Bon Secours Pond Renovation

Bon Secours Pond Renovation
	In early 2001, Ecotone developed a renovation design for an existing 1/3 acre pond that had developed numerous leaks in an aging liner. The pond, nestled behind the Bon Secours Retreat Center building in Marriottsville, MD, is a focus feature of the facility and an integral part of the center's peaceful and spiritual setting. Ecotone's design included a system of recirculating pumps, mechanical filtration and pond side skimmers to keep surface debris from accumulating in the pond, and biological filtration in the form of a 5,000 square by 3 foot deep wetland set adjacent to the pond. The plan also included the installation of a new liner covered with 300 ton of stone and gravel to hide it and provide additional filtration - similar to the gravel one places in a home aquarium.
Lastly, the Sisters wanted to replace the arching bridge which had been damaged by termites over the years and was a hazard. A custom bridge was designed with the identical arch and dimensions as the original. The project was designed in March of 2001, and construction was completed in August of 2001.

Phases of the Project
	The existing pond was leaking badly and had severe water quality problems.	A specialized PPL-24 liner was used. Seams were field welded using a hand welder.
	The pond was "rocked in" with 300 ton of natural stone and gravels to hide the liner.	The wetland filtration area was filled with 80 ton of gravel and cobbl.
	RBS Contracting was subcontracted to retrofit the new bridge with the old handrails	The wetland filtration area, is fed by 3 high efficency pumps feeding the wetland with 25,000 gallons per hour.
	The gravel bottom and wetland filtration system keep the water crystal clear.	Wetland filtration area looking toward the custom bridge designed and installed by Ecotone.
	The stream and waterfall complex provides a tranquil focus for the pond.	Looking down at the pond from the bridge.
	Wetland filter area is on the right, one year after construction	Bridge and pond, one year after construction.
	Pond looking toward the retreat building.	Bridge and reflection.
	Waterfall spilling into the pond.