Edmonson County Sinkhole, KY

South-central Kentucky is known for its complex geology. The area’s limestone bedrock, shaped over 300 million years, is perfect for sinkholes. Near Mammoth Cave National Park, erosion shows off ancient rock layers.

Cedar Sink is a great example of this area. It’s 300 feet deep and 7 acres wide. It formed when water dissolved limestone beneath a sandstone caprock.

USDA soil surveys show 45,713 acres in the park are active. This means sinkholes are common in Edmonson County. Almost 85% of the park’s karst system is here, making some areas unstable.

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Scientists use a regional sinkhole map to study these areas. They see how sandstone and limestone interact. This interaction shapes Kentucky’s underground world.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Kentucky’s karst landscapes have seen many sinkhole events. These have changed local water flow and damaged infrastructure. Over 20 years, Edmonson County and nearby areas have shown how karst windows and underground weaknesses work.

Cedar Sink Hydrological Shifts

The Cedar Sink area is a key place for studying changes in karst drainage. A big storm in 1984 changed water flow from Turnhole Spring. This altered connections between Mill Hole and Procter Cave sub-basins.

This event made six seasonal water points appear during heavy rain. These points show up as temporary streams on the ground.

1984 Storm’s Drainage Legacy

After the storm, three main changes were found:

New ephemeral streams draining into Green River
More sediment in dry cave systems
Pressure-sensitive springs in limestone layers

A 2011 snowfall showed these changes handle 40% more water than before. No big collapses happened after 2003. But, ground movement is seen during seasonal floods.

Regional Infrastructure Challenges

In 2009, a road in Warren County collapsed. A 25-foot-wide crater formed under KY Highway 185 during spring rains. Photos show the typical karst collapse patterns.

This event is like others in Kentucky that damaged infrastructure. A USDOT report found poor cavity assessments caused the failure. Now, Edmonson County and nearby areas require better geological surveys for road projects.

Today, we use lidar mapping and groundwater monitoring to prevent sinkholes. These methods help find areas at risk, like near important roads.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Edmonson County’s karst landscape needs careful steps to lower risks. The Kentucky Geological Survey says it’s key to watch how buildings are built and to monitor the environment. This is vital for homes in areas where sinkholes can happen.

Building Safely on Unstable Ground

Building on karst aquifers needs special engineering. Kentucky has rules for building slopes and doing surveys for big reservoirs. The USDA-NRCS suggests using thick clay liners for ponds to stop leaks.

For dams over 25 feet, you need a Kentucky Division of Water permit. Also, projects near sinkholes have extra rules.

EPA Guidelines for Karst Management

Septic systems must be far from sinkholes to keep water clean. Homeowners should keep areas around sinkholes green to stop soil erosion. It’s also smart to test for radon every year, as levels in Edmonson County can be high.

Properties near oil and gas wells need extra care. Waste dumped in karst areas can pollute water fast. Flood risks add to the problems in karst areas. FEMA-designated flood zones show how water moves quickly through limestone.

Before buying a property, experts suggest looking at underground images. This helps avoid big financial losses and keeps Edmonson County’s water systems safe.

FAQ

What geological factors make Edmonson County prone to sinkholes?

Sinkholes in Edmonson County are caused by Mississippian bedrock. The Big Clifty Sandstone caprock over Girkin limestone is prone to collapse. The USDA found 45,713 acres in Mammoth Cave National Park with active solution channels. This speeds up karst development through chemical weathering of carbonate rock layers.

How did the 1984 storm permanently alter Cedar Sink’s hydrology?

The 1984 storm changed Cedar Sink’s flow. It redirected water from Mill Hole and Procter Cave sub-basins. Now, six seasonal water emergence points are monitored by karst hydrologists.

What construction standards apply to sinkhole-prone areas in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the Kentucky Geological Survey sets rules for building. They require a 3:1 slope ratio for embankments and geotechnical surveys for large structures. This helps prevent collapses, like the 2009 road failure in Warren County.

Are there documented sinkhole collapses in Edmonson County, Kentucky, in recent years?

No major sinkhole collapses have been recorded in Edmonson County after 2003. Ongoing monitoring shows gradual karst evolution. Regional examples, like Warren County’s road collapse, highlight the importance of assessing limestone cavities.

What precautions should homeowners take in karst regions?

Homeowners should install sealed septic systems 150+ feet from dolines. They should also maintain 30-foot vegetated buffers around sinkholes. Annual radon testing is recommended to meet the EPA’s 4 pCi/L limit. These steps help protect against contamination in Edmonson County’s aquifers.

How does Mammoth Cave National Park influence local sinkhole formation?

Mammoth Cave National Park’s 52,830-acre karst system speeds up subsurface erosion. USDA surveys show 84% of the park’s Edmonson County area has active carbonate dissolution features. These features contribute to sinkhole development in the region.

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