Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek Watershed

LOJIC Disclaimer

The Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek Watershed is approximately 9 square miles, and includes a section of metropolitan Louisville. Muddy Fork runs along the Ohio River emptying into the South Fork of Beargrass Creek. It also receives backwater from the river. There is one sampling station along Muddy Fork.

Muddy Fork 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.

Due to the intensity of development within this watershed, streams in the Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed are true urban streams. A relatively high percentage of this watershed is impervious. There are still a number of poorly performing septic tanks in this area and a considerable level of lawn chemicals used. This combination results in moderate to high nutrient levels. Fecal coliform populations exceed pollution standards about a third of the time. High nutrients, high water fluctuations during storm events, and backwater from the Ohio River result in severe impacts on the biological communities within the streams. Fast moving storm water scours the stream banks, causing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and resulting in the decline of water quality and habitat quality.

Overall impacts to the Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed area are considered moderate to severe. Sewering, resulting in the elimination of septic tanks, will have a positive impact on this watershed. Better water quality and quantity management, as well as addressing non-point source pollution issues, can improve water quality in the Muddy Fork Watershed. Revegetation of stream banks and modification of stream channels to produce reaeration zones will help to improve both habitat and water quality.

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