LIVING ON KARST
Page 2
A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR
LANDOWNERS IN LIMESTONE REGIONS
7/15/00
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Karst and Groundwater Protection 2 | Page 2 Currert Page
Defining Pollution 8 | |||
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Fertilizers and Nutrients 15 | Page
4
You Have a Cave on Your Property Helpful hints for the Cave Landowner
22 | |||
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Defining Pollution | ||||
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Pollution is an undesirable change in the physical,
chemical, or biological characteristics of air, land, or water that
adversely affects the living conditions for humans or other living
organisms.
Water pollution is an overabundance of one or more
natural or manmade substances in a body of water. Natural pollutants from
soils and bedrock include sulfur, radon, and iron deposits; tannic acid
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methane gas come from marshlands. People generate a host of wastes and pollutants that must be dealt with. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classify the two major types of manmade pollutants as point source pollution and nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.
Point Source Pollution comes from a single source, such as a pipe,
culvert, or ditch. | |||
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• Point source pollution is commonly associated with industrial sites, waste and water outflow pipes, or sewage treatment facilities. The signs of pollution that most people can identify are a strong odor, discharges of multicolored liquids or foam from pipes, algal growth in streams and springs resulting from sewage and other wastes, discharges from smokestacks, and refuse dumps. Point source pollution is generally controlled through state and federal |
permits which require a minimum level of treatment, and filtration before wastes can be discharged to surface water. Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution> presents a more subtle water quality problem because it originates from widely dispersed and diverse sources, not a single outlet. Natural forces such as rain or wind often play a key role in transporting NPS pollutants to streams and aquifers. Examples of NPS pollution include sediment from eroded fields and construction sites, and runoff | |||
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from backyards and barnyards containing fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes. Other examples of NPS pollution are the disposal of waste motor oil, paint thinner, and antifreeze in ditches and storm sewers. This also includes various pollutants attached to particles that wash off streets and parking lots. NPS pollution is even draining chlorinated swimming pools into storm sewers or streams. |
Pollution continues to enter streams and groundwater
in many subtle ways. NPS Pollution is the major threat to our water
supply:
Sediment
Soil particles eroded from the land are carried by
rainwater to aquifers, streams, lakes, rivers, and bays. Metals and
nutrients, such as phosphorous, attach to sediment and are carried into
these water bodies by runoff. | |||
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Trash and Organic
Debris Leaves, grass
clippings, garbage, and animal waste become part of the runoff entering
storm drains, sinkholes, and drainage ways, clogging the underground
conduit system.
Nutrients Fertilizers and animal wastes contain nutrients that are
essential to life, but too much can do more harm than good. Nutrients can
readily enter runoff and |
impact
water quality.
Chemicals Man made chemicals can cause severe human and wildlife health
problems. The use and disposal of synthetic organic compounds, metals,
pesticides, herbicides, household chemicals, paint, solvents, petroleum
products, antifreeze, battery acid, and roadway salt should be carefully
controlled. | |||
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Pathogens Parasites and bacteria present in human and animal waste are
potentially disease-causing microorganisms called pathogens. Septic
systems, feed lots, and other polluted runoff can carry pathogens into
drinking water supplies. | ||||
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Why Be Concerned about Erosion?
Erosion occurs when rain or flowing water dislodges and
transports soil particles, organic matter, and plant nutrients. Erosion
carries away soil resources, reduces soil fertility, and produces
thousands of tons of sediment that degrade water quality. Soil and
sediment may convey pesticides, |
harmful bacteria, toxins, and nutrients into surface waters and groundwater. Flooding, habitat destruction, and subsidence increase when eroded soil and debris clog creeks, caves, sinking streams, springs, sinkholes, and drainage ways. To reduce erosion and sedimentation, karst features must be identified and receive special protection from erosion impacts. | |||
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Signs of Erosion, Sedimentation and Subsidence include: • Bare soil and cracked earth in and around sinkholes,
roads, and building foundations. |
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Widening and subsidence of stream channels and drainage ways Keep Erosion
and Sediment Under Control. Proper land management practices hold soil and nutrients in place
and keep sediment, nutrients, and pesticides out of watercourses. Specific
best management practices include: | |||
| • Conservation and Contour Tillage
• Construction Planning
Any building project that disturbs the soil can create an
erosion and sediment problem. |
In
cooperation with your county Erosion and Sediment Control Administrator,
proper planning and design can prevent or minimize erosion, sedimentation,
flooding, and subsidence in karstlands. Stay away from active karst
features such as sinking streams, sinkholes, and lands on top of caves.
