Mill Creek Watershed

LOJIC Disclaimer

The Mill Creek watershed is approximately 34 square miles and contains two sampling stations, one on Mill Creek and one on the Mill Creek Cut Off.

Mill Creek has several stream segments on the State (303d) list for aquatic life and recreational impairment. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) classifies streams based upon their potential use, such as whether they may be used for recreational purposes, whether they support aquatic life, etc. The 303d list identifies streams within Kentucky that do not meet their designated use or partially fail to meet their designated use.

Nutrient levels in Mill Creek are generally moderate to high. Algae are a particular problem in the Mill Creek Cut Off, due to high levels of nutrients, discharge from septic tanks, and seepage pits. Oxygen depletion has resulted in fish kills, which unfortunately have occurred with some regularity in the past. Bacterial violations of recreational standards occur in about one-third of the stream water samples. Trees have been removed along the stream banks in most of the watershed area. Without trees along the banks, full sun causes water temperatures rise sharply, making it difficult for plant and animal communities within the stream to survive. Instream habitat is seriously impacted by extremely low flows in the summer and heavy levels of siltation.

Stream monitoring parameters indicate this watershed area contains moderate to severe impacts. Solutions include the elimination of septic systems and seepage pits, which are the primary means of wastewater treatment in the watershed. Revegetation of the stream banks would also aid to lessen the impacts on area streams.

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