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OVERVIEW
Geography. The Goose Creek
watershed covers southwest Clay County, northern Knox County, and slivers of
Laurel 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. Goose Creek empties into the South Fork Kentucky River
near Oneida. Among the creeks that feed it are Bull Creek, Collins Fork, Hammons
Fork, Horse Creek, Laurel Creek, Paces Creek, and Little Goose Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is mainly rural and wooded;
less than 10% is agricultural. The surface waters of the watershed supply the
drinking water for the municipal system in Manchester. Eleven 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 several that only partially support their designated uses, based on
biological and/or water-quality data. Siltation and pathogens contribute to the
impairment of these streams. 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 a moderate 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. Both Goose Creek sites showed elevated levels of
copper, and one showed elevated chromium. See tables for details.
TABLES
Click here to view tables for this watershed, in PDF format. These
tables include land-use characteristics, designated uses, stream assessments,
public water supply and water withdrawal sites, permitted discharge sites,
gaging and sampling sites, volunteer data, and values for the 35 indicators used
in calculating watershed rankings. (You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the
tables: Adobe
Systems will let you download a free
copy.)
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