Karst Features

[skb505]

I have a prospective roadway project that is located in a region known for karst features. The client has done a PD&E study and created a concept report recommending fairly large volume (20 ac-ft) stormwater facilities constructed to a depth of about 8 feet.

This sounds like a recipe for creating a sinkhole. Redirecting large quantities of water to a location where there has historically been very little water retention and removing a significant amount of the overlaying strata. It just seems that this would be very susceptible to accelerated erosion of the underlaying limestone.

My thoughts were to use multiple, small shallow retention areas that would disperse the runoff over a larger area and somewhat mimic the natural hydraulics of the area.

Any thoughts?

 

[smwpe]

skb505

Yes, this is the time to talk to the experts.

Call the two universities in Florida, and ask for a consult:

UF and USF.

It is usually at no cost to you.

Good luck.