caves (Austin, Brushy Creek, Robinson: custom home, neighborhood, construction)

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Cave discovery halts construction project| KXAN.com

The article states that finding caves isn't uncommon for central Texas. Anyone have information on types of caves generally found in central Texas? Maybe a good book? Wouldn't they bring in an archeologist to check out the caves they find before they would fill it in?

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Cave discovery halts construction project| KXAN.com

The article states that finding caves isn't uncommon for central Texas. Anyone have information on types of caves generally found in central Texas? Maybe a good book? Wouldn't they bring in an archeologist to check out the caves they find before they would fill it in?

"Isn't uncommon for central Texas" is about the largest understatement I've ever heard.

Caves are everywhere around here. The limestone karst topography is like swiss cheese. There are dozens of well known caverns in central Texas (Inner Space, Natural Bridge, Longhorn Caverns, Wonder World Cave, West Cave Preserve) to name a few and there are many more sink holes (former caves where the roof as caved in) and 1000's and 1000's of caves on private property.

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Originally Posted by Komeht

"Isn't uncommon for central Texas" is about the largest understatement I've ever heard.

Caves are everywhere around here. The limestone karst topography is like swiss cheese. There are dozens of well known caverns in central Texas (Inner Space, Natural Bridge, Longhorn Caverns, Wonder World Cave, West Cave Preserve) to name a few and there are many more sink holes (former caves where the roof as caved in) and 1000's and 1000's of caves on private property.

I was aware that people used to live in caves along the river. I don't know how accessible they are now because they might be on private property. Do you know someone with a cave on their property? What do they do with it, turn it into a wine cellar?

[CptnRn]

There are a bunch of links with good information about caves in central Texas here https://www.google.com/search?q=cave...ient=firefox-a

[Trainwreck20]

Developers are required to consider the karst features (aka 'caves') when developing an area. Circle C Metro park has a karst feature in it, but they fence it off to prevent access and resulting injuries/fatalities. Also, they have to be protected from contaminated run-off from the surrounding developments, since they are straight shots into the aquifer, essentially.

[ScoPro]

That discovery isn't going to stop the 620 project, but they'll probably seal it up or build a bridge over it.

Up here in Brushy Creek there's at least one lot in the middle of the neighborhood that has a small cave & sinkhole - so the developer made it into a little park. Also the acreage north of 620 between Cornerwood & Great Oaks has enough of a cave system to support some "protected" blind cave bugs. So it cannot be developed.

The 6,000 acres of Austin White Lime's Robinson Ranch is riddled with small caves - checked some of them out myself in the early 1960s - but the company just excavates them. The ones I saw were dry caves with no formations worth speaking about. Biggest room was maybe 20'x30'.

Inner Space Cavern in G'town was discovered by a drilling crew preparing the right of way for Interstate 35 in the early '60s.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by ScoPro

Up here in Brushy Creek there's at least one lot in the middle of the neighborhood that has a small cave & sinkhole - so the developer made it into a little park. Also the acreage north of 620 between Cornerwood & Great Oaks has enough of a cave system to support some "protected" blind cave bugs. So it cannot be developed.
.

In addition, Avery Ranch has a cave that is open a couple times a year for visits. There is a cave preservation society that maintains the various caves on its tour...once or twice a year. Interesting how developers have to work around the 'natural' natural area when a cave is found. On the other hand, who says we can't have basements here in cenTex

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

In addition, Avery Ranch has a cave that is open a couple times a year for visits. There is a cave preservation society that maintains the various caves on its tour...once or twice a year. Interesting how developers have to work around the 'natural' natural area when a cave is found. On the other hand, who says we can't have basements here in cenTex

When my brother built a good-sized custom home in the Balcones Village golf club neighborhood on 183 42 years ago, his builder found a small cave in the front yard while excavating a hole for the septic tank. He just incorporated it into the septic system.

[FueledByBlueBell]

I always wonder about the potential of sink holes around the area. I'm surprised more don't open up.

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by FueledByBlueBell

I always wonder about the potential of sink holes around the area. I'm surprised more don't open up.

Hamilton pool is probably the biggest example of one that did.