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OVERVIEW
Geography. The Middle Fork
Kentucky River (lower) watershed extends from northwest Perry County across
western Breathitt County to Lee County. The southern part of the watershed is in
the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field physiographic region, characterized by
mountainous terrain, rapid rates of surface runoff, and moderate rates of
groundwater drainage. The northern part of the watershed is in the plateau area
of the coal field region, characterized by rolling terrain, medium to rapid
rates of surface runoff, and slow to medium 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. Unconsolidated silts, sands, and gravels occur along the
flood plain of the river in Lee County.
Waterways. This watershed includes the section of the Middle Fork
between Buckhorn Lake and the confluence with the North Fork east of
Beattyville. Among the creeks that feed it are Squabble Creek, Puncheon Camp
Creek, Upper Twin Creek, and Long Shoal Branch. Water from the Freeman Fork and
Middle Fork Kentucky River (upper) watersheds also flows into this watershed.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is rural and wooded, with a
less than 10% agricultural use. Four 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 (Upper Twin Creek) that only partially supports its designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. 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.
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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MAPS
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close up.]
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