Location
The West Fork Whitewater River Watershed is located in east central Indiana, draining approximately 605 square miles in Randolph, Wayne, Fayette, Henry and Franklin counties. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are West Fork Whitewater River, Nolands Fork, Roy Run, Bear Creek, Nettle Creek and Little Creek.
History
A comprehensive survey of the West Fork Whitewater River Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in 2004 and 2007. The primary cause of impairment is Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). Pollution sources in the watershed include nonpoint sources from agriculture and pastures, land application of manure and urban and rural run-off, as well as point sources from straight pipe discharges, home sewage treatment system disposal and combined sewer overflow outlets.
Pollutants Addressed
TMDLs for the West Fork Whitewater River Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 31 impairments. Some of the recommended solutions to address the impairments include storm water controls, point source controls, manure management and habitat improvements.
Timeline
A kickoff meeting was held on June 27, 2007 at the Golay Community Center, 1007 E. Main Street Cambridge City, IN, Cambridge City, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m. (EST).
A draft TMDL meeting was held on July 30, 2008 at the Cambridge City Public Library, 33 West Main Street, Cambridge City, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m. (EST).
The 30-day public comment period for the draft West Fork Whitewater Watershed TMDL began on July 28, 2008 and ended on September 5, 2008.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the West Fork Whitewater River Watershed TMDL report on April 02, 2009 for 22 impairments. TMDL reports identify and evaluate water quality problems in impaired water bodies and propose solutions to bring those waters into attainment with water quality standards.