65809 Community Association May, 2002 Meeting Notes Sinkhole Management - Greene County's New Cave Dr Kenneth C Thomson, Professor of Geology at Southwest Missouri State University, Dept. of Geography, Geology and Planning. Dr. Thomson is a member of and an office holder in numerous professional organizations dealing with geology and environmental studies. He serves the City of Springfield and Green County as a consultant. Dr Thomson is currently involved in continued studies of sinkholes and caves in southwest Missouri, particularly in Greene and Christian Counties. Most recent, he and his students have been very actively studying the newly discovered Riverbluff Cave. The Riverbluff Cave is receiving national, even world wide, attention because of it's paleontological significance. Dr. Thomson is also involved in the study of hydrobiology in Greene and Christian Counties. Dr. Thomson's work and writings have been published. He has written educational pamphlets concerning the study of the earth's matrix, water flow and clean water concerns. A bibliography handout was made available at our meeting. Much of Dr Thomson's work has resulted in a Greene County Ground Water Trace Map, a Sinkhole Map, and a Map of the Springs. Sinkhole Management There are numerous springs in our immediate area as well as throughout Greene County. They must be considered when any development is planned. Of great concern for water quality is the interaction between sinkholes, caves, springs and what is present on the surface. Of great concern are parking lots, roofs, storm water run-off, and potential failure of municipal sewers. Dr. Thomson discussed the problem which occurred about 7-8 years ago when bad pipe failure (not old pipe) resulted in approximately 10 million gallons of raw sewerage leaking into Rader Springs and all downward connecting springs. Dr Thomson utilized slides and graphs to demonstrate the "anatomy and physiology" of sinkholes. It will be very difficult to demonstrate narratively the interesting structure of sinkholes, however, he made us feel at ease and gave us a layman's understanding of this complex subject. (Basic to understanding the complexity of our topographgical region is an understanding of the Karst environment. For a review or background on this subject, refer back to the minutes of our March meeting with Dr. Tom Aley.) A sinkhole is a depressed opening in the earth's surface which has been created by water that has dissolved drainage passages out of soft rocks such as limestone. Sinkholes become the entry point for surface water to enter the spring systems. Whatever the surface run-off collects on it's way to the underground streams will be distributed into the underground streams, caves and spring systems, and eventually into someone's drinking water. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure! Water and environmental safety is only a portion of Dr. Thomson's work. He also consults with City and County Planning Depts. and with individual land owners when they are considering development in an area where sinkholes are known to be. Dr. Thomson was a consultant for the Darrco building construction on East Sunshine. One of the largest sinkholes in Geeene Co., is located on that property as well as a large cave. The earth formation was studied and the building was set on the most securel area of the property. The result has been a beautiful property with much of the green space and trees preserved. Dr. Thomson's advice for anyone anticipating buying property would be to consult the appropriate maps for potential problems. The presence of a sinkhole does not necessarily eliminate an ability to build safely. A knowledgeable consultant can prevent serious and expensive mistakes from being made when planning a project. Much of the time a sinkhole is not visible from the surface or to the untrained eye, but will become evident if and when the flow of water is even slightly changed on the surface of the property. Dr. Thomson told us of a recent case when a long time home owner changed the direction of flow from the down spouts connected to his rain gutters. It just so happened that new channel of water opened a sinkhole which lead to an expensive, but much needed project to preserve the foundation of his home. Riverbluff Cave Slides taken from inside the newly discovered Riverbluff cave were very interesting and exciting. Dr. Thomson and his students have been working to identify animal and reptile remains as well as other evidence of life as it occurred in the cave. We discussed the damage done by vandals to the virgin cave and the work it will require to repair it. Posters were available with articles and pictures published in the local news paper. Respectfully Submitted, Aleta Dyer Please submit corrections or additions to Aleta at jadyer@swbell.net

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