Location
The Lower Wildcat Creek watershed is located in central Indiana, draining approximately 191 square miles in Carroll, Clinton, Tippecanoe, and Tipton Counties. Major streams included in the TMDL report are Wildcat Creek, Pete’s Run, Little Wildcat Creek, Honey Creek, Hurricane Creek, and Dry Run.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Lower Wildcat Creek watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in 2003. The primary cause of impairment is Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). Pollution sources in the watershed include non-point sources e.g. row crop agriculture and pastures, urban and rural runoff, land application of manure, and point sources e.g. straight pipe dischargers, home sewage treatment system disposal, and combined sewer overflow outlets.
Pollutants Addressed
TMDLs for the Lower Wildcat Creek watershed are established for Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) and address 28 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 at the following locations:
- July 17, 2007 at the Frankfort Neighborhood Center, 259 S. Third St., Frankfort IN 46041, starting at 6:00 p.m.
- July 18, 2007 at the Tippecanoe County SWCD, 1812 Troxel Dr. Suite C, Lafayette IN 47909, starting at 1:00 p.m.
- July 18, 2007 at the Howard County Extension Office, 120 E. Mulberry St., Kokomo IN 46901, starting at 6:00 p.m.
- July 19, 2007 at the Tipton County Foundation Conference Center, 1020 West Jefferson St., Tipton, IN 46072 starting at 6:00 p.m.
A Draft TMDL Meeting was held at the following locations:
- July 28, 2010 at the Lafayette USDA Service Center, 1812 Troxel Drive Suite C3, Lafayette IN 47909, starting at 1:00 p.m.
- July 28, 2010 at the USDA Service Center, 860 S. Prairie Ave., Frankfort IN 46041, starting at 6:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the Draft Lower Wildcat Creek Watershed TMDL began on July 26, 2010, and ended on August 26, 2010.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Lower Wildcat Creek Watershed TMDL report on September 24, 2010, for 28 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.