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Sinkhole Management
- Sinkholes are natural drainage points for our groundwater
system, so they should never be filled. If a sinkhole is plugged,
water will not drain properly, may run off onto adjacent property,
and possibly
may cause flooding, subsidence, erosion, and pollution. The downstream
springs, caves, wells, and streams which receive water from the
sinkhole should be identified.
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How
does this affect my drinking water?
Contaminants
entering the groundwater system through sinkholes present
a significant health concern, because many wells tap water-filled
cavities that are directly connected to the surface. In
karstlands, groundwater usually resurfaces at spring and
therefore carries the contamination into streams and rivers
that also may be used as water supplies.
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If collapsed sinkholes present a hazard to health
and safety, and structures, they often can be stabilized in a
way that maintains
natural drainage
abilities.
- Always contact a geologist or engineer experienced in sinkhole
repair before attempting to backfill or "seal" a sinkhole.
Do not locate a septic system, feed lot, animal waste lagoon,
or storm water basin, near known or suspected sinkholes or caves.
If sinkholes appear near such sources of bacterial contamination,
use appropriate methods to prevent runoff from these areas from
entering the sinkholes.
Minimize unnatural or increased drainage into sinkholes.
- Do not apply
any fertilizer, pesticides, or other chemicals
within at least 100 feet of a sinkhole. Notify your contractor
of the location of all sinkholes.
- If you purchase property where trash has already been dumped
in sinkholes, consider cleaning them out and restoring vegetation
to improve water quality.
Check with your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office,
Soil and Water Conservation District, utility district, state conservation
agency,
or US Fish and Wildlife Service office. These groups sometimes have funding
to assist
with the cost of trash removal in certain watersheds. Volunteer labor
and equipment also can be a big help. Contact local cave clubs and
the
county litter control
officer for support. County public service authorities will sometimes
waive the landfill tipping fee for waste materials collected in sinkhole
dump
clean-ups.
- Contact the above agencies for help with these recommendations.
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