Location
The Fall Creek Watershed is located in central Indiana, draining approximately 41.5 square miles in Marion County. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Fall Creek, Devon Creek, Lawrence Creek and Mud Creek.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Fall Creek watershed was conducted by City of Indianapolis, Marion County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) between January 2000 and December 2001. The primary cause of impairment is Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). Pollution sources in the watershed include nonpoint sources from agriculture and pastures, urban and rural runoff, and land application of manure, as well as point sources from straight pipe discharges, home sewage treatment system disposal and combined sewer overflow outlets.
Pollutants Addressed
TMDLs for the Fall Creek Watershed are established for E. coli and will address three impairments. Some of the recommended solutions to address the impairments include storm water controls, point source controls, manure management and habitat improvements.
Timeline
Kickoff TMDL meetings were held on September 17, 2002; December 17, 2002; and, April 1, 2003.
A Draft TMDL meeting was held on July 8, 2003.
The 30-day public comment period for the Draft Fall Creek Watershed TMDL began on July 8, 2003 and ended on August 9, 2003.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Fall Creek Watershed TMDL report on March 31, 2004 for three 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.