SINKHOLE HAZARDS AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN A PLANNING CONTEXT

Population growth in the Sunbelt results in significant environmental stress in landscapes underlain by soluble rock susceptible to sinkholes. Urbanization of sinkhole terrain results in increased rates of sinkhole collapse, sinkhole flooding, and significant deterioration in ground-water quality. Planning professionals must acquire sufficient knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate environmental protection guidelines to ensure minimum disruption of natural surface drainage patterns while accommodating urban development.