrieved September 28, 2026
  3. NRCS Pennsylvania Conservation Practice Standard, Pond (Code 378) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG), document date October 2023, retrieved September 28, 2026
  4. Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105 (opens in a new tab) — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, retrieved September 28, 2026
  5. Conservation Practice Standard, Dam (Code 402), NRCS Pennsylvania (402 PA CPS Dam 2022) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG), document date October 2022, retrieved September 28, 2026
  6. Conservation Technical Assistance (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS, retrieved September 28, 2026
  7. PA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania, document date Apply by October 1, 2026, retrieved September 28, 2026
  8. 25 Pa. Code § 105.3 (Scope) (opens in a new tab) — Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin (Legislative Reference Bureau), document date Code current through 56 Pa.B. 4026 (July 4, 2026); § 105.3 last amended eff. Oct. 12, 1991, retrieved September 28, 2026
  9. 7 CFR Part 610 - Technical Assistance (eCFR) (opens in a new tab) — eCFR / National Archives, document date current as of retrieval, retrieved September 28, 2026
  10. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS, retrieved September 28, 2026
  11. How to Apply (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS, retrieved September 28, 2026
  12. Statement of Work, Pond (378), Pennsylvania (378 PA SOW Pond 2023) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG), document date October 2023, retrieved September 28, 2026
  13. Design and Check Data Requirements, Pond (Code 378), Pennsylvania (378 PA Design and Check Data Pond 2023) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania (eFOTG), document date October 2023, retrieved September 28, 2026
  14. Practice Specification, Pond (Code 378), Pennsylvania (378 PA Practice Specification 2023) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS Pennsylvania, document date October 2023, retrieved September 28, 2026
  15. General Permit BWEW-GP-9, Agricultural Activities (3150-PM-BWEW0509) (opens in a new tab) — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (eLibrary), document date Rev. 6/2013, retrieved September 28, 2026
  16. Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations (383-4200-002) (opens in a new tab) — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, document date effective 2019-10-05, retrieved September 28, 2026
  17. Pond (No.) (378) Conservation Practice Standard (national page) (opens in a new tab) — USDA NRCS, document date national standard 7/2022, retrieved September 28, 2026
  18. The Clean Streams Law, Act of June 22, 1937, P.L. 1987, No. 394 (35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.) (opens in a new tab) — Pennsylvania General Assembly, document date section 402(c) added Oct. 22, 2014 (Act 162), retrieved September 28, 2026

This is not legal advice. It is a plain-English summary of official sources, checked September 28, 2026. Laws, permits and agency practice change, and how they apply depends on your exact site. Confirm with the agencies named here, and with a licensed professional engineer for any dam, before you build.

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