Kenton County Sinkhole, KY

Northern Kentucky is known for its sinkholes. This is because it sits on a karst landscape. Karst is made of soluble rocks like limestone. Water dissolves these rocks, creating holes underground that can collapse or show up on the surface.

Kentucky’s Geological Survey says 92 counties, including Kenton, have karst features. The local terrain is like the Carter Caves region. This is why some areas are more at risk for sinkholes.

There are two main ways sinkholes form here. Dissolution sinkholes grow slowly as acidic water eats away at the rock. Collapse sinkholes happen fast when underground spaces can’t hold the weight above. Both types are shown on Kenton County’s karst hazard maps.

Recent studies found areas where thin soil covers fractured limestone. These spots need watching, as human actions can make the ground unstable. Knowing about these geological factors helps people and planners reduce risks.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

In November 2024, a sinkhole opened on East 17th Street in Covington, showing the ongoing risks in Kenton County KY. A Rumpke sanitation truck got stuck when the road collapsed. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the truck was badly damaged.

The sinkhole was 8.3 feet deep and 6.1 feet wide, according to the Covington Fire Department. Rumpke Waste & Recycling said: “Our driver followed all safety protocols. We’re cooperating fully with infrastructure assessments to prevent future incidents.” The road is being fixed, and engineers are scanning nearby streets.

This event points out three key things about sinkholes in Kenton County KY:

• Underground limestone erosion sped up by rain
• Old stormwater drainage systems, not mapped for karst
• More cars on roads built over old solution channels

Geologists say the area’s karst landscape needs minimum 20-year monitoring cycles to spot changes. While no big sinkholes have hit homes in 15 years, city buildings keep facing problems. The Kentucky Geological Survey found 14 road collapses in the county from 2015 to 2024.

Now, local officials focus more on sinkhole risks when fixing roads. They bought advanced radar units in 2022. These tools help check for dangers more often in risky areas.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Kenton County KY residents face four main sinkhole risks. These risks need quick action. Construction on filled sinkholes is a big worry because the soil can collapse under weight.

Properties near swallow holes are at higher risk during heavy rain. This is because the rain causes fast erosion. Seasonal changes in the water table make limestone areas unstable, mostly in spring.

Old infrastructure adds to the problem. Corroded pipes can cause the ground to collapse. The Kentucky Geological Survey says homeowners should get their properties checked by licensed geologists every year. They look for signs like cracks or water pooling.

Homeowners should check if their insurance covers sinkhole damage. Standard policies usually don’t. Kenton County Emergency Management Director Jacob Moore says: “Call (859) 356-3191 right away if you notice a sudden depression in the ground. Move away from the area.” You can see the Kenton County sinkhole map to see where the risks are.

To prevent sinkholes, don’t let water flow towards your foundation. Also, don’t water too much near areas with karst formations. In rural areas, it’s important to test your well water regularly. Cities suggest using permeable surfaces to lessen the pressure on weak ground.

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