Pulaski County Sinkhole KY

South-central Kentucky has a hidden underground world shaped by karst geology. The area’s Mississippian-aged limestone bedrock, like the Slade Formation, has vast solution channels. These channels were made by water dissolving rock over thousands of years. The Kentucky Geological Survey says this makes the terrain unstable and prone to sudden collapses.

Human activities can make these collapses worse. In 2019, a 50-foot-wide sinkhole opened on Highway 27 near Somerset. It blocked traffic for weeks. Similar sinkholes happen often because of the limestone terrain and groundwater. Oil extraction from the Knox Formation at depths over 1,900 feet also makes the subsurface less stable.

There are more risks than just sinkholes. The EPA says radon levels here are often too high. This is because of uranium-rich dolomite layers that release radon gas. Seismic assessments also show earthquake risks near Shopville and Burnside. These could make the karst structures even more unstable.

People and planners use detailed sinkhole activity maps to deal with these issues. While most western Pulaski wells have good water, the eastern part faces water scarcity. This shows how different the terrain is in this geologically diverse area.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

In 2021, Pulaski County faced three major sinkhole events. These incidents show how Kentucky’s karst terrain and weather can cause problems.

2021 Emergency Cases

• Winding Ridge Drive collapse: Needed 48 hours to stabilize after 7.2 inches of rain
• Highway 27 subsidence: Erosion damaged 180 feet of road near Somerset
• Vine Street infrastructure failure: KYTC crews fixed it for $187,000

The Winding Ridge incident happened during March’s record rain. Pulaski County’s Emergency Management Director Aaron Ross said: “Saturated soils from winter storms created ideal collapse conditions. We mobilized pumps and geotextile mats immediately.”

Highway 27’s subsidence shows long-term karst risks. Hydrologist Stacy Halcomb noted: “Water table changes speed up limestone erosion. We’re using LIDAR surveys to find high-risk areas.”

*Emergency stabilization costs only

KYTC reports show sinkhole repairs cost over $300,000 in 2021. Now, they use radar during inspections to find problems early.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Pulaski County’s karst landscape needs careful KY sinkhole prevention. Seven steps match Kentucky’s groundwater protection rules. These steps include not dumping waste in sinkholes and checking septic systems every three years.

Keeping urban runoff under control is also key. Detention basins must be built right to stop erosion. Farmers should keep animals away from sinking streams to prevent pollution.

Building lagoons safely in karst areas lowers collapse risks. Testing for radon in Slade Formation areas helps tackle geological dangers.

The Sloans Valley landfill cleanup shows how it works. It cut groundwater pollution by 62% from 2020. Shopville’s quarry work cut sinkhole problems by 41% with better engineering.

Homeowners should look for ground depressions and check sinkhole history. Use Bath County’s sinkhole maps for help.

Regular septic checks and proper waste disposal protect Pulaski County’s water. Make sure previous owners fixed any underground issues. Insurance often doesn’t cover sinkhole damage, so prevention is key.

Following these steps helps keep infrastructure safe. It also keeps the area’s unique water system healthy.

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