This is a PBL exercise based on the KAAC Future Problem Solving tools and rubric. Students are presented with the narrative below and must work in groups of 3-5 students. They must identify several key problems and then the most important problem. Based on their choice they must create solutions and develop a plan to implement the best solution.

Outside info for background:

• Hydrologic Cycle
• Geographic Information Systems
• Kentucky Watersheds and River Basins
• KY River Authority

Timeline of events July 30-Aug 3

• Beginning on July 30, torrential rains began in the Appalachian region of eastern KY, southern WV, and western Virginia.
• Aug 1, 8:00pm over 12ins of rainfall were recorded across the region and several regional coal impoundments were being evaluated for cracks and overflows.
• Aug 2, 4:30pm Residents near Buckhorn report seeing spillage and cracks along dams holding back the water in Buckhorn Lake.
• 6:30pm Due to torrential seasonal rains in southeast Kentucky, the KY Governor has issued a flood warning. Towns along the Big Sandy River and Kentucky River should seek higher ground for the next 48 hours.
• 8:00pm Residents in the community of Slade begin reporting leaks and cracking along several of the lake impoundments neat Natural Bridge State Park.
• Aug 3, 11:30am a chemical plume of unknown origin was seen moving north in the Kentucky River at approx. 4 miles per day.
• 12:00 noon US Army Corps of Engineers confirms that a possible sludge plume is moving towards the Boonesboro Lock/Dam. However, due to incomplete repairs, the dam will not be able to hold back the expected high water.
• 12:30pm The governor has called all Emergency rated engineers to report to multiple bridges along the Kentucky River, Green River, and Big Sandy River to check for structural problems. Traffic along I-65, I-75, and I-64 has been stopped at key bridges until engineers can complete their assessments.
• 1:00pm Central KY water companies report no contamination; however, limestone saturation is possible if any of the Ky River dams remained closed.
• 2:00pm USACE has identified the chemical plume using drones as a combination of mining sludge, fly ash, and anthracite deposits. It is possible it was generated following the collapse of several mining impoundments under the supervision of MSHA and/or mine shaft flooding. It is assumed that the flooding in Hazard Co is the major reason why the impoundments failed.
• 2:30pm USACE has issued a statement that they will not contain the sludge plume behind the Boonesboro Lock/Dam because of perceived mechanical complications.