TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Study area..................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Sample data and collection dates.................................................................. 14

1.4 Baseflow conditions.................................................................................... 14

Chapter 2: Data Collection and Analysis............................................................ 26

2.1 Physical/Chemical Field Data....................................................................... 26

2.2 Herbicide Indicators.................................................................................... 33

2.3 Herbicide Samples....................................................................................... 34

2.4 Bacteriological Indicators............................................................................. 36

2.4.1 Total Coliforms................................................................................ 36

2.4.2 Atypical Coliforms........................................................................... 37

2.4.3 AC/TC Ratio................................................................................... 37

2.4.4 Fecal coliform.................................................................................. 37

2.5 Bacteriological Sampling.............................................................................. 38

2.5.1 Synoptic Fecal Coliform.................................................................. 38

2.5.2 Follow-Up Fecal Coliform............................................................... 38

2.6 Physical/Chemical Sampling......................................................................... 53

2.7 Nutrients..................................................................................................... 59

2.8 Nutrient Sampling........................................................................................ 60

2.9 Metals Data................................................................................................. 67

Chapter 3: Executive Summary......................................................................... 75

Chapter 4: Focused Sampling for Fecal Coliform............................................... 77

4.1 Eagle Creek Watershed............................................................................... 77

4.2 Middle Fork Kentucky River Headwaters Watershed.................................. 82

4.2 North Fork Kentucky River......................................................................... 87

References.............................................................................................................. 95

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 2004 Kentucky River Watershed Watch Sampling Sites.................... 8

Table 1.2 Basinwide Sampling Data and Collection Dates............................... 14

Table 1.3 Types and Number of Samples at Sampling Sites............................ 15

Table 2.1 Physical/Chemical Field Data.......................................................... 27

Table 2.2 Herbicide Sampling Results.............................................................. 34

Table 2.3 Synoptic Fecal Coliform Sampling Results....................................... 41

(by station identification number)

Table 2.4 Synoptic Fecal Coliform Sampling Results....................................... 45

(by concentration level)

Table 2.5 Follow-Up Fecal Coliform Sampling Results................................... 49

Table 2.6 Data Separation by AC/TC Ratio.................................................... 38

Table 2.7 Chemical Sampling Results.............................................................. 54

Table 2.8 Nutrient Sampling Results............................................................... 59

Table 2.9 Metals Sampling Results................................................................. 67

Table 2.10 Stations with Highest Metals Concentrations.................................... 72

Table 4.1 Eagle Creek Focused Sampling – Fecal Results................................ 78

Table 4.2 Leslie County Focused Sampling – Fecal Results.............................. 83

Table 4.3 Leslie County Focused Sampling Results.......................................... 84

Table 4.4 Upper North Fork Focused Sampling – Fecal Results...................... 89

Table 4.5 Upper North Fork Focused Sampling Results.................................. 93

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Kentucky River Basin........................................................................ 2

Figure 1.2 Kentucky River Basin and Sub-Basins............................................... 3

Figure 1.3 Kentucky River Lower Basin............................................................. 4

Figure 1.4 Kentucky River Middle Basin............................................................ 5

Figure 1.5 Kentucky River Upper Basin............................................................. 6

Figure 1.6 Kentucky River Watershed Watch Monitoring Sites........................... 7

Figure 1.7 Kentucky River USGS Gaging Stations............................................ 22

Figure 1.8 North Fork Kentucky River............................................................. 23

Figure 1.9 Middle Fork Kentucky River........................................................... 23

Figure 1.10 South Fork Kentucky River............................................................. 24

Figure 1.11 Lock and Dam #10......................................................................... 24

Figure 1.12 Lock and Dam #2........................................................................... 25

Figure 2.1 Herbicide Sampling Locations.......................................................... 35

Figure 2.2 Kentucky River Basin Synoptic Fecal Coliform Counts..................... 39

Figure 2.3 Follow-Up Fecal Sampling Locations............................................... 40

Figure 2.4 Physical/Chemical Sampling Locations............................................. 53

Figure 2.5 Kentucky River Basin Nitrate Concentrations > 10 mg/L.................. 62

Figure 2.6 Kentucky River Basin Phosphorus Sites > 1.0 mg/L......................... 63

Figure 2.7 Kentucky River Basin Sulfate Sites > 250 mg/L................................ 64

Figure 2.8 Kentucky River Basin Metal Sampling Locations.............................. 66

Figure 4.1 Eagle Creek Focused Sampling Sites............................................... 77

Figure 4.2 Leslie County Focused Sampling Sites............................................. 82

Figure 4.3 Letcher County Focused Sampling Sites........................................... 88

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

This report documents the results of the 2004 Kentucky River Watershed Watch sampling effort, which was supported by a grant from the Kentucky River Authority, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Bluegrass PRIDE, Virginia Environmental Endowment, and Brown Forman and Bluegrass PRIDE. Results from previous years sampling can be found at www.uky.edu/OtherOrgs/KRWW.

The Kentucky River Watershed Watch is a volunteer organization affiliated with the Kentucky Waterways Alliance with the following goals:

1. To provide current data on general water quality conditions to local stream based organizations working to protect their watershed.

2. To provide widespread screening for potential water quality problems to resource management agencies.

3. To provide auxiliary information to assist resource management agencies in meeting specific operational and management objectives.

