Location
The Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed is located in east central Indiana, draining approximately 197 square miles in Henry, Fayette, Rush, Decatur, Shelby and Bartholomew counties. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Flatrock-Haw Creek, Mud Run, Rock Branch and Mills Ditch.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) from May 30, 2002 to June 27, 2002. 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 Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 39 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 TMDL meeting was held on April 21, 2005 at the Rushville Courthouse, assembly room, 101 East 2nd Street, Rushville, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m. A second kickoff meeting was held on April 27, 2005 at the Bartholomew County Library, 536 5th Street, Columbus, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on July 13, 2005 at the Bartholomew County Library, 536 5th Street, Columbus, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m. A second draft TMDL meeting was held on July 14, 2005 at the Rushville Courthouse, assembly room, 101 East 2nd Street, Rushville, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed TMDL began on July 6, 2005 and ended on August 8, 2005.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed TMDL report on September 22, 2005 for 39 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.