Location
The East Fork Whitewater River Watershed is located in east central Indiana, draining approximately 312 square miles in Wayne, Union, Fayette and Franklin counties. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are East Fork Whitewater River, Lick Creek, Short Creek, Smith Creek, Richland Creek, Simpson Creek, Franklin Creek and other tributaries.
History
A comprehensive survey of the East Fork Whitewater River Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in June and July 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 East Fork Whitewater River Watershed are established for E. coli and will address 11 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 May 16, 2006 at the Richmond Council Chambers, 50 North Fifth St., Richmond, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on August 10, 2006 at the Richmond Council Chambers, 50 North Fifth St., Richmond, Indiana starting at 2:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft East Fork Whitewater Watershed TMDL began on August 7, 2006 and ended on September 8, 2006.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the East Fork Whitewater River Watershed TMDL report on July 26, 2007 for 11 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.