The Hell Creek &
Walker Creek watershed is in northern Lee County and extends into Wolfe County.
The land is in the plateau area of the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field physiographic
region, characterized by rolling terrain, medium to rapid surface runoff, and
slow to moderate 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. Parts of
the watershed lie over sandstone aquifers.
Waterways. Walker Creek empties into the North Fork Kentucky River
just west of Airedale, and Hell Creek empties into the North Fork just west of
Walker Creek. Among the creeks that feed Walker Creek are Hell for Certain
Creek, Boonesboro Fork, and Huff Cave Branch. Bowman Fork feeds into Hell Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is mainly rural and wooded,
but about 10% is agricultural. Two businesses and organizations hold permits for
discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed segment of Walker Creek fully
supports its designated uses, and the assessed segment of Hell Creek only
partially supports its designated uses, based on biological and/or water-quality
data. Habitat alterations contribute to the impairment of the stream. 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. No volunteer data were collected in this watershed in
1999.
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