The Spears Creek &
Mocks Branch watershed occupies northeastern Boyle County and part of southern
Mercer County. The land is in the inner subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic
region, characterized by undulating terrain and moderate rates of both surface
runoff and groundwater drainage. Most of the watershed lies above thick layers
of easily dissolved limestone that form carbonate aquifers. Groundwater flows
through channels in the limestone, so caves and springs are common in regions
with this geology. Some areas lie above interbedded limestones and shales
(>20% limestone, allowing groundwater flow where the clay content is low
enough).
Waterways. Spears Creek and Mocks Branch both empty into the Dix
River (Herrington Lake) at Gwinn Island, northeast of Danville.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is 92% agricultural, and
most of the rest is residential or commercial (Spears Creek drains the northern
half of Danville). Three businesses and organizations hold permits for
discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. No creeks were assessed in this watershed.
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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