4. To identify specific impacts to water quality through targeted observations and measurements.

The sampling effort was conducted so as to be consistent with the scientific study plan developed by the Kentucky River Watershed Watch scientific advisory board which describes the monitoring objectives, methods, parameters, quality assurance, and data management. A copy of the plan and the associated QAPP for fecal analysis can be accessed through: www.uky.edu/OtherOrgs/KRWW. Detailed sampling results for 2004 are posted on the project web site at http://nrepcapps.ky.gov/watch/management/ key.htm. All files associated with the Kentucky River basin begin with the letter “k.”

1.2 Study Area

The Kentucky River Watershed Watch sampling effort was conducted at 184 different sites across the Kentucky River Basin. The Kentucky River Basin extends over much of the central and eastern portions of the state and is home to approximately 710,000 Kentuckians. The watershed includes all or part of 42 counties and drains over 7,000 square miles with a tributary network of more than 15,000 miles. A map of the watershed with the associated counties is shown in Figure 1.1. For the purpose of watershed management, the River Basin has been subdivided into smaller sub-basins and watersheds using the USGS Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) classification system. A map showing the 8-digit subbasins is shown in Figure 1.2. A more detailed description of the 11-digit HUC watersheds is provided in Figures 1.3-1.5. An index of the 184 sampling sites is provided in Figure 1.6 and Table 1.1.

1.3 Sample Data and Collection Dates

Water quality data were collected across the basin at four different times extending through the summer, and fall of 2004. A listing of the sample dates and types of data collected during each sample period is provided in Table 1.2. A summary of the types and number of samples collected at each data collection site is provided in Table 1.3.

Table 1.2 Basinwide Sample Data and Collection Dates

Type of Data Collected	Sample Dates	Sites	Samples
1. Herbicide	5/21 – 5/24/2004	26	26
2. Synoptic Fecal Coliform.	7/9 – 7/13/2004	152	152
3. Follow Up Fecal Coliform	7/30 – 8/1/2004	65	65
4a. Chemical/Nutrients	9/10 – 9/13/2004	128	128
4b. Metals	9/10 – 9/12/2004	34	34

1.4 Flow Conditions

In order to provide a basis for interpreting the sample results it is important to understand the associated stream conditions during the sampling effort. For example, data collected during low flow or dry conditions may be more indicative of the impact of points discharges while data collected following a storm may be more reflective of the impacts of non-point pollutant discharges. An indication of the stream conditions during the sampling period may be obtained by examination of USGS streamflow records. For the purposes of this study, five separate USGS gauging stations were selected for use in providing an indication of the streamflow conditions during the sampling period. The names, station numbers, and locations of each of these stations are shown in Figure 1.7. Streamflow plots for each station showing the times of the different sampling efforts are shown in Figures 1.8-1.12. (The streamflow values for these tables can be found on the USGS website at http://ky.water.usgs.gov.) The date of the herbicide sampling effort is indicated by a square n , synoptic fecal sampling event by a triangle p , follow-up fecal sampling event by a circle ˜ , and the chemical, nutrient and metal sampling effort by a diamond t . As can be seen from the figures, the herbicide and synoptic fecal sampling was conducted during relatively low flow periods, while part of the follow-up fecal sampling as well as the chemical/nutrients and metals sampling was conducted during wetter periods. Additional indicators of flow conditions at each site and sampling date are provided in Table 2.1. Such information can be particularly useful in helping to identify the potential source of high pathogen values.

CHAPTER 2: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

2.1 Physical/Chemical Field Data

General physical/chemical field data (flow, water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were collected at each sample site during the four separate basinwide sample periods. A summary of the physical/chemical data collected during this period is provided in Table 2.1.

Approximately 7 percent of the stations (13 of 184) had reported dissolved oxygen values less than 5.0 mg/L. A dissolved oxygen value less than 5.0 mg/L is problematic for aquatic organisms, causing increased susceptibility to environmental stresses, reduced growth rates, mortality and an alteration in the distribution of aquatic life. The 13 sampling sites with 2004 readings less than 5.0 mg/L were:

K036 – Paint Lick Creek, Garrard County

K048 – North Fork Kentucky River, Breathitt County

K054 – McConnell Springs, Fayette County

K125 – Clarks Run, Boyle County

K205 – Kentucky River, Breathitt County

K235 – Knob Lick Creek, Lincoln County

K241 – South Viney Fork, Madison County

K243 – Lake Vega, Madison County

K255 – Dry Run, Scott County

K256 – Lanes Run, Scott County

K314 – Mallard Point Lake, Scott County

K315 – Drake Lake, Scott County

K365 – McConnell Springs, Fayette County

Three of the stations had a pH value less than 6 or greater than 9. The average pH value of all samples, 6.5, falls within the neutral range of between 6 and 9. A pH value less than 6 signifies acidic conditions in which toxic heavy metals are more soluble, and therefore more available for uptake by aquatic life. At pH values greater than 9, toxic ammonia concentrations increase. The three KRWW sites with 2004 readings less than 6 or greater than nine were:

K224 (pH = 9.5) – Unnamed spring, Woodford County

K251 (pH = 5.8) – Muddy Creek, Madison County

K282 (pH = 4.5) – Cane Run, Mercer County

Based on visual observations, the flow rate in the streams was assessed using the following numerical equivalents:

0 – Dry

1 – Ponded

2 – Low

3 – Normal

4 – Bank Full

5 – Flood

2.2 Herbicide Indicators

Two separate herbicides were used to evaluate the possibility of potential pollution from rural and/or urban land uses in the Kentucky River Basin. The herbicides included Metolachlor and Triazine.

