The Cutshin Creek
watershed covers eastern Leslie 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.
Waterways. Cutshin Creek empties into the Middle Fork Kentucky River
at Dryhill (near the Boone Parkway). Among the creeks that feed it are Polls
Creek, Wolf Creek, Raccoon Creek, Wooton Creek, and MacIntosh Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is rural and wooded. Ten
businesses and organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See
tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed
include one (Wooton Creek) that only partially supports its designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. One (Polls Creek) is categorized
as threatened. See tables for details.
Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary
ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current
conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with the highest need
for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average:
particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See
tables for details.
Volunteer data. Data for Cutshin Creek show high levels of bacteria
indicative of fecal contamination (above 200 colonies/ml). Cutshin Creek also
exhibited elevated levels of several metals: antimony, chromium, and selenium.
See tables for details.
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