• Critical Area Planting
As soon as possible, reseed disturbed areas
with temporary and/or native | |||
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vegetation. Plant rigorous cuttings on bare, undercut, and eroding areas around sinkholes, springs, stream banks, and drainage ways. Maintain vegetated filter strips or grassed waterways down slope of agricultural or construction operations to slow and disperse water evenly over a large area, and to allow the natural removal of sediment, organic matter, and other pollutants carried in the runoff. |
• Proper Drainage
Avoid rerouting waterways and drainage patterns in karst. Altering
surface flows into sinkholes can cause erosion in the subsurface which
results in sudden land collapse or subsidence. Ditches should be lined in
areas near caves. Use silt fences to protect karst features and water
resources from erosion and sedimentation until vegetation is established.
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• Temporary Structures
Protect adjacent property and sensitive
springs or streams by constructing silt fences across ditches and drainage
ways. These must be inspected frequently and cleaned out after each rain
event. |
• Silt Fence
A temporary sediment barrier consisting of a synthetic filter fabric
stretched across and attached to supporting posts and entrenched.
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The Problem with Stormwater Runoff | ||||
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Runoff : The water from rain or melted snow that does not infiltrate the soil but flows over the land surface; precipitation drainage. Everything that goes into a storm drain, flows out into the groundwater, streams, lakes, or river. |
In karst areas, sinkholes are nature's storm drains, and the dissolved caves beneath are like nature's piping system. As groundwater moves through the earth, wide open spaces such as caves can carry thousands of gallons of water at a time. This groundwater reemerges on the surface as springs or through wells. | |||
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Each time trash, motor oil, anti-freeze, litter, pet waste, fertilizer, yard and garden debris, household chemicals, and road sand and salt are dumped on the ground or washed into storm drains, drinking water, groundwater, and aquatic life are endangered. With every rain or snow these pollutants can be carried into the groundwater/surface water system. |
What You
Can Do at Home
• Never dump anything into a storm drain or sinkhole.
• Recycle motor oil at a local gas station.
• Use fertilizers wisely. Have soil tested to determine
proper amounts. | |||
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• Keep
pesticide use to a minimum. Use least toxic alternatives.
• The size and shape of the vegetated zone needed will
depend on the slope of Maintain vegetation on steep slopes to keep soil in
place.
• Compost yard and garden debris.
• Do not overfill car radiators and fix leaks. |
Pollution
from Rooftops
Roof runoff contains water pollutants such
as bird droppings, chemicals from roofing materials, and heavy metals
leached from gutter. In an EPA study, roof runoff was one of the most
toxic samples collected. | |||
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• Move down spouts from roof gutters so water discharges onto grassy areas away from foundations and septic systems. This will allow runoff to filter into the soil, where harmful pollutants are broken down by soil organisms. | ||||
In karstlands,
uncontrolled or altered runoff can cause structures to be undermined, resulting
in subsidence or damage.
Reducing Runoff
Pollution in Karst Areas Common Runoff Pollutants
• Heavy metals (lead, copper, zinc, chromium) from
gasoline, tires, corroded metal, paint, wood preservatives, and motor oil.
• Pesticides and fertilizers from yards, foundations and
gardens.
• Bacteria from sewage and animal wastes. • Soil
sediments from construction sites, bare stream banks, home landscaping,
and steep exposed slopes.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure. The pollution
potential in karst areas is very high. Streams and surface runoff entering
sinkholes and storm drains contribute to the recharge of groundwater aquifers, providing
direct conduits for contaminants.
