Much of the Knoxville area is underlain by limestone and dolomite that dissolve over time.
What Karst Means Here
USGS describes East Tennessee's Valley and Ridge province as Tennessee's second-largest karst region, with significant conduit porosity in limestone and dolomite such as the Knox Dolomite (USGS). USGS has mapped areas with abundant sinkholes in Knox County (USGS).
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Sinkholes and Disturbed Soil
An Oak Ridge National Laboratory inventory found more than 250 karst subsidence incidents in East Tennessee and reported that the most common cause was localized surface-water infiltration in soils disturbed by excavation or construction (ORNL report via UNT Digital Library).
Protect Your Drain Field
- Keep roof drains and sump pumps from emptying onto it (EPA)
- Don't park or drive on it (EPA)
- Spread water use through the week (EPA)
- Report new depressions or soggy spots to a provider
Before Any Digging
Repairs, alterations and new systems in Knox County need a permit first (Knox County FAQs).
See drain field repair or request service.
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