Sinkholes in Decatur County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Decatur County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

Decatur County, TN Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 47

Decatur County, TN FAQs

Decatur County, located in southwestern Tennessee, has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement in the 1820s. Here’s an overview of the history of Decatur County and some notable landmarks in the area:

History of Decatur County, TN:

  • Native American History: Decatur County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Cherokee, who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlement.
  • Early Settlement: European settlers began arriving in Decatur County in the early 1800s, primarily from North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. The county was officially established in 1845, and its county seat, Decaturville, was named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a hero of the War of 1812.
  • Civil War: During the Civil War, Decatur County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The Battle of Perryville, a skirmish between Union and Confederate forces, took place in Decatur County in 1864.
  • Agriculture and Industry: Decatur County has a history of agriculture, with cotton, corn, and timber being important industries in the area. Sawmills, gristmills, and other small-scale industries also played a role in the county’s economy.

Notable Landmarks in Decatur County, TN:

  • Decatur County Courthouse
      • located in Decaturville, is a notable landmark in the area
      • built in 1925
      • listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its distinctive neoclassical architecture

  • Parsons Depot Museum
    • located in the town of Parsons
    • a historic train depot that has been converted into a museum
    • houses exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Decatur County

  • Tennessee River
    • a notable natural landmark in the area
    • the river offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities

  • Natchez Trace State Park
    • a large state park located in Decatur County, known for its scenic beauty, camping, hiking, and equestrian trails
    • has a lake for fishing and boating

  • Wildlife Management Areas
    • home to several wildlife management areas, including Perryville Marina and Wildlife Management Area and Beech River Wildlife Management Area, which offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

What are the recreational activities available in Decatur County, TN?

Decatur County, TN, offers a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular recreational activities available in Decatur County include:

  1. Boating and Fishing
    • Tennessee River
    • Natchez Trace State Park
    • Pin Oak Lake
    • Cub Lake
    • Maple Creek Lake

These lakes are also known for fishing, with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and more, providing opportunities for anglers.

  1. Camping
    • Natchez Trace State Park
      • offers camping facilities with hundreds of campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins
      • has various campgrounds with amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and more, providing opportunities for camping enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the park

  2. Hiking and Nature Trails
    • Natchez Trace State Park has numerous hiking and nature trails that wind through its forests, meadows, and along the lakeshores, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing
    • has over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Cub Creek Trail, which leads to a waterfall, and the Chickasaw Trail, which showcases the park’s diverse ecosystems

  3. Hunting
    • Perryville Marina
    • Wildlife Management Area
    • Beech River Wildlife Management Area

  4. Golfing
    • Tennessee River Golf Club
      • located in Decaturville
      • is an 18-hole golf course that offers recreational opportunities for golf enthusiasts
      • features scenic views of the Tennessee River and offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels

  5. Wildlife Viewing
    • Natchez Trace State Park and wildlife management areas
      • provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot various wildlife species, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other native animals, while exploring the parks and natural areas

  6. Picnicking and Camping

Decatur County, TN, offers a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular recreational activities available in Decatur County include:

  1. Boating and Fishing
    • Tennessee River
    • Natchez Trace State Park
    • Pin Oak Lake
    • Cub Lake
    • Maple Creek Lake

These lakes are also known for fishing, with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and more, providing opportunities for anglers.

  1. Camping
    • Natchez Trace State Park
      • offers camping facilities with hundreds of campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins
      • has various campgrounds with amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and more, providing opportunities for camping enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the park

  2. Hiking and Nature Trails
    • Natchez Trace State Park has numerous hiking and nature trails that wind through its forests, meadows, and along the lakeshores, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing
    • has over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Cub Creek Trail, which leads to a waterfall, and the Chickasaw Trail, which showcases the park’s diverse ecosystems

  3. Hunting
    • Perryville Marina
    • Wildlife Management Area
    • Beech River Wildlife Management Area

  4. Golfing
    • Tennessee River Golf Club
      • located in Decaturville
      • is an 18-hole golf course that offers recreational opportunities for golf enthusiasts
      • features scenic views of the Tennessee River and offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels

  5. Wildlife Viewing
    • Natchez Trace State Park and wildlife management areas
      • provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot various wildlife species, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other native animals, while exploring the parks and natural areas

  6. Picnicking and Camping

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Sinkholes in Decatur County, TN

Karst landscapes shape Decatur County’s geology, thanks to limestone dissolving over time. This creates underground voids that sometimes collapse into sinkholes. Tennessee has over 54,000 sinkholes, with 47 verified cases in Decatur County.

