skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Contamination investigation in a karst region

Conference · · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6242794
 [1]
  1. Metcalf and Eddy, Inc., Atlanta, GA (United States)

A series of springs in the karst region of north central Kentucky appeared to have been contaminated. These springs are within 1/2 mile of two sinkholes which were filled-in as permitted landfills for inert waste and then developed into an industrial park. A pre-remedial site inspection was performed under the authority of the Superfund laws in late 1989. A preliminary site visit included site reconnaissance and geologic field work to locate the springs. A review of historical serial photos aided in the planning the investigation program consisting of magnetic and soil gas surveys and the taking environmental soil and water samples. The soil gas survey indicated potential soil sampling locations. Seventeen surface and subsurface soil samples were taken. Eleven water samples were taken from various springs, rivers and the local public water supply. The analytical results from soil samples taken over the largest sinkhole matched nine inorganic and eleven volatile organic compounds also found in the spring water and sediment samples. The springs are roughly on strike with major fracture systems reported in the literature. The success of this investigation emphasizes the importance of proper geologic consideration for contaminant monitoring in karst regions.

OSTI ID:
6242794
Report Number(s):
CONF-9304188-; CODEN: GAAPBC
Journal Information:
Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States), Vol. 25:4; Conference: 42. annual Geological Society of America (GSA) Southeastern Section meeting, Tallahassee, FL (United States), 1-2 Apr 1993; ISSN 0016-7592
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English