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The Lower Big Blue River watershed is located in east central Indiana and drains a total of 280 square miles. The two 10-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) subwatersheds that make up the Lower Big Blue River are Little Blue River (0512020408) and Big Blue River (0512020409). The Lower Big Blue River Watershed originates near southern Henry County and then flows southwest, where it ultimately meets Sugar Creek to form Driftwood River near Edinburgh. Major streams included in the TMDL report are Little Big Blue River, Big Blue River, DePrez Ditch, Anthony Creek, Nameless Creek, Manilla Branch, Beaver Meadow Creek, Gilson Creek, Six Mile Creek, Shaw Ditch, and Foreman Branch.
A comprehensive survey of the Lower Big Blue River watershed was conducted by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in 2009. The primary cause of impairment is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Potential pollution sources in the watershed include nonpoint sources from row crop agriculture and pastures, urban and rural runoff, land application of manure, and point sources from straight pipe dischargers, and failing home sewage treatment disposal.
TMDLs for the Lower Big Blue River watershed are established for E. coli and will address 25 impairments. Some of the recommended solutions to address the impairments include stormwater controls, point source controls, manure management, and habitat improvements.
The Draft TMDL Meeting was held May 7, 2014 at 2:30 PM. The meeting was held at the Shelby County Purdue Extension Office, 1600 East State Road 44, Suite C, Shelbyville IN, 46716
The 30-day public comment period will follow the Draft TMDL Meeting.
Watershed stakeholders and partners can use the final approved TMDL report to craft a watershed management plan (WMP) that meets both U.S. EPA’s nine minimum elements under the CWA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program, as well as the additional requirements under IDEM’s 2009 WMP Checklist. Contact your IDEM Watershed Specialist to find out more.