Location
The West Fork White River (Marion County) Watershed is located in central Indiana, draining approximately 130 square miles in Marion County. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are West Fork White River, Pleasant Run, Bean Creek, Lick Creek, Hide Creek and Mann Creek.
History
A comprehensive survey of the West Fork White River (Marion County) Watershed was conducted by City of Indianapolis, Marion County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). 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 White River (Marion County) Watershed are established for E. coli and will address seven 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 7, 2002; December 16, 2002; and, March 31, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on July 7, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft West Fork White River (Marion County) Watershed TMDL began on July 7, 2003 and ended on August 7, 2003.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the West Fork White River (Marion County) Watershed TMDL report on March 31, 2004 for seven 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.