Changes in Water Flow
Urban development and growth may cause water
quality problems. Stormwater Management, erosion control strategies, and
riparian zone management need to be carefully considered. The traditional
methods of large-and small-scale development paid little attention to the number of impervious
surfaces that were created, such as roofs, sidewalks, streets, and parking
lots. Rain runs rapidly off of the these surfaces, turning city streams
into raging torrents that cause erosion and damage property.
Sediment
Bare construction sites allow large amounts of fine soil,
or sediment, to erode away. Other pollutants often attach to
sediment particles, and can be transported far downstream in floods,
spreading their toxic effects. The silt clogs drainage ways, caves, and
sinkholes, and increases community flooding problems. It prevents native
aquatic plants from getting the sunlight they need, and smothers fish eggs
and other oxygen-loving creatures that live on stream bottoms.
Increased
Pollution
Rains wash
toxic chemicals, bacteria, and silt from urban surfaces. Uncontrolled
runoff causes sewage treatment plants to overflow directly into waterways.
Fertilizers encourage the growth of slimy algae, and oil forms visible
scum. Even heat is a pollutant. Runoff from hot pavement can make streams
unbearably warm for creatures in the stream. Basic
Runoff Controls
Well-designed runoff controls can be smart, cost-effective,
aesthetically pleasing, and for businesses, satisfy local requirements for
green spaces. There are many easy and affordable ways to reduce harmful
stormwater runoff, make your living or working environment more pleasant,
and enhance property values, all at the same time. •
Maintain as large a vegetated zone as possible on drainage ways and slopes
to slow runoff and filter out pollutants.
• Slow
runoff by building check dams across ditches and using vegetated sinkholes
to naturally detain water and allow soil and pollutants to settle out.
• Keep soil
on site during construction by using silt fences, hay bales, and
sedimentation basins. • Reseed and mulch
areas of exposed soil as soon as possible to reduce erosion.
• Use gravel or permeable
paving materials which allow rain to penetrate the surface rather than
running off directly into a stream or sinkhole. Studies conducted on a nationwide scale which included
karst regions, indicate that farmland contributes to a general decline in
surface water and groundwater quality. Public programs to address
agricultural runoff concerns are focussed on the largest commercial feed
lots and dairy operations, but small, independent livestock producers and
farmers also can cause problems locally (and downstream). By limiting overgrazing and
restricting livestock access to streams, farmers can conserve valuable
soil fertility and minimize the amount of sediment and nutrients
introduced into he watershed. In heavy use areas, such as winter feeding
sites, barn lots, ponds, and any place where bare soil is exposed,
sufficient vegetation should be
established to retain sediment, soil particles, and
manure on the fields. Work on stabilizing problem areas during the spring
and summer months in order to reduce erosion aggravated by wet, winter
weather and storms. Animals should have access to shady loafing areas
located away from water bodies.
• Don't let the size of your herd exceed the carrying
capacity of your soil and water resources. Practice rotational grazing
techniques by leaving some pasture "in reserve" for livestock to graze
when grass on other pastures is spent. The most heavily grazed fields may
need to rest and recover occasionally in Erosion
and Runoff in the Home Landscape • Soil
erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and
deposited somewhere else, such as into a stream or at the bottom of a
sinkhole. Soil particles and pollution are carried by runoff - water that
does not soak into the ground, but flows over the surface and runs to
another area, such as into storm drains, sinkholes, or streams.
Controlling erosion and runoff takes a dedicated effort, but will
significantly reduce water pollution and protect and save the
soil.
Signs of
Erosion and Runoff
• Tree
roots, small stones, or rocks become exposed.
• Small rills, gullies, or unsightly bare soil areas
develop. • Soil
splashes on windows and outside walls.
• Sediment and mud deposits collect in low areas or on
lawns, sidewalks, and driveways.
