Cave is one big trash dump: It looks ugly and could also prove harmful for water supply
For generations, Rocky River Cave has been treated by many as a giant dumpster, accumulating such refuse as old tires, appliances and even automotive gas tanks. To make matters worse, the cave is a window to the groundwater, meaning any rain that falls will flow, unfiltered, through the cave’s garbage directly to the water table.
In an effort to right this environmental damage, the SERA Karst Task Force will coordinate a massive cleanup of Rocky River Cave in conjunction with SERA’s annual Cave Carnival to be held next month near Rock Island.
SERA, or Southeastern Regional Association, is the South’s regional organization of the National Speleological Society, the world’s foremost caving organization, which is dedicated to the preservation of caves and the safe, responsible exploration and study of all things subterranean.
The Karst Task Force is a standing committee of SERA whose function is to foster cave conservation activities among cavers. Karst refers to regions of the planet, including Cumberland Plateau, characterized by caves, sinkholes and other windows to the groundwater.
Cleanup coordinator and Karst Task Force member Jim Wilbanks said Rocky River Cave is a perfect example of an ecologically damaged sinkhole which allows pollution to reach the ground water.
“Water which falls on the ground or runs off the roads nearby flow directly to the groundwater like a storm drain. The water which falls on the highway today is in the groundwater the same day,” he said.
“Rocky River has been used for a long time as a garbage dump. The county even had a dumpster for garbage collection next to the sinkhole for years. Apparently, when the dumpster would fill folks would dump their garbage into the sinkhole. So your groundwater is flowing over and through garbage before it reaches the water table.”
Cavers, using vertical rope techniques unique to the caving community, will remove much of the trash from the steep sides of Rocky River Cave, though Wilbanks noted there will be much for the non-caver to do.
He invites any interested scout groups, school groups, church groups, civic organizations or environmentally-minded individuals to assist with the clean up. He further noted the group would be very appreciative of any wreckers donated for the day as many of trash items will be too heavy to lift by hand.
SERA Karst Task Force’s cleanup of Rocky River Cave will take place beginning at 10 a.m. May 17. Anyone interested in assisting is invited to participate. Organizers ask volunteers to wear sturdy boots and to bring gloves and drinking water.
Rocky River Cave is located off Hwy. 30, near the Van Buren County line. Heading east, turn left on Goodbar Rd., just before crossing Rocky River Bridge. The cave is on the immediate left.
For more information about the cleanup call Wilbanks at (706) 462-2316.