Metolachlor is usually applied to crops before plants emerge from the soil, and is used to control certain broadleaf and annual grassy weeds in field corn, soybeans, peanuts, grain sorghum, potatoes, cotton, safflower, stone fruits, nut trees, highway right-of-ways and woody ornamentals. It inhibits protein synthesis; thus high protein crops (e.g. soy) can be adversely affected by excessive Metolachlor application. Additives may be included in product formulations to help protect sensitive crops (i.e. sorghum) from injury. Metolachlor is highly persistent in water over a wide range of acidity. At 20^◦ Celsius, its half-life is greater than 200 days in highly acidic water and is 97 days in highly basic water. Metolachlor is moderately persistent in the soil environment, with observed half-lives of 15 to 70 days. Breakdown rates are mainly dependent on microbial activity, and are therefore temperature-dependent. Metolachlor is currently unregulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and therefore is not assigned a maximum contaminant level.

Triazine (or Atrazine) is a selective triazine herbicide used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in corn and other crops, and in conifer reforestation plantings. It is also used as a nonselective herbicide on non-cropped industrial lands and on fallow lands. Over 64 million acres of cropland were treated with atrazine in the U.S. in 1990. Atrazine is moderately soluble in water. The main route of breakdown is chemical hydrolysis, followed by biodegradation. Atrazine is highly persistent in soil. Chemical hydrolysis followed by microbial breakdown accounts for most of its degradation in soil. Although hydrolysis is rapid in acidic or basic soil environments, it is slower at neutral pHs. The EPA’s drinking water standard maximum contaminant level for Atrazine is 0.003 mg/L (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html). EPA's Office of Water has published a draft ambient water quality criteria document for atrazine containing acute and chronic criteria recommendations for the protection of aquatic life in both freshwater and saltwater. The procedures described in the "Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses" indicate that, except possibly where a locally important species is very sensitive, freshwater aquatic life and their uses should not be affected unacceptably if the one-hour average concentration does not exceed 350 ug/L more than once every three years on the average (acute criterion) and if the four-day average concentration of atrazine does not exceed 12 ug/L more than once every three years on the average (chronic criterion).

The basic manufacturer of both herbicides, Metolachlor and Atrazine, is Syngenta Crop Protection. They can be contacted at the following address, phone number or fax number: Syngenta Crop Protection, P.O. Box 18300; Greensboro, NC 27409; Telephone: (919)632-6000; Fax: (919)299-8318 or at www.syngenta.com.

2.3 Herbicide Samples

Herbicide data were collected at 26 sites during the period 5/21/04 – 5/24/04. The location of each site is shown in Figure 2.1. A summary of the results for the herbicide data collection effort is provided below in Table 2.2. Eleven of the 26 sites had detectable levels of one or both of these herbicides, with Triazine registering more often. Site K327 (Ten Mile Creek upstream from mouth of Arnolds Creek) showed the highest concentration for Triazine, as well as the only detectable value for Metolachlor. None of the samples registering a detectable level of Atrazine exhibited a concentration greater than the EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 3.0 micrograms/L or the EPA’s proposed criteria for aquatic life. Detectable levels for Atrazine ranged from a concentration of 0.06 ug/L to 0.57 ug/L.

2.4 Bacteriological Indicators

A number of pathogenic (disease causing) viruses, bacteria, and protozoans can enter a water body via fecal contamination. Human illness can result from drinking water or swimming in water that contains pathogens, or from eating shellfish harvested from such waters.

Unfortunately, direct testing for pathogens is impractical. Pathogens are rarely present in large numbers, and many are difficult to cultivate in the lab. Instead, microbiologists look for “inidator” species – so called because their presence indicates that fecal contamination may have occurred. The indicators most commonly used today include: total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, fecal streptococci, and enterococci. Each of these bacteria are normally prevalent in the intestines and feces of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The indicator bacteria themselves are not usually pathogenic. All but E. coli are composed of a number of species of bacteria that share commons characteristics such as shape, habitat, or behavior; E. coli is a single species in the fecal coliform group.

There are basically two methods for analyzing water samples for bacteria:

The Membrane Filter Method involves filtering several different-sized portions of the sample using filters with a standard diameter and pore size, placing each filter on a selective nutrient medium in a Petri plate, incubating the plates at a specific temperature for a specified time period, and then counting the colonies that have grown on the filter. This method varies for different bacteria types (variations might include, for example, the nutrient medium type, the number and types of incubations, the method of incubations, etc.)

The Multiple-Tube Fermentation Method involves adding specified quantities of the sample to tubes containing a nutrient broth, incubating the tubes at a specified temperature for a specified time period, and then looking for the development of gas and/or turbidity that the bacteria produce. The presence or absence of gas in each tube is used to calculate an index known as the Most Probable Number (MPN).

2.4.1 Total Coliforms

Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that are widespread in nature. All members of the fecal coliform group can occur in human feces, but some can also be present in animal manure, soil, and submerged wood and in other places outside the human body. Thus, the usefulness of total coliforms as an indicator of fecal contamination depends on the extent to which the bacteria species found are fecal and human in origin. For recreational waters, total coliforms are no longer recommended as an indicator. For drinking water, total coliforms are still the standard test because their presence indicates contamination of a water supply by an outside source. Total coliforms are indicated in the lab by their ability to metabolize (ferment) the sugar lactose in an incubator at a temperature of 35C.

2.4.2 Atypical Coliform

Atypical coliform are additional colonies that appear on the coliform agar plate without the greenish metallic sheen and may be further classified as dark red, red or pink in appearance. By examining the ratio of the atypical to total coliforms present, a determination of the age and likely source of the fecal material can be made. This approach to bacteriological testing was only performed on the follow-up coliform samples and was not conducted during the prior synoptic testing.

