Karst Topography - prevent sink holes

What is Karst topography?

Karst topography forms when the slightly acidic rain water erodes limestone bedrock which creates caverns under ground that may become sinkholes in the future.

Storm water and Karst Topography

• Problem: We designed storm water management systems in places where it could develop sink holes. 

• Solution: Don't use storm water retention basins where there is limestone bedrock.

The Pennsylvania counties that may have limestone bedrock and affected by sink holes the most are Berks, Cumberland, Lehigh, Lebanon, Franklin. Municipalities, businesses, zoning boards, and Private land  are all effected by this issue, if there is a retention basin over limestone you may have a problem. If you have an old retention basin on limestone bedrock on your property, you should redesign the storm water management on the property possibly diverting storm water from that basin to limit sink holes from developing. 

To protect your property from sink holes, it is to your best interest to divert water from retention basins in these areas.

Why are Storm Water Basins over Limestone Bedrock a problem?

• Protect valuable property - If a sinkhole develops around the foundation of a building it may become unsafe to occupy.

• Protect people and animals - prevent the injury from falling into a sink hole.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

• Waterway Management - Cool Creeks with trees for trout

• Green StormWater Infrastructure

• Storm Water Grates that prevent litter from entering the waterway 

• Preserving Open Space

• Open Space Management- Adjust Mowing Schedule to Protect Wildlife 

• Invasive Plants of the NorthEast Removal and Management

• Zero Waste Business Processes (Echo Systems)