The Station Camp Creek
watershed covers the northern section of Jackson County and part of southeastern
Estill County. The higher, southern section of the watershed is
terrain, very rapid surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater
drainage. The lower, northern section of the watershed is in the Knobs
physiographic region, characterized by hilly terrain, very rapid surface runoff,
and very slow groundwater drainage. In level parts of the Knobs, runoff and
groundwater drainage are slow. 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. Some of the
watershed lies over sandstone aquifers and some over easily weathered clay
shales that store water but allow little groundwater flow. Other parts of the
watershed lie above interbedded clay shales and siltstones.
Waterways. Station Camp Creek empties into the Kentucky River at
Irvine. Among the creeks that feed it are Clear Creek, Hoys Fork, Crooked Creek,
Hinton Branch, South Fork Station Camp Creek, War Creek, War Fork, and Cavanaugh
Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is more than 80% rural and
wooded and 15% agricultural. Six 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. Siltation contributes 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. Phosphorus levels at War Fork were elevated enough to
cause potential nutrient enrichment problems (> 0.1 mg/L). Another site at
Station Camp Creek exhibited elevated copper levels. See tables for details.
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