2.4.3 AC/TC Ratio

Recent research has shown that an atypical to total coliform (AC/TC) ratio of 4 or below indicates fresh fecal matter from both humans and animals. Ratios below two are normally characteristic of raw human sewage. However, samples taken from agricultural creeks during times when cows were present and actively defecating into the water have been noted to be below two as well. An AC/TC ratio between five and ten indicates fecal matter most likely derived from indirect sources of agriculture. Indirect sources of urban runoff have been found to have ratios that range between 10 and 20. Impounded urban runoff typically has ratios between 15 and 25. All ratios increase with time as the indigenous atypical coliforms proliferate and the fecally associated total coliforms die off. AC/TC ratios above 20 indicate aged fecal material from either human or agricultural sources. (Brion and Mao, 2000)

2.4.4 Fecal Coliform

Fecal coliforms, a subset of total coliform bacteria, are more fecal specific in origin. However, even this group contains a genus, Klebsiella, with species that are not necessarily fecal in origin. Klebsiella are commonly associated with textile and pulp and paper mill wastes. Therefore if these sources discharge to your stream, you might want to consider monitoring more fecal and human-specific bacteria. For recreational waters, fecal coliform was the primary bacteria indicator until relatively recently, when EPA began recommending E. coli and enterococci as better indicators of health risk from water contact. However, fecal coliforms are still being used in many states, including Kentucky, as the indicator bacteria. Similar to total coliforms, fecal coliforms are indicated in the lab by their ability to metabolize (ferment) the sugar lactose in an incubator at a temperature of 44.5 C. The state criteria for fecal coliform are based on the designated use of the particular stream and may be summarized as follows:

Primary Contact Recreation (swimming from May 1 thru Oct 31): fecal coliform shall not exceed 200 colonies per 100 ml as a monthly geometric mean based on not less than 5 samples per month; nor exceed 400 colonies per 100 ml in 20 percent or more of all samples taken during the month. [Note: As a result of the sampling frequency requirement with the first criteria, the state of Kentucky uses the 400 colonies per 100-ml criteria for classifying streams in the 305(b) report].

Secondary Contact Recreation (fishing and boating): fecal coliform content shall not exceed 1000 colonies per 100 ml as a monthly geometric mean based on not less than 5 samples per month; nor exceed 2000 colonies per 100 ml in 20 percent or more of all samples taken during the month.

Domestic Water Supply: fecal coliform content shall not exceed 2000 colonies per 100 ml as a monthly geometric mean based on not less than 5 samples per month.

2.5 Bacteriological Sampling

Two different sets of fecal coliform sampling were conducted in the Kentucky River basin during the summer of 2004. These included synoptic sampling and follow-up sampling. The results of each sampling effort are discussed in the following sections. During the first (synoptic) test, all samples were analyzed for fecal coliforms using the membrane filter test. During the follow-up testing, all samples were analyzed for both fecal coliform and total/atypical coliform using separate membrane filter tests.

2.5.1 Synoptic Fecal Coliform Sampling

As in past years, a synoptic round of fecal coliform samples was collected at targeted sample locations during the month of July. The sample locations and associated results are shown in Figure 2.2. The individual results for each site are shown in Table 2.3. A ranking of the stations by the magnitude of the results is shown in Table 2.4

2.5.2 Follow-Up Fecal Coliform Sampling

Based on the observation of high readings at 72 of the synoptic sites (i.e., >400 CFU/100 ml), an additional round of fecal coliform sampling was conducted between 7/30/2004 and 8/1/2004. The sample locations and associated values are shown in Figure 2.3. The results of this sampling effort are provided in Table 2.5. Results indicated continuing fecal-related problems at 52 of 67 (78%) of the re-sampled sites.

In addition to fecal coliform analyses, the follow-up samples were also evaluated for total coliform and atypical coliform in order to determine the AC/TC ratio. These ratios are also listed in Table 2.5, and a summary of the resulting ratios is provided in Table 2.6.

Table 2.3 Data Separation by AC/TC Ratio

Category	AC/TC Ratio	Description	# Samples
1	AC/TC < 2	Fresh, likely human source	9
2	2 <= AC/TC < 4	Fresh, human or ag sources	0
3	4 <= AC/TC < 10	Moderate age, likely indirect ag	22
4	10<= AC/TC < 20	Older, indirect urban	11
5	AC/TC >20	Aged, human or ag sources	14

2.6 Physical/Chemical Sampling

General chemical data (alkalinity, chlorides, conductivity, total suspended solids, and total hardness) were collected at all sample locations during the month of September. The locations of the sampling sites are shown in Figure 2.4. The individual results for each sample are shown in Table 2.7.

Alkalinity: Akaline refers to a water sample being basic (pH>7) while alkalinity is a measure of the capacity to neutralize an acid (i.e. buffering capacity). Thus, two samples with the same pH may have differing alkalinity. In most natural water bodies in Kentucky the buffering system is carbonate-bicarbonate. Alkalinity is important for fish and aquatic life because it protects or buffers against rapid pH changes. Higher alkalinity levels in surface waters will buffer acid rain and other acid wastes and prevent pH changes that are harmful to aquatic life. Kentucky’s water quality criteria state that for protection of aquatic life, the buffering capacity should be at least 20 mg/L. If alkalinity is naturally low, (less than 20 mg/L) there can be no greater than a 25% reduction in alkalinity. During the 2004 KRWW sampling season, alkalinity values ranged from 48 mg/L (K076, K095) to 1785 mg/L (K314).

