Location
The Indian Creek River Watershed is located in central Indiana, draining approximately 93.83 square miles in Morgan and Johnson counties. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Indian Creek, Bear Creek, Camp Creek, Sand Creek, Lick Creek, Pike Creek, Crooked Creek and Long Run Creek.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Indian Creek Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) from July 25, 2001 to August 21, 2001. 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 Indian Creek Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 25 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 August 30, 2004 at the Morgan County Public Library, 110 S. Jefferson Street, Martinsville, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on March 10, 2005 at the Indian Creek Elementary School Cafeteria, 200 W. Pearl Street, Trafalgar, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft Indian Creek Watershed TMDL began on February 21, 2005 and ended on March 21, 2005.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Indian Creek Watershed TMDL report on July 19, 2005 for 25 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.