Environmental Hazards in Bullitt County, Kentucky

Kentucky is divided into five regions, of which Bullitt County is located in the Bluegrass region. The region is known for its abundance of limestone, dolomite, and shale. These fossiliferous characteristics contribute area's karst geology. Karst terrain results from these soluble rocks creating underground drainage systems defined by sinkholes and caves, which results in water moving more rapidly underground. The Karst terrain is an essential component of the environmental state of Bullitt County because the rapid movement of water makes the area more susceptible to groundwater pollution. The amount of shale in Bullitt County means that the dangers associated with Karst terrain are less severe than in other parts of the state. ^2,3 

The majority of the population of both Bullitt County (91.7%) and the state of Kentucky (82.4%) are white. 1.3% of Bullitt County is Black compared to 8% of the state’s population. ⁹  

9.9% of Bullitt County lives below the federal poverty line, which is less than the rate for the state (16.5%). Only 1.5% of Bullitt County residents receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities that have limited financial resources. 21.8% of Bullitt County residents are old age, survivor, and disability insurance (OASDI, also called social security) beneficiaries. OASDI provides benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers and their dependents and survivors. The amount an individual or household receives is determined by a worker's contributions to social security. Many SSI recipients also receive OASDI; however, the statistics for Bullitt County and Kentucky are unavailable. ^9,11,12 

3.1% of households in Bullitt County do not have a vehicle (compared to 6.6% of households in Kentucky), while 8.9% of Bullitt County households do not have internet. ^9,12  

Food insecurity affects a little over 10% of the population (11.1% in Bullitt County and 12.9% in Kentucky). As such, 10.6% of Bullitt County and 14.2% of Kentucky receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, previously known as food stamps, supplements low-income families' grocery budgets to help them afford more and healthier foods. The average meal cost in the US is $3.02, while the average cost in Bullitt County is $2.93 and in Kentucky $3.11. Based on this cost, Bullitt County residents spend at least $3,199.56 a year on food (assuming they eat three meals a day every day); Kentucky's average yearly meal cost is $3,396.12. ^9,17 

Less than one percent of Bullitt County live in non-institutional group quarters such as college dorms, military barracks, group homes, or shelters. 7.6% of residents live in mobile homes. Mobile homes can be safety hazards because they are associated with high rates of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, are more likely to contain rodents, have more significant risks of sewer and water problems that are associated with a variety of health and safety issues, and are associated with high rates of poor respiratory health outcomes. ^9,12,18,19  

The majority of the adult population of Bullitt County (89.8%) and Kentucky (94.3%) have health insurance, with slightly under half of each population having public health insurance (39.4% in Bullitt County and 45.4% in Kentucky). Public health insurance includes Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), CHAMPVA (coverage for veterans and their families), and Indian Health Services (IHS). ^9,24  

FEMA-designated flood zones are areas that are at high risk for flooding. Flooding is dangerous not only because of environmental risks like landslides and an increased potential for cars and people to be swept away but also because, in the aftermath, standing waters can contain infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and a variety of dangerous trash. Furthermore, flooding is the second most deadly weather hazard following heat. 10.9% of the land area of Kentucky is within FEMA-designated flood zones, as is 18.9% of the land area of Bullitt County. Within these areas, 235,314 Kentuckians live within these flood zones, of which 7,511 are located within Bullitt County. ¹²  

Exposure to these chemicals can lead to many health issues, including damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, skin, and mucous membranes. Therefore, decontamination is an extensive and costly endeavor that requires trained professionals and supervision from appropriate state or federal agencies. ^77,78,79,80 

The environmental burdens in Bullitt County, when compounded with health vulnerabilities, create a substantial cumulative impact, especially for those who suffer from pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure (39.5% of residents) and poor mental health (17.4% of residents). Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Bullitt County grew by nearly 10,000 people (74,319 to 83,186). The projected population of the county for 2035 is upwards of 95,000. As the county continues to expand in terms of economic development and total population, environmental and health factors become exceedingly relevant when considering the needs of current and future residents. ^9,85,86