Chlorides: Chlorides are salts resulting from the combination of the gas chlorine with a metal. Fish and aquatic communities cannot survive in waters with high levels of chlorides. Public Drinking Water Standards require chloride levels not to exceed 250 mg/L. Criteria for protection of aquatic life require levels of less than 600 mg/L for chronic (long-term) exposure and 1200 mg/L for short-term exposure. During the 2004 KRWW sampling season, chloride values ranged from 1 mg/L (K077) to 106 mg/L (K055).

Conductivity: Conductivity is a measurement of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electrical current. Conductivity measurements are used to determine mineralization, or total dissolved solids. Indirect effects of excess dissolved solids are primarily the elimination of desirable food plants and habitat-forming plant species. For Kentucky, water quality criteria have been established only for the mainstem of the Ohio River. The limit is 800 micromhos/cm or 500 mg/L total dissolved solids. During the 2004 KRWW sampling season, conductivity values ranged from 130 (K076) to 1300 uS/cm (K215).

Total Suspended Solids: One of the biggest sources of water pollution in Kentucky is suspended solids. Suspended solids include inorganic particles (silts, clays, etc.) and organic particles (algae, zooplankton, bacteria, and detritus) that are carried along by water as it runs off the land. The inorganic portion is usually considerably higher than the organic. Both contribute to turbidity, or cloudiness of the water. High values of TSS cause multiple environmental impacts, including clogging fish gills, reducing light penetration, and siltation of stream bottoms and associated habitats. Indirectly, the suspended solids affect other parameters such as temperature and dissolved oxygen. Suspended solids also interfere with effective drinking water treatment. High sediment loads interfere with coagulation, filtration, and disinfection, and more chlorine is required to effectively disinfect turbid water.

There are no quantitative criteria for TSS; however, Kentucky Water Quality Standards for aquatic life state that suspended solids "shall not be changed to the extent that the indigenous aquatic community is adversely affected" and "the addition of settleable solids that may adversely alter the stream bottom is prohibited." During the 2004 KRWW sampling season, total suspended solids values ranged from readings less than the maximum detection limit to 498 mg/L (K198).

Total Hardness: Hardness is due to the presence of multivalent metal ions which come from minerals dissolved in the water. Generally, harder water results in a lower toxicity of other metals to aquatic life. In fresh water the primary ions are calcium and magnesium; however iron and manganese may also contribute. There are no Kentucky water quality criteria for hardness. During the 2004 KRWW sampling season, total hardness values ranged from 60 mg/L (K095) to 745 mg/L (K215).

2.7 Nutrients

Oxygen demanding materials and plant nutrients are the most common substances discharged to the environment by man’s activities, through wastewater facilities and by agricultural, residential, and stormwater runoff. The most important plant nutrients, in terms of water quality, are phosphorus and nitrogen. In general, increasing nutrient concentrations are undesirable due to the potential for accelerated growth of aquatic plants, including algae. Nuisance plant growth can create imbalances in the aquatic community, as well as aesthetic and access issues. High densities of phytoplankton (algae) can cause wide fluctuations in pH and dissolved oxygen.

Total phosphorus (TP) is commonly measured to determine phosphorus concentrations in surface waters. TP includes all of the various forms of phosphorus (organic, inorganic, dissolved, and particulate) present in a sample. Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth of plants and animals. Phosphates are made up of phosphorus and exist in three forms: orthophosphate, metaphosphate (or polyphosphate) and organically bound phosphate. Each compound contains phosphorous in a different chemical formula. Ortho forms are produced by natural processes and are found in sewage. Poly forms are used for treating boiler waters and in detergents. In water, they change into the ortho form. Organic phosphates are important in nature. Their occurrence may result from the breakdown of organic pesticides that contain phosphates. They may exist in solution, as particles, loose fragments or in the bodies of aquatic organisms.

The forms of nitrogen routinely analyzed at most Kentucky ambient sampling sites are ammonia and ammonium (NH₃/NH₄), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and nitrite and nitrate (NO₂/NO₃). Ammonia and ammonium are readily used by plants. TKN is a measure of organic nitrogen and ammonia in a sample. Nitrate is the product of aerobic transformation of ammonia, and is the most common form used by aquatic plants. Nitrite is usually not present in significant amounts. Nitrates can react directly with hemoglobin in the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals to produce methemoglobin which destroys the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen. This condition is especially serious in babies under three months of age and causes a condition known as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby" disease.

Kentucky currently has no official numerical standards or criteria for total phosphorus or total nitrogen. The state water quality standard for nitrate-nitrogen, which is a measurement of the nitrogen potion of the nitrate molecule, is 10 mg/L. The state water quality standard for sulfate is 250 mg/L. The USEPA has recently issued recommendations for phosphorus concentrations to prevent over-enrichment. In general, any concentration of phosphorus in excess of 0.1 mg/l has the potential to cause eutrophication problems in a stream.

In addition to man-made sources, some phosphorus loadings may occur naturally from the watershed soils and underlying geology. In particular, background TP levels in the Bluegrass Region have been observed from wells, springs, and pristine watersheds as high as 0.25 mg/l.

2.8 Nutrient Sampling

In addition to general chemical data, general nutrient data (nitrate-nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and sulfate) were also collected at each sample site during the month of September. A summary of the nutrient data collected during this period is provided in Table 2.8. Two stations had nitrate-nitrogen readings greater than 10 mg/L. As illustrated in Figure 2.5, the highest nitrate-nitrogen readings were recorded at stations K075 (Town Branch in Fayette County) and K260 (Dreaming Creek in Madison County).

As shown in Figure 2.6, eight stations had phosphorus readings in excess of 1.0 mg/l. The highest recorded phosphorus reading was 7.32 mg/l which occurred at station K283 (West Hickman in Jessamine County). These readings are similar to readings from previous sampling efforts and represent a continuing nutrient problem in the central Bluegrass Region.

Although sulfate is normally not considered a typical nutrient, it can be used by sulfate reducing bacteria as a food source. The state water quality limit for sulfate for those streams with a water supply designated use is 250 mgl/L. High values of sulfate are frequently associated with mining activities. Five sulfate concentrations exceeded the state water quality standard of 250 mg/L. These samples were taken from sites K145 (Troublesome Creek in Breathitt County) K195 (East Calloway Creek in Estill County), K215 (Lost Creek in Breathitt County) and K216 (Troublesome Creek in Breathitt County) and K286 (Ball Fork in Knott County).

CHAPTER 3: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the summer of 2004, the Kentucky River Authority, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Bluegrass PRIDE, Virginia Environmental Endowment, and Brown-Forman provided funds for the support of volunteer water quality sampling in the Kentucky River Basin as part of the 2004 Kentucky River Watershed Watch effort. This report summarizes the results of that sampling effort. As part of this sampling effort, up to 184 separate sites were sampled at three different times for three main groups of parameters: herbicides, pathogens, chemical/nutrients/metals. In each case, the stream was also sampled for basic physical and chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Three of the stations had a pH reading less than 6 or greater than 9. Dissolved oxygen readings were below a minimum threshold of 5 mg/l for approximately 7% of the samples.

Twenty-six sites were sampled for the herbicides Triazine and Metolachlor. None of the samples exhibited concentrations greater than the EPA Maximum Contaminant Limit for either Triazine or Metolachlor. Chemical sampling in September produced three sites with relatively high conductivity values (e.g. > 1000): K215, K260 and K261.

For the seventh year in a row, high fecal counts were observed across the basin. The highest counts were observed at sites in Cane Run, Clarks Run, Hickman Creek, Muddy Creek, Rocky Fork, Silver Creek and Town Branch/South Elkhorn Creek. In an attempt to determine the age and source of the fecal contamination, total coliform and atypical coliforms were also collected during a second round of fecal sampling at those sites where high fecal counts were observed during the original round of sampling. An evaluation of AC/TC (atypical coliform:typical coliform) ratios for each site revealed a probable human source for nine of the contaminated sites. It is recommended that additional investigations of these sites by conducted in an attempt to pinpoint the probable source of pollution.

An evaluation of the nutrient results revealed that both phosphorous and nitrate-nitrogen continue to be at levels of concern at several sites. Nine sites had phosphorus concentrations in excess of 1.0 mg/L. The highest concentrations of phosphorus was found in Rocky Fork in Garrard County. In addition to these sites, high phosphorus levels were observed at Dreaming Creek (Madison County), Mallard Point Lake (Scott County), Town Branch/South Elkhorn (Fayette County) and West Hickman Creek (Jessamine County). Two sites had nitrate levels that exceeded the maximum in-stream concentration of 10 mg/L. These were found in Dreaming Creek in Madison County and Town Branch in Fayette County. High sulfate sites, where concentrations exceeded 250 mg/L, included Ball Fork, East Fork Calloway Creek, Lost Creek, and Troublesome Creek.

Significant metals concentrations were observed at several sites. Four of the sites had the maximum metals concentrations in multiple categories. These included:

K200: Kentucky River in Woodford County

K215: Lost Creek in Breathitt County

K260: Dreaming Creek in Madison County

K320: Clarks Creek in Grant County

Sites K215 and K260 had high metal concentrations during the 2003 sampling season, as well. Based on the fact that all of these sites contained the maximum concentrations for a number of constituents, it is recommended that additional investigations be performed at these sites to identify the source of the higher metals concentrations.

In summary, the following waterbodies have been targeted for more in-depth sampling and water quality management efforts due to 2004 sampling results:

Ø Clark’s Run, Boyle County (pathogens)

Ø Dreaming Creek, Madison Co. (nitrate, phosphorus, metals, pathogens)

Ø Hickman Creek, Fayette Co. (phosphorus, pathogens)

Ø Lost Creek, Breathitt Co. (conductivity, hardness, sulfate, metals, pathogens)

Ø Mallard Point Lake, Scott Co. (pathogens)

Ø McKecknie Creek, Garrard Co. (pathogens)

Ø North Elkhorn (pathogens)

Ø Rocky Fork, Garrard Co. (phosphorus, pathogens)

Ø Silver Creek, Madison Co. (pathogens)

Ø Sugar Creek, Garrard Co. (pathogens)

Ø Ten Mile Creek, Grant Co. (herbicides)

Ø Town Branch, Fayette Co. (chlorides, nitrate, phosphorus, pathogens)

Ø West Hickman Creek, Fayette Co. (pathogens)

Ø White Oak Creek, Garrard Co. (pathogens)

Ø South Elkhorn Creek, Fayette, Woodford, and Scott Counties (pathogens)

Ø Wolf Run, Fayette Co. (pathogens)

CHAPTER 4: FOCUSED SAMPLING FOR FECAL COLIFORM

Based on the results of synoptic pathogen sampling in July 2004 and continuing high fecal concentrations from sampling in previous years, two regions were selected for a more detailed round of focused fecal sampling during the month of August. The primary purpose of the sampling was to confirm past occurrences of high fecal contamination and to try to isolate potential sources. The focused sampling effort was conducted in the Eagle Creek watershed in northern Kentucky, the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River in Leslie County, and the upper North Fork of the Kentucky River in Letcher County. A summary of the sampling results for each of these regions is provided in the following sections.

