|
 Back
to Watershed
Page
Be
advised:
please
read
our
disclaimer
| |
|
OVERVIEW
Geography. The Line Fork watershed
covers eastern 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.
Waterways. Line Fork empties into the North Fork Kentucky River at
Ulvah. Among the creeks that feed it are Turkey Creek, Defeated Creek, and
Shipley Branch.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is nearly all rural and
wooded. Three 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 that only partially supports its designated uses, based on
biological and/or water-quality data. Septic tanks and land disposal of waste
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 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. Two of three sites sampled in 1999 had high levels of
bacteria indicative of fecal contamination (above 200 colonies/ml). 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.)
|
MAPS
[You may click the maps below to view them
close up.]
 |
Help File Links: