Rhea County Sinkhole, TN

Tennessee’s ground is home to a hidden network of karst terrain. This terrain is shaped by erosion of soluble bedrock. About 25% of the state is covered in limestone and dolomite, perfect for sinkholes. TNLandforms.com shows Anderson County has 625 mapped depressions. This gives us a better look at sinkhole distribution in the area.

In 2013, digital elevation modeling found 239 sinkholes over 3 meters deep in Anderson County. The deepest one is 67.6 feet deep. This matches Dr. Shofner’s 2001 study, which found over 54,000 karst features across the state.

Central Tennessee’s geology is always changing. In 2022, a sinkhole near Oak Ridge closed roads. In 2018, a sinkhole in Clinton moved 12,000 cubic feet of soil. These events show why we need to keep watching these areas closely.

This information helps us understand similar areas in the state. By mapping these areas, we can better predict risks. Anderson County’s data helps us see how likely other areas are to have ground problems.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Rhea County has seen 202 sinkholes from 2003 to now. The 2023 Highway 27 sinkhole is a major event. It happened near Spring City TN and closed southbound lanes for 17 days.

TDOT engineers called it a “rapid-onset collapse.” They used 84 truckloads of gravel to fix it.

Tennessee has many types of sinkholes. Here’s a comparison:

New ways to find sinkholes show old methods were wrong. A 2017 LiDAR study found 27 sinkholes in Cookeville. This was 48% fewer than old surveys said.

Rhea County uses ground checks every 6 months. This is different from Cookeville’s LiDAR study.

The Highway 27 sinkhole shows we need better ways to watch for sinkholes. It didn’t hurt anyone but it messed up delivery for 12 companies. Experts say 68% of Rhea County TN sinkholes are near carbonate rocks.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Tennessee’s karst landscapes pose a risk for sinkholes, with Rhea County TN seeing groundwater changes up to 3.6% yearly. Ground-penetrating radar is key for finding hidden voids, as shown in TDOT’s 2008 James White Parkway study. Homeowners in karst areas should take steps to prevent sinkholes by monitoring structures and managing the environment.

Four steps can help lower the risk of sinkholes. Checking foundation gaps often can spot early signs of ground movement. Also, having good stormwater drainage systems helps prevent soil erosion near buildings. The EPA suggests planting deep-rooted plants like switchgrass to stabilize sinkhole-prone spots, a method used in 2013 in Clarksville.

It’s important to have insurance that covers sinkhole damage, as Tennessee law requires. Homeowners should check their policies for coverage of karst-related damage. For example, the 2014 Austin-Peay sinkhole cost $850,000 to fix. Getting a professional geological evaluation is key when buying property or seeing signs like circular plants or sudden cracks in foundations.

Using science and practical maintenance together is a strong defense against sinkholes. State agencies keep improving their methods based on new research. But, it’s up to each homeowner to stay ready and protect their property in Tennessee’s sinkhole-risk areas.

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We are a team passionate about providing sinkhole related information to the public.

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