Pond Creek Watershed

LOJIC Disclaimer

The Pond Creek watershed, which is approximately 89 square miles, historically had more wetlands that in any other watershed in the County. Excessive development within wetlands contributed to some of the most severe flooding during the March 1997 Flood. Due to intense industrial and commercial development, this area is considered an urban watershed. There are six sampling stations within this watershed.

Pond 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. Frequent violations of the recreational standards make this an undesirable stream system for recreational use.

Oxygen depletion from high nutrient levels and occasional chemical spills has decreased fish populations in the watershed. Fish kills occur in this area more than anywhere in Jefferson County. Package wastewater treatment plants produce elevated nutrient levels and bacterial contamination. Biological communities are severely impacted. Habitat quality is low due to the removal of trees and plants along the stream banks. Many of the streams in Pond Creek area have been extensively channelized and offer little or no habitat for the macroinvertebrate and fish communities.

Stream monitoring has determined that there are severe stream impacts due to chemical toxicity, dissolved oxygen, sediment, nutrients and bacteria. This stream system also suffers from elevated stream temperatures during the summer, contributing to lower dissolved oxygen levels. Planting trees along the banks would reduce temperature during critical times, increase dissolved oxygen, and help reduce fish kills. MSD continues to construct sewers within the watershed to eliminate the remaining septic systems and package wastewater treatment plants. The watershed is also targeted for the elimination of SSO sites.

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