Location
The Black Creek Watershed covers approximately 132 square miles in southwestern Indiana and is located in Greene, Sullivan, and Knox counties. The five subwatersheds included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Singer Ditch, Calico Slash Ditches, Brewer Ditch, Buck Creek, and Headwaters Black Creek.
History
Past surveys of the Black Creek Watershed were conducted in 1992,1996, 2001, 2006, 2016, 2019, and 2020 which may have included monitoring for fish communities, fish tissue, macroinvertebrate communities, E. coli, and/or water chemistry through several IDEM monitoring programs. In addition, numerous lake sampling surveys have occurred in the northwestern region of the watershed in 1990, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Impairments currently identified in the watershed include E. coli and impaired biotic communities (IBC). Potential pollution sources contributing to these impairments include nonpoint sources from agricultural lands and pastures, rural run-off, wildlife, as well as point sources from straight pipe discharges and home sewage treatment systems.
Parameters To Be Addressed
IDEM will complete a comprehensive sampling program in the watershed that will be based on the current impairments. A total of 23 sites will be assessed for general chemistry, nutrients, habitat, and fish and macroinvertebrate communities. A comprehensive list of all parameters will be referenced in the approved work plan.
Timeline
A public kickoff meeting was held to introduce the project and solicit input on September 14, 2021 at 6:00pm at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area Visitor Center. The Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area Visitor Center is located at 13540 W County Road 400 S, Linton, Indiana 47441.
Additional meetings will be held as needed. Please check the IDEM calendar for updates.
A draft TMDL public meeting is expected to be held in 2024 upon completion of the draft TMDL report.
The TMDL Report
- The TMDL Report is anticipated to be completed in 2024.
Watershed Characterization Monitoring 2021-2022
- Sampling and Analysis Work Plan for the Monitoring Project [PDF]
- Map of IDEM Monitoring Sites [PDF]
- Photos of IDEM Monitoring Sites [PDF]
- IDEM Surface Water Results Summary (Nov 2021 - Jan 2022) [PDF]
- IDEM Surface Water Results Summary (Feb 2022 - Apr 2022) [PDF]
- IDEM Surface Water Results Summary (May 2022 - July 2022) [PDF]
- IDEM Surface Water Results Summary (Aug 2022 - Oct 2022) [PDF]