McDougal and Castleman Creek Watershed Management Plan - Larue County, KY

McDougal and Castleman Creek watersheds are located in LaRue County and include the City of Hodgenville. These watersheds include a mix of urban and rural land uses, and include 50 square miles of drainage area. These watersheds were prioritized because they are Zone III of the KDOW Source Water Assessment and Protection Program. Development of this plan began in response to the Judge Executive’s goals of providing direction for water quality improvements in the county and expand access to funding opportunities. Palmer Engineering aided the LaRue County Fiscal Court in securing the funding for the project with the award of a Section 319 Non-Point Source Grant.

The watershed management process involved an extensive review of the existing conditions of the watershed and existing management materials. GIS mapping was utilized to develop visual representations of the existing conditions, and show which parts of the watershed should be prioritized for water quality improvement. Palmer Engineering led community engagement efforts by hosting four public watershed council meetings. The project team analyzed water quality data from 32 sampling events at 17 stream sites. Sampling data was used to calculate pollutant loading

in each sub-watershed and estimated reduction required to meet benchmark levels. BMPs were recommended based on feedback from the community and history of successful BMP implementation in similar watersheds. A total of 24 BMPs were recommended with 42 specific action items to follow for successful BMP implementation. Each action item includes a responsible party, total cost, funding sources, prioritization, measurable milestones and potential load reduction. The quantity and concentration of these BMPs was planned to fully achieve desired pollutant load reductions. The project team laid out a timeline for future evaluation of the plan, future water quality monitoring, and assessment of BMP implementation over the past 10 years.

The project was awarded a 2022 Section 319 Non-Point Source Grant through the Kentucky Division of Water. Palmer Engineering received Notice to Proceed on November 1, 2022 and the completed Watershed Management was submitted to Kentucky Division of Water on December 22, 2023. Due to early and consistent communication with the Technical Advisor at the Kentucky Division of Water, the Watershed Management Plan it is anticipated that the plan will gain full approval in February 2024.