Location
The Indian Creek Monroe Watershed covers approximately 172 square miles in Greene, Monroe, Martin, and Lawrence Counties. Within the watershed, there are six subwatersheds that will be included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report: Headwaters, Little Indian Creek, Spring Creek, Silverville Branch, Sulphur Creek, and Opossum Creeek. The Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) for the Indian Creek Monroe Watershed is 0512020809.
History
Past surveys of the Indian Creek Monroe Watershed have been conducted as early as 1993, and may have included monitoring for fish communities, fish tissue, macroinvertebrate communities, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and/or water chemistry through several IDEM monitoring programs. Impairments currently identified in the watershed include E. coli, PCBs in fish tissue, mercury in fish tissue, 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 25 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 on July 17, 2024 in Owensburg, IN, to introduce the project and solicit input.
- A draft TMDL public meeting is expected to be held in 2026 upon completion of the draft TMDL report.
- Additional meetings will be held as needed. Please check the IDEM calendar for updates.
The TMDL Report
The TMDL Report is anticipated to be completed in 2026.