Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Proiect Area and Term: The project is part of 8-59.1 in Pulaski and Laurel Counties,
between the Rockcastle River on the east and Barnesburg Road on the west. The
area varies in width but is roughly delimited on the south by 37°00' north latitude,
on the north at 37°15' north latitude, and covers roughly 40 square miles in the
general project area. A map showing the hydrologic project area is attached. The
project is proposed to begin October 1, 2004 and end September 30,2005.
Statement of Problem: Critics of the 1-66 project have demanded that karst groundwater
basins must be mapped if the environmental assessment is to be credible. Further,
the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) needs to locate, identify, and
evaluate karst groundwater basins crossed by the corridor alternatives in order to
comply with environmental law. Design of hydraulic structures (culverts or
bridges across karst valleys) and disposal of runoff from roadways, could be
substantially improved by a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of
the karst. The information provided by this project can also help lower
construction and long-term maintenance costs, minimize environmental damage,
and preserve water quality.
The hydrogeology of the karst terrain of the western half of the 8-59.1
project is poorly understood. Watershed boundaries, determined from topographic
maps, are used to model the flood discharge at critical points. In karst watersheds
(karst groundwater basins) boundaries cannot be assumed to be the same as the
topographic watershed. The correct area of the watershed is critical for predicting
overland flow in normally abandoned channels in karst. The karst geo-hazards
that may occur during and after construction include collapse, flooding, and
contamination of the frequently interacting groundwater and surface water.
Proiect Justification: Many design, engineering, and environmental problems encountered
during the planning of highways on karst are hydrology related. In karst terrain,
these problems frequently go unrecognized until construction begins. Significant
construction cost and environmental damages are avoided by mapping karst
groundwater basins (the watersheds of springs) and other karst hazards in advance
of construction. Additional hydrologic data are needed to make informed
decisions about karst geo-hazards relevant to design and construction of 1-66, and
compliance with environmental regulations.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 12/1/04 → 4/30/06 |
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