DNR Karst Features Inventory!!

August 29th, 2025

Did you know that the DNR has a Karst Features Inventory? Suffice it to say that this is an issue in southeast Minnesota! Wish this had been around during Nuclear Waste Daze, and it would have been useful for CapX 2020 transmission too!

DNR Karst Feature Inventory Points

I learned about this from a Public Utilities Commission meeting notice and the linked DNR Comments:

From the Comments:

Hydrology: Karst
A portion of the project is within a region prone to karst surface feature development and sinkholes have
been documented within and in close proximity to the Project. The Applicant should inspect the project
area for karst features before conducting any construction activities, and report any new karst features
to the DNR Karst Features Inventory. Excavation and the placement of footings have the potential to
encounter unstable conditions. We strongly recommend conducting a geotechnical evaluation prior to
construction activities given the substantial size of the pole structures. Please refer to the Karst Page
within the Minnesota Stormwater Manual for Best Management Practices when working in these areas
as well as further information on karst topography. Given the sensitive nature of working in an area with
karst features, the DNR recommends including a special permit condition requiring a Karst Survey Plan
prior to construction. At the first sign of any spill within or near a karst feature, the Applicant must
contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451.

Posted by Carol A. Overland
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