94 Geoscience and Water: How Geoscience Affects Water-Related Public Policy–Past, Present, and Future
A session highlighting how applied geoscience research affects water policy and management at local to international scales.
Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 302B
WHEN SCIENCE AND POLICY MEET - SOME SUCCESSES AND FAILURES IN A 40 YEAR CAREER
Paper number: 94-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:05 AM – 8:25 AM
Authors
Abstract
Karst terrains have been considered by many to be a rare and unique occurrence. However, approximately forty percent of the eastern and central portions of the United States are underlain by soluble rocks with many karst aquifers providing important groundwater resources. Karst landscapes create several challenges including sinkhole flooding and collapse concerns, hazardous materials spills coupled with rapid groundwater velocities and receptor uncertainties, and regulating water resource quality and quantity issues in agricultural and urban areas. In this presentation, I will discuss some of the successes and failures at the regional, state, and federal level in developing regulatory programs, guidance documents, providing technical recommendations and response to karst issues including water well construction, leaking underground storage tanks, and response to sewage and hazardous materials spills, in an attempt to protect public health and the environment.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412176
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