4.1 Eagle Creek Watershed, Grant County (5 focus sites)

4.1.1 Watershed Description

The Eagle Creek watershed is located in northern Kentucky and includes portions of Boone, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Scott Counties. The stream empties into the Kentucky River west of Worthville in Carroll County. Among the creeks that feed it are Brush Creek, Clarks Creek, Lytles Fork, Stevens Creek and Ten Mile Creek.

The 2004 KRWW focus study included five sampling sites in the portion of the Eagle Creek watershed located within Grant County. More specifically, focus sampling was concentrated in the region where the tributary of Ten Mile Creek enters Eagle Creek. This region of the Eagle Creek watershed is located in the hills of the bluegrass subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by hilly terrain, very rapid surface runoff, and slow groundwater drainage. The watershed lies above interbedded limestones and shales (>20% limestone, allowing groundwater flow where clay content is low enough). Land in the watershed is between 50% and 60% agricultural, 35% to 40% rural and wooded, and around 5% residential.

Past KRWW data have shown high levels of bacteria indicative of fecal contamination in the Eagle Creek watershed (above 200/colonies/ml). The following KRWW sites are located in the watershed:

K10 – Ten Mile Creek, 0.25 mile upstream of mouth of Eagle Creek

K30 – Ten Mile Creek, 0.5 mile upstream of Verona Mt. Zion Road

K265 – Bullock Pen Creek, just upstream of Ten Mile Creek

K318 – Eagle Creek, at Reb Stacy's Woodland & Wildlife Center above Statlers Run

K319 – Arnold’s Creek, at bridge on Sipple Road

K321 – Ten Mile Creek, at Hwy 467 bridge

K327 – Ten Mile Creek, upstream of mouth of Arnold’s Creek

K328 – Eagle Creek, two miles downstream from mouth of Ten Mile Creek

Focused sampling was conducted at the existing KRWW sites K318, K319, K321, K327 and K328.

4.1.2 Map and Data Results

During the 2004 sampling season, focused fecal sampling was conducted at five sites within the Grant County portion of the Eagle Creek watershed in order to better assess the level of the fecal contamination problem and potential sources of fecal coliform to Eagle Creek and tributaries. These focus sites and associated sampling data are shown in the following map and table:

4.1.5 Conclusions

The geometric mean (or geomean) of all samples collected at each Eagle Creek watershed focus site was calculated to assess fecal contamination. The use of the geometric mean minimizes the skewing effects of extremely high fecal coliform values. Despite some occasionally high values at K327, the fecal geomean values at focus sites K319, K321 and K327 were all within the acceptable pathogen limit of 200 cfu/100 ml for swimming use. Geomean values at sites K318 (206 cfu/100 ml) and K328 (327 cfu/100 ml) were slightly above the recommended standard for swimming. Site K318 is located at Eagle Creek above Statlers Run, and site K328 is located on Eagle Creek two miles downstream of the mouth of Ten Mile Creek.

The AC/TC ratios were all above 10, and most were greater than 20. Sites with ratios greater than 20 indicate aged fecal material from either humans or agricultural sources. (Brion and Mao, 2000) Sites K319 and K328 each had one sampling event producing an AC/TC ratio between five and ten, which suggests fecal matter is most likely derived from indirect sources of agriculture.

4.2 Middle Fork Kentucky River Headwaters Watershed, Leslie County (5 focus sites)

4.2.1 Watershed Description

In conjunction with a separately funded study to assess impacts to municipal drinking water sources, five focus sites were selected in the Middle Fork Kentucky River headwaters watershed in Leslie County for focused sampling. (This separate study was funded by the Kentucky River Authority, and is being jointly conducted by the Kentucky Rural Water Association, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute and Western Kentucky University.) Focus sites were located in the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River and Greasy Fork near the towns of Stinnett and Hyden. These focus sites were assessed for fecal coliform, as well as other parameters (acidity, alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, metals, pH and total suspended solids).

The Middle Fork Kentucky River headwaters watershed occupies much of central Leslie County and the northern edge of Harlan County. The land is in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field physiographic region, which is characterized by mountainous terrain, rapid surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater drainage. The watershed is underlain by coals, sandstones, and shales. This geology is generally conducive to productive wells, although water quality may be low for wells that draw from coal layers.

The Middle Fork Kentucky River headwaters watershed includes the Middle Fork up to its confluence with Cutshin Creek at Dryhill (near the Boone Parkway). Among the other creeks that feed the river in this watershed are Greasy Creek, Beech Fork, Stinnett Creek, Rockhouse Creek and Bull Creek.

Land in the watershed is rural and wooded. The surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for the Green Hills and Hyden-Leslie County Water Districts. In addition, the city of Hyden discharges its treated sewage into the watershed.

The following KRWW sites are located in the Middle Fork Kentucky River watershed.

K040 – Middle Fork Kentucky River, just below mouth of Asher Branch

K041 – Middle Fork Kentucky River, below mouth of Greasy Creek

K140 – Middle Fork Kentucky River

K148 – Greasy Creek, at mouth

K193 – Greasy Creek, just downstream of Shamrock discharge

K219 – Beech Fork, at Stone Coal Branch

K237 – Middle Fork Kentucky River, below city water dam

K238 – Short Creek, at mouth (?)

