Name: Sinkholes in Wayne County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes
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Wayne County, TN FAQs

What is the history of Wayne County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?

- a rural county located in the southwestern part of the state
- The area that is now Wayne County was originally inhabited by the Chickasaw and Cherokee tribes.
- In 1817, the county was officially established and named after General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
- Throughout the 19th century, the county’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, with crops like tobacco and cotton being major exports.
- During the Civil War, Wayne County was a site of several skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces.
- In the early 20th century, the county experienced significant population decline due to factors like the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression.
Notable landmarks:
- Tennessee Fitness Spa
  - Located in the town of Waynesboro
  - a retreat center that offers fitness classes, healthy meals, and wellness activities
- Cypress Inn
  - a historic hotel located in Wayne County’s second-largest town, Cypress Inn
  - originally built in 1835 and has hosted several notable guests over the years, including Andrew Jackson and David Crockett
- Collinwood Railroad Museum
  - This museum is located in the town of Collinwood
  - showcases the history of the railroad industry in Wayne County
  - features a restored train depot and several train cars
- Shady Grove Rosenwald Schoo
  - a historic African American school
  - built in the early 20th century with funding from the Rosenwald Foundation
- Natchez Trace Parkway
  - a scenic drive that runs through Wayne County
  - follows the path of the historic Natchez Trace trail. Along the way, visitors can stop at several historic sites and scenic overlooks.

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

Wayne County, TN offers a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the popular recreational activities available in Wayne County:
1. Hiking and Camping: Wayne County is home to the beautiful Tennessee River and Natchez Trace State Park, which provides many opportunities for hiking and camping.
2. Hunting and Fishing: The county is also known for its great hunting and fishing, with many hunting and fishing spots available in the area.
3. Boating and Canoeing: The Tennessee River is a great spot for boating and canoeing, with many opportunities for recreational water activities.
4. Golfing: The county has several golf courses, including the popular Clifton Golf Course and the Waynesboro Country Club.
5. Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is another popular activity in Wayne County, with several stables and trails available for riding.
6. ATV Riding: The county also has several ATV trails and parks for off-road enthusiasts to enjoy.
7. Biking: The Natchez Trace Parkway is a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering scenic views and challenging terrain for riders.

Find Nearby Foreclosures

South-central Tennessee is known for its unique geology. The area sits on karst terrain. This is a landscape shaped by water dissolving limestone over time.

This process creates underground cavities. Sometimes, these cavities collapse, making sinkholes on the surface.

Wayne County has 21 known sinkholes. This is because it’s in the Appalachian Plateau’s carbonate rock belt. Tennessee has over 10,000 sinkholes because of its karst systems.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) helps find areas at risk. It shows small changes in the ground.

These surveys show how drainage affects the ground. Data from state landform registries show some cavities are very deep. Knowing about these formations is key for planning and safety.

Karst landscapes need constant watching. As water keeps interacting with rock, new holes can form anytime. Experts say we need to keep checking these areas to protect communities and nature.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Wayne County TN has not seen any major sinkholes recently, but studies show it’s at risk. Neighboring White County has the state’s deepest sinkhole at 261 feet. This shows how different areas can have different underground risks.

Two important studies have looked at sinkholes in Wayne County:

2001 Shofner Density Mapping found sinkholes along the Buffalo River watershed
2013 Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Analysis found 14 sinkholes over 10 feet deep countywide

Location	Maximum Depth	Primary Risk Factors
White County TN	261 ft	Limestone dissolution, groundwater pumping
Wayne County TN	23 ft (2013 DEM)	Shallow bedrock, seasonal water table shifts
State Average	48 ft	Combined natural/anthropogenic causes

Wayne County’s sinkholes grow slowly, about 0.5-1.2 inches a year. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation suggests checking properties every three months for:

New ground depressions
Foundation cracks over ¼ inch
Sudden changes in well water quality

Geophysical surveys are the best way to prevent sinkholes. They use ground-penetrating radar to find 83% of voids before they collapse. Homeowners near sinkhole areas should look at the Wayne County Geological Hazard Atlas for their risk.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Wayne County TN is at high risk for sinkholes because of its limestone bedrock and acidic groundwater. Surveys show 50% of sinkholes are under 16 feet deep, hiding dangers for buildings. Homeowners and property managers need to take action.

Homeowners should take five key steps. First, get a professional to check the terrain for hidden dangers. Next, watch your foundation for small cracks or sudden movements, more so after rain. Keep drainage systems working well to avoid water near buildings, using sinkhole maps to understand water flow.

Make sure your insurance covers sinkhole damage, as many policies don’t. Report any new sinkholes or water pooling to TDEC within 48 hours. Using advanced mapping like Cookeville’s 2009 LiDAR project can help prevent damage.

Properties with good drainage have 72% fewer sinkhole problems than those without. Check property records against sinkhole charts before buying. Look for circular dead spots in plants, which might mean a sinkhole is nearby. Working together with experts and local authorities is key to reducing sinkhole risks in Wayne County TN.

FAQ

Why is Wayne County geologically prone to sinkholes?

Wayne County’s karst terrain has soluble limestone bedrock. Groundwater dissolves this rock, creating voids that collapse into sinkholes. This is common in Tennessee’s Appalachian Plateau.

How many documented sinkholes exist in Wayne County?

There are 21 verified sinkholes in Wayne County. LiDAR analysis found 10+ features over 3 meters deep. Shofner’s 2001 maps also show the area’s subsurface vulnerabilities.

Have recent sinkhole incidents occurred in Wayne County?

No major sinkhole events have been reported in Wayne County after 2003. Yet, 2013 DEM analysis shows ongoing karst features. White County’s 261-foot-deep sinkhole is a regional benchmark.

What are the primary sinkhole risk factors for homeowners?

Key risks include limestone bedrock, groundwater acidity, and construction impacts on drainage. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation suggests professional karst assessments for property evaluations.

What mitigation steps should property owners take?

A 5-step protocol includes: 1) Professional karst terrain evaluation 2) Quarterly foundation crack inspections 3) Stormwater drainage maintenance 4) Sinkhole-specific insurance verification 5) Immediate TDEC reporting of new ground depressions using Form CN-0983.

How deep are typical Wayne County sinkholes?

Data shows 50% of sinkholes are under 16 feet deep. LiDAR surveys have found deeper features, but none as deep as White County’s record.

Where can residents access updated sinkhole maps?

The Tennessee Geological Survey offers karst feature inventories. Cookeville’s 2009 LiDAR-based floodplain model shows advanced risk mapping. TDEC requires mandatory reporting of new subsidence events.

Sinkholes in Wayne County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes