Develop a Karst/Sinkhole Hazard Mitigation Plan-Related Activity (PRA) for the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD)

Develop a karst/sinkhole hazard mitigation plan for the Barren River Area Development District Abstract: We propose to develop a hazard mitigation plan for karst and sinkholes for the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD). The topography of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is significantly characterized by karst terrain. Thus, the Commonwealth is highly vulnerable and susceptible to karst- related hazard events, i.e., sinkholes. The BRADD is one of the Kentucky regions mostly impacted by karst-related hazard. Much of the BRADD is underlain by the Mississippian-age limestones with intense karst development. Large caves, sinking rivers, and massive sinkholes are ubiquitous in the region. Two famous sinkhole collapse events (Dishman Lane collapse in 2002 and Corvette Museum sinkhole in 2014) occurred in the BRADD. The 2018 Commonwealth of Kentucky Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies both in its risk assessment and mitigation strategy that there are significant data gaps relevant to local and state hazard mitigation planning regarding the impacts from, extent of, probability of, and vulnerability to karst-related hazards. Current risk assessment for such events, however, has focused upon anecdotes, post-hoc analysis, and self-reporting. With support from the PDMC-PL-04-KY-2018-012 grants, we are currently developing a multi- jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan for karst and sinkholes for the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD). The goal of the LTADD project is to develop a mitigation plan that will result in a more systematic risk and vulnerability assessment for karst and sinkholes and that can be used both independently from other hazard mitigation plans and can be integrated easily into local hazard mitigation planning and other planning mechanisms. Leveraging on the experience and knowledge we gained from the LTADD project, we propose to develop a karst and sinkhole hazard mitigation plan for the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD). Similar to what we are presently doing for the LTADD, we will use the latest geologic and topographic data, and GIS technology to more accurately assess the risk and vulnerabilities to karst-related hazards. The new plan will also include a user-friendly sinkhole collapse reporting system and informational brochures to assist emergency managers and local officials to educate stakeholders on the most effective mitigation actions for existing sinkholes and future sinkhole collapses. The plan and its data will be enhanced by targeted planning processes toward agencies, stakeholders, and the public. The new plan and its data will produce more deeply considered and specific mitigation actions that the counties and cities of BRADD can use and pursue to better prepare for and mitigate the effects from karst-related hazards.