A 2013 study used ArcMap to find 23 sinkholes deeper than 3 meters. These findings match Shofner’s maps, showing risk zones near bedrock layers.

Geologists say soluble rocks under the ground cause sinkholes. Rain and groundwater erode these rocks, leading to instability. For more information, check the Tennessee Landforms database.

Knowing about these geological processes helps predict future sinkholes. Decatur County’s biggest sinkhole is 0.1582 km². This knowledge helps plan land use and infrastructure in risky areas.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Tennessee’s karst landscapes have seen more sinkholes, starting in 2003. Decatur County’s situation mirrors the state’s. New tech, like LiDAR, helps find sinkholes with 92% accuracy. This tech has found 41 sinkholes over 100 feet deep statewide.

But, there are gaps in data for rural areas.

Post-2003 Sinkhole Activity

More sinkholes are reported due to better tools, more buildings in karst areas, and severe weather. In 2009, Cookeville found 12 sinkholes near important drainage systems. In 2017, Sparta’s LiDAR study found a 140-foot sinkhole under a house, leading to new zoning laws.

Structural Impacts on Infrastructure

Sinkholes cost Tennessee $3.8 million a year for repairs. Montgomery County had 3,025 sinkhole cases from 2010 to 2020. This shows the damage:

  • Foundation cracks: 58% of homes near sinkholes
  • Utility line breaks: 22 incidents per 100 miles of pipeline
  • Roadway collapses: 17 state highway closures in 5 years
County Detection Method Depth Range Economic Impact
Decatur LiDAR (Post-2010) Not Specified Ongoing Assessment
Montgomery Ground Penetrating Radar 80–120 ft $2.1M (2018–2022)
Putnam Satellite Imaging 65–95 ft $890K (2021)

Decatur County now does biannual surveys to plan for sinkholes. They follow Sparta’s plan to avoid risks. Engineers focus on safe places for bridges and septic systems, using updated maps.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Decatur County’s karst landscape is a challenge for homeowners. Groundwater with a pH over 6.5 dissolves limestone fast, making the ground unstable. Tennessee law requires a 60-foot buffer around swallets and sinkhole throats to protect buildings.

Mitigation Strategies for Karst Terrain

Ground-penetrating radar surveys find hidden voids under homes. Knox County suggests using helical piers for foundations in sinkhole areas. Proper grading and French drains help keep water away from buildings.

Regular checks on foundations and land can spot problems early. Look for wall cracks or soil depressions.

Insurance and Regulatory Compliance

Tennessee law says insurers must offer sinkhole coverage for structural damage. Policies must outline how to fix foundations and fill voids. Homeowners should check if their policy covers areas marked as high-risk on Tennessee sinkhole maps.

Buying a property near karst features in Decatur County, TN, needs a professional geological check. Local rules also limit building in risky areas. Permits for new buildings require tests to check bedrock stability.

These steps help protect properties and keep Tennessee’s karst ecosystems safe.

FAQ

Why does Decatur County have significant sinkhole activity?

Decatur County’s karst geology has soluble limestone bedrock. This bedrock dissolves when groundwater flows through it. As a result, underground voids form and collapse into sinkholes. There are 47 documented sinkholes in the area, found through DEM analysis and historical mapping.

How many major sinkholes have been recorded in Tennessee, and when?

DEM data shows 41 major sinkholes in Tennessee, each over 100 feet deep, documented from 2003 to now. LiDAR technology has improved detection accuracy, as seen in Sparta’s 2017 analysis.

What are Tennessee’s legal requirements for building near sinkholes?

Tennessee requires a 60-foot buffer zone around sinkholes and swallets. This rule is based on Knox County’s 1973 standards. It aims to protect buildings and utilities from subsidence risks.

Does standard homeowners insurance cover sinkhole damage in Decatur County?

In Tennessee, sinkhole coverage is optional. Homeowners need a special rider in their policy to cover damage. This rider includes specific costs for repairs and geotechnical assessments.

What methods effectively identify sinkhole risks in karst regions?

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic conductivity testing are effective. These methods are used in areas like Cookeville, as seen in the 2009 floodplain risk assessment.

How does groundwater chemistry affect sinkhole formation rates?

Acidic groundwater speeds up limestone dissolution. In Decatur County, bedrock is more likely to develop voids when exposed to acidic water.

What infrastructure damage patterns occur from sinkhole activity?

Sinkholes can cause cracks in foundations and damage to utility lines. Montgomery County has seen over 3,000 cases of structural damage, including sewer and retaining wall failures in karst areas.
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