Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 47

from the Ohio River result in severe impacts on the biological communities within the streams.
Fast moving storm water scours the stream banks, causing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and
resulting in the decline of water quality and habitat quality. (MSD⁴)
Overall impacts to the Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed area are considered
moderate to severe. Replacement of septic tanks with sanitary sewers are having a positive
impact on this watershed. Better water quality and quantity management, as well as addressing
non-point source pollution issues, can improve water quality in the Muddy Fork Watershed.
Revegetation of stream banks and modification of stream channels to produce reaeration zones
will help to improve both habitat and water quality.
Middle Fork
The Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed is approximately 25 square miles, and
begins in the Middletown area , runs through Cherokee and Seneca Parks, and later empties into
the South Fork of Beargrass Creek. There are two sampling stations along the Middle Fork of
Beargrass Creek.
The Middle Fork watershed has several stream segments on the State (303d) list for
aquatic life and recreational impairment. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) classifies
streams based upon their potential use, such as whether they may be used for recreational
purposes, whether they support aquatic life, etc. The 303d list identifies streams within
Kentucky that do not meet their designated use or partially fail to meet their designated use.
A very high percentage of this watershed is covered by impervious surfaces (asphalt,
cement, rooftop, etc.). In addition, there are combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary
sewer overflows (SSOs) in the area. This combination results in moderate to high nutrient levels.
Fecal coliform populations exceed pollution standards about half of the time. High water
fluctuations during storm events result in impacts on the biological communities in the streams.
Fast moving storm water scours the stream banks, causing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and
resulting in the decline of water quality and habitat quality.
Overall impacts to the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed are considered
moderate to severe. Impacts here are also highly variable, depending on the flow rate. Better
water quality and quantity management requires the reduction of CSO and SSO discharges, as
well as addressing non-point source pollution issues. Revegetation of stream banks and
modification of stream channels to produce reaeration zones will help to improve both habitat
and water quality.
South Fork
The South Fork of Beargrass Creek Watershed is approximately 27 square miles, and
begins above the Bardstown Road area and flows through the northeastern section of
downtown Louisville before emptying into the Ohio River. Several miles of this stream have
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III. CONTEXT AND COMMUNITY INVENTORY | October 2016 Update