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Sinkholes are important waterbodies because geologically and hydrologically active sinks may form a direct connection between the land surface and groundwater with little or no filtration through soil layers. Consequently, any pollutants that enter a sinkhole have the potential to contaminate groundwater. Sinkholes support a unique combination of plants and animals that are very sensitive to pollution, temperature and sunlight changes and may depend on leaf litter and organic debris for food sources.
In addition to the water resource concerns for sinkholes, there are also safety concerns. Ground conditions near sinkholes may be very unstable geologically and prone to collapse. Heavy equipment operation in and around these areas could result in damage to or loss of equipment, structures, and physical harm to workers and operators.
BMPs for Sinkholes
- For sinkholes with perennial or intermittent open water, or which connect to an intermittent or perennial stream, apply the appropriate Special Management Zone to the sinkhole (See Application of SMZs).
- Do not place any debris, trash, or waste in any sinkhole or in any surface drainage feature that flows into a sinkhole.
- Avoid mechanical operations such as harvest or site preparation, fertilization, or pesticide use in sinkholes.
- When working adjacent to sinkholes, do not alter land surface slope to direct surface drainage into the sinkhole - apply mechanical site preparation such as bedding on the contour.
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