The Mill Creek &
Big Twin Creek watershed is in northeast Owen County. The land is in the hills
of the bluegrass subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized
by hilly terrain, very rapid surface runoff, and slow groundwater drainage.
Parts of the watershed lie over interbedded shales and limestones (these are 20%
limestone; water conduction is poor because of the clay content of the shale).
Other areas are underlain by interbedded limestones and shales (>20%
limestone, allowing groundwater flow where the clay content is low enough).
Waterways. Mill Creek empties into the Kentucky River just south of
Perry Park. It drains the part of the watershed south of Highway 1982 (Squiresville
Road). Big Twin Creek empties into the Kentucky River just north of Perry Park.
It drains the part of the watershed north of Highway 1982. Among the creeks that
feed it are Puncheon Camp Branch, Priors Branch, and South Fork Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is a bit more than half
agricultural and a bit less than half rural and wooded. No businesses or
organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for
details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed
include one (Big Twin) that does not support some or all of its designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. Siltation and habitat
modification 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 lowest 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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