ABSTRACT
Local government can play an important role in addressing the environmental and engineering impacts of karst. With most local governments having control of land use, an excellent opportunity to monitor and mitigate karst impacts is available. This paper tracks the development of a local program in Carroll County, Maryland which is actively involved in sinkhole monitoring, mapping, and repair, as well as new construction evaluation and mitigation. Currently the program is implemented with a non-regulatory approach, however, a more structured regulatory mechanism is being reviewed.
The County maintains an extensive database on sinkholes. Information regarding sinks is collected and then entered along with map coordinates into the County’s Geographic Information System (GIS). Those sinkholes which may be of special concern are flagged for additional surveillance or remediation. County personnel participate in, and many times supervise, remediation efforts. Examples of specific repair efforts which have been undertaken include: attempts to eliminate turbidity problems in groundwater due to direct surface flows to sinks, efforts to return structural integrity to roadways, and attempts to correct failed stormwater management facilities.
In addition to the identification and repair responsibilities, all potential subdivision and site plan proposals in carbonate rock areas are reviewed by the County. The new construction review and oversight includes planned roads, building and house locations, storm drainage and stormwater management facility siting. Guidelines have been developed and recommendations are presented to the County’s Planning Commission which provide the basis for plan approval. The guidelines for construction practices in carbonate areas will be a major component of the regulatory program currently being proposed.
Even with the relatively small percentage of carbonate rock found in Carroll County, issues involving those areas have become a daily function. The carbonate areas of the County are very dynamic and the land use is quite intensive, which requires a very comprehensive program at the local level of government.
