RRISD unearths cave at McNeil High School

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(RRISD)

Round Rock ISD has discovered yet another cave on the McNeil High School campus. Contractors were doing some underground utility work when they stumbled upon the find

“This particular void has some extraordinarily beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, they are more crystal white,” said Terry Worcester, COO of RRISD.

Stalagmites are the formations seen on the floor, the stalactites are coming from the top. 

“If there was no sort of digging in that area then we would not ever have found it,” said Worcester.

Scientists knew there were formations in this area, but as far as when they'd find another one, that was up for a guess. Earlier this year, another cave was discovered on Cambria Drive in the Brushy Creek neighborhood. Round Rock ISD says this is the 19th void or cave they've found during this particular construction project on McNeil High.

“We were just feet away from finishing our underground work here and so consequently we've been fortunate in finding fewer features on this site,” said Worcester.

Officials estimate the cave to be 1000 square feet and with a height of four feet in most spots.
Round Rock ISD said the cave can be used as an excellent education tool. What better location, than right on campus.

“They actually work with the different jurisdictions that manage features in this region, to visit caves and voids and study the ecology and geology that's here in this area,” said Worcester, when referring to instructors.

The next step, will be to analyze the cave further and decide how it can be protected.