A joint project between the City of Morehead and the Kentucky Division of Water aims to decrease the flood risk from Triplett Creek by building green sinks – dry ponds constructed of large rocks and permeable soils which don’t retain water. Experts said green sinks are placed at an elevation 2-4 feet above the everyday stream level in order to catch water when creeks swell.
Rodney Fouch, Morehead’s City Planner, said green sinks are an alternative to dredging creeks, which is the process of artificially widening bodies of water by carving out sediment. Though many people believe creek dredging is an effective means of flood control, Fouch said the science doesn’t hold up.
“The science is that it makes the water move faster and causes more erosion that gathers in more places and it’s a constant, expensive, non-ending process. And it’s bad for your downstream neighbors,” said Fouch. “So, this has the advantage of do it once and it potentially lasts forever.”
Green sinks are also proposed as alternatives to wetlands. While both are nature-based flood control options, Fouch said green sinks don’t hold water, require less maintenance, and provide consistent, predictable results.
“The volume of each of those dry ponds is directly proportional to how much flooding they dissipate,” explained Fouch. “In other words, it’s an easy number to calculate. You know, if that pond holds 200,000 gallons, then that modeling can tell you how far 200,000 gallons would be on First Street during any given rain event.”
Fouch called Morehead’s implementation of green sinks a pilot project. He said he hopes it can serve as a role model for flood mitigation measures throughout Kentucky.
The project is currently in its planning phase and officials are conducting soil tests. Meetings for the project are held monthly and are open to the public.