Location
The Prairie Creek Watershed is located in southwestern Indiana, draining approximately 152 square miles in Daviess County. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are North and South Fork of Prairie Creek, Prairie Creek, Barnes Creek, Bethel Creek, Flat Creek, Dinkin Creek, Antioch Creek, Killion Canal, Eagan Ditch and other tributaries.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Prairie Creek Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) April 23, 2002 to May 21, 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 Prairie Creek Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 16 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 July 14, 2004 at the Carnegie Public Library, 300 W. Main St., Washington, Indiana starting at 1:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on October 7, 2004 at the Carnegie Public Library, 300 W. Main St., Washington, Indiana starting at 6:00p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft Prairie Creek Watershed TMDL began on September 27, 2004 and ended on October 27, 2004.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Prairie Creek Watershed TMDL report on December 13, 2004 for 16 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.