03/25/2021
Don't Miss This Important Discussion!
Bowling Green Flooding, Groundwater and Karst Geology Forum - 4/1/2021
The Mammoth Cave group of the Kentucky Chapter of Sierra Club will host a forum for the community regarding
flooding and groundwater in the Bowling Green Area.
On February 28, Bowling Green experienced serious flooding, causing streets to be blocked and property damage to
homes. For example, one home on Oaklawn had 2 feet of water rise in the home. Another home on Oliver had a drain
backup into the basement. Lost River cave experienced near record levels of flooding as well.
As climate change worsens, we can expect more floods such as these in the coming years. We would like to understand
what the city is doing to prepare for such floods, and how damage to homes can be prevented in the future. What
should new buyers be looking for? What is the probability of higher insurance rates? Are our flood maps no longer
predictive? Do we need better stormwater drainage systems? Will Lost River cave be at risk for loss of business? How is
Mammoth Cave impacted by sewer and toxic waste dispersal into the Green River? Are BG storm sewers adequate?
Speakers Include:
Nikki Koller - Assistant Director, Warren County Public Works Department, Stormwater Management Division
Katie Cielinski – Director of Development, Lost River Cave
Dr. Rickard Toomey - Cave Specialist and Research Coordinator, Mammoth Cave National Park
Panelist Questions:
1. What is the expected frequency of heavy rain events? Is it unprecedented as compared to past weather history?
What does the public need to know?
2. Do we have known problems/limitations in our public water systems?
3. What do we know about the economic impacts for businesses, road maintenance, communications, and
drinking water? Health costs? Is anyone keeping track of the costs?
4. Does the city have committed investments for mitigation such as permeable surfaces, green spaces for flood
control and recreation? Even though we have flood maps, people not in a floodplain are experiencing flood
damage and it is not covered by insurance.
5. Rising water tables affect all. What are the implications for rivers, streams, wildlife in our flood plain? How can
we work together, using shared resources to minimize flooding and protect people and places?
Topic: Sierra Club Monthly Meeting
Time: Apr 1, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83630630272?pwd=R1pYVmZmN0hsbDZuNVljc3ptTEkvdz09
Meeting ID: 836 3063 0272 Passcode: 298021
Questions? Call Susan Feathers at 520-400-4117 or email at [email protected]