K239 – Fell Over Rock Branch, at mouth (?)

4.2.2 Map and Data Results

During the 2004 sampling season, focused fecal sampling was conducted at five sites within the Middle Fork Kentucky River headwaters in order to better assess the level of the fecal contamination problem and potential sources of fecal coliform to the stream. These focus sites and associated sampling data are shown in the following map and table:

4.2.5 Conclusions

The geometric mean of all samples collected at each focus site was calculated to assess fecal contamination. The use of the geometric mean, minimizes the skewing effects of extremely high fecal coliform values. With the exception of K40 (Middle Fork downstream of Hyden) all sites had both individual and geomean values within the acceptable pathogen limit of 200 cfu/100 ml for swimming use. The elevated values downstream of Hyden would seem to raise a concern about the possibility of some type of domestic source; either associated with malfunctioning wastewater collection or treatment facilities, failing septic systems, or straight pipes.

Among the other parameters sampled at the Middle Fork sites, high values were observed for conductivity, iron and manganese. In general, conductivity values greater than 1,000 are considered high in the Kentucky River Basin. Thus, a conductivity of 1,091 at site K41B was considered high. The aquatic life standard for iron is a concentration less than 1.0 mg/L, based on toxic effects. The iron concentration observed at site K40U was 10.34 mg/L. The drinking water supply standard for manganese is 0.5 mg/L. Observations of manganese concentrations at sites K40U and K41U exceeded this manganese standard.

4.3 North Fork Kentucky River Headwaters, Letcher County (19 focus sites)

4.3.1 Watershed Description

In conjunction with a separately funded study to assess impacts to municipal drinking water sources, 16 focus sites were selected in the North Fork Kentucky River and Rockhouse Creek in Letcher County. (This separate study was funded by the Kentucky River Authority, and is being jointly conducted by the Kentucky Rural Water Association, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute and Western Kentucky University.) Three focus sites were also selected in the portion of the North Fork watershed in Knox and Perry Counties. Specifically, focus sites were located in the North Fork of the Kentucky River, Boone Fork Camp Branch, Cowan Creek, Crafts Colly, Doty Creek, Rockhouse Creek, Sandlick Creek, Stinking Branch and Troublesome Creek. These focus sites were assessed for fecal coliform, as well as other parameters (acidity, alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, metals, pH and total suspended solids).

Both the North Fork Kentucky River headwaters and Rockhouse Creek watersheds are located in Letcher County. The land is in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field physiographic region, characterized by mountainous terrain, rapid surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater drainage. The watershed is underlain by coals, sandstones, and shales. This geology is generally conducive to productive wells, although water quality may be low for wells that draw from coal layers.

The North Fork Kentucky River flows east across central Letcher County and crosses a watershed boundary near Blackey, where Rockhouse Creek joins it to flow into the North Fork Kentucky River near Hazard watershed. Tributaries of the North Fork headwaters include Millstone Creek, Potter Fork, Cram Creek and Pine Creek. Tributaries of Rockhouse Creek include Razorblade Branch, Stampers Branch, Camp Branch, Doty Creek and Blair Branch.

Land in both watersheds is nearly all rural and wooded. The North Fork headwaters watershed supplies the drinking water for the municipal systems of Whitesburg and Fleming-Neon. These two towns also discharge treated sewage into the headwaters watershed.

Past KRWW data, as well as KDOW data, show high levels of bacteria indicative of fecal contamination in the North Fork and Rockhouse Creek (above 200/colonies/ml). The following KRWW sites are located in the watersheds.

North Fork Kentucky River Headwaters Watershed (HUC-11 #5100201010)

K17 – North Fork Kentucky River, Whitesburg at junction of Hwy 931 and Hwy 15

K62 – North Fork Kentucky River, Mayking at Old Regular Baptist Church

K63 – Pine Creek, at Mayking Baptist Church

K64 – Cram Creek, at mouth

K97 – Ermine Creek, at headwaters at Ermine

K98 – Millstone Creek, at Millstone Transfer Station

K112 – North Fork Kentucky River, below Colly Creek

K113 – North Fork Kentucky River, above Colly Creek

K114 – Colly Creek, at mouth

K115 – Allen Branch, at mouth

K167 – Boone Fork, at junction of Hwy 15 and Hwy 205

Rockhouse Creek Watershed (HUC-11 #5100201020)

K99 – Otter Creek

K100 – Rockhouse Creek, below Doty Creek

K101 – Rockhouse Creek, above Doty Creek

K102 – Doty Creek, at mouth

K104 – Rockhouse Creek, above Blair Branch

K105 – Blair Branch, at mouth

K106 – Blair Branch, at Tooter Branch

K107 – Rockhouse Creek, below Crases Branch

K108 – Rockhouse Creek, above Crases Branch

K109 – Rockhouse Creek, at mouth of Crases Branch

K110 – Rockhouse Creek, below Ison

K111 – Rockhouse Creek, above Ison

K117 – Blair Branch, below Tooter Branch

K118 – Doty Creek, Left Fork Doty Creek

K119 – Doty Creek, Right Fork Doty Creek

4.3.2 Maps and Data Results

During the 2004 sampling season, focused fecal sampling was conducted at 19 sites within the upper North Fork of the Kentucky River in order to better assess the level of the fecal contamination problem and potential sources of fecal coliform to the stream. These focus sites and associated sampling data are shown in the following maps and table.