Location
The Kessinger Ditch watershed is located in southwestern Indiana, draining approximately 79.04 square miles in Knox County. Major streams included in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report are Kessinger Ditch, Roberson Ditch and Steen Ditch.
History
A comprehensive survey of the Kessinger Ditch Watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) from July 24, 2001 to August 22, 2001. The primary cause of impairment is Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). Pollution sources in the watershed include nonpoint sources from agriculture and pastures, land application of manure and urban and rural run-off, as well as point sources from straight pipe discharges, home sewage treatment system disposal and combined sewer overflow outlets.
Pollutants Addressed
TMDLs for the Kessinger Ditch Watershed are established for E. coli and will address five impairments. Some of the recommended solutions to address the impairments include storm water controls, point source controls, manure management and habitat improvements.
Timeline
A kickoff TMDL meeting was held on July 21, 2004 at the Knox County Purdue University Extension Office, 2758 D East Pine Hill Drive, Vincennes, Indiana starting at 1:00 p.m.
A draft TMDL meeting was held on January 12, 2005 at the Knox County Purdue University Extension Office, 2758 D East Pine Hill Drive, Vincennes, Indiana starting at 6:00 p.m.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft Kessinger Ditch Watershed TMDL began on January 3, 2005 and ended on February 3, 2005.
U.S. EPA under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act approved the Kessinger Ditch Watershed TMDL report on April 5, 2005 for five impairments. TMDL reports identify and evaluate water quality problems in impaired water bodies and propose solutions to bring those waters into attainment with water quality standards.