• Even short rain events leave water flowing over the
soil surface or standing in low spots.
Good Reasons to Control Erosion and Runoff
• Runoff can wash sediment, fertilizers, and
pesticides into surface streams and sinking streams, contributing to both
surface water and groundwater pollution.
• Erosion removes valuable topsoil and clogs waterways,
reservoirs, and spring basins with sediment.
• Runoff can contribute to flooding problems on adjacent
properties when runoff from paved and/or eroded areas is diverted into
sinkholes.
• Erosion and runoff can increase the risk of sinkhole
collapse in karst areas. Landscapes to Control Erosion and Runoff
•
Landscaping with grasses and ground covers not only adds beauty and value
to your property, but also helps control erosion by reducing the amount
and speed of runoff.
• Landscape yards to minimize rainwater run-off. Preserve
surrounding trees and vegetation to the extent possible.
Plan Ahead>
• Steep
slopes can easily be eroded and, even if erosion is controlled, may allow
water to collect in undesirable areas, such as near house foundations and
around wells.
Plan ahead to avoid drainage and erosion problems, and
minimize ground disturbance, and plant a vigorous ground cover to reduce
erosion and increase water penetration into the soil on the slope.
• Pesticides- insecticides, herbicides, rodenticide, and
fungicides - are chemicals widely used by farmers, foresters,
exterminators, and homeowners to kill harmful insects and weeds, to
increase crop and timber harvests, and to prevent the spread of plant,
animal, and human parasites and diseases.
• Although targeted at pests, certain pesticides
inadvertently can harm nontarget organisms - stream
insects, fish, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Pesticides can also
contaminate the groundwater if not handled carefully. Pesticides can reach
groundwater very quickly in karst areas due to the porous rock, sinkholes,
springs, and caves.
• Taking voluntary action to prevent pesticide contamination of groundwater will help assure the
continued availability of pesticides for responsible use. Drinking water
is least likely to be contaminated if appropriate management procedures
are followed or pesticide wastes are properly disposed.
• Understanding the soils on your lawn, garden, or farm
and developing natural and appropriate chemical strategies can keep
chemicals from leaching into your groundwater. Soil types vary widely
within short distances, so several samples should be collected and
analyzed in order to fully characterize the soils. Contact your county
Cooperative Extension Agent for information on soil
sampling and analytical services.
• The correct use of pesticides and herbicides, and
reducing the amount of pesticides and herbicides used can create a cost
savings for the landowners.
• Avoid pesticide problems by using integrated pest
management practices. Such programs use chemicals only when necessary, in
tandem with other practices like crop rotation, timed plantings, and
appropriate growing conditions, to protect crops from weeds, insects, or
diseases.
Pesticide Handling Rules
• Read and follow the label carefully.
• Buy only the quantity needed.
• Choose the least toxic pesticide. Those with the signal
word Caution on the label are considered the
least toxic, whereas the signal word Warning indicates
moderate toxicity.
• Wear any protective clothing specified on the product
label and wash hands immediately after application.
• Apply only the amount specified on the product label
and only on the plants and areas listed in the instructions.
• Make sure people and pets are out of the area during
application and until the spray has dried.
• Never apply to bare ground or eroded areas
• Never store, mix, or apply near wells, streams,
sinkholes, ponds, or marshes. Maintain buffer zones around these areas.
• Avoid back-siphoning from sprayer equipment into wells
by always keeping the discharge end of fill hoses above the tank's water
level.
• Before disposing of chemical containers, triple rinse
or pressure rinse them and place the liquid rinsate into the spray tank to
make up the final spray mixture.
• Prevent spills from reaching groundwater by using a mix
pad with low walls to contain spills and overfills. • Don't apply if rain is forecast, unless specified on
the label (some pesticides do need to be watered after application).
• Dispose of containers and leftover pesticides according
to label directions.
• Store all pesticides away from the reach of children.
• Use a "water only" nurse tank in the field - away from
water sources and sinkholes - to provide water for mixing agricultural
chemicals.
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