Location
The West Fork White River-Owen County Tributary Watershed is located in southwestern Indiana, draining approximately 270 square miles in Owen, Greene and Monroe counties. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Fall Creek, McCormick’s Creek, Mills Creek, Goose Creek Tributaries, East Fork Fish Creek Mill Creek, Little Mill Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Raccoon Creek, Little Raccoon Creek, Lick Creek, Sand Lick Creek, West Fork Creek, Fish Creek, Big Creek and Limestone Creek.
History
A comprehensive survey of the West Fork White River-Owen County Tributary Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in May and June 2006. 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-Owen County Tributary Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 12 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 February 21, 2007 at the McCormick’s Creek Nature Center, 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, Indiana 6:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on April 25, 2007 at the McCormick’s Creek Nature Center, 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, Indiana 6:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the Draft West Fork White River-Owen County Tributary Watershed TMDL began on April 11, 2007 and ended on May 11, 2007.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the West Fork White River-Owen County Tributary Watershed TMDL report on August 16, 2007 for 12 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.