Banklick Watershed Plan

The Banklick Watershed-Based Plan is the framework for our activities to improve Banklick Creek and its tributaries. With this plan, the Banklick Watershed Council (BWC) is eligible for 319(h) Clean Water Act funds that are available to agencies with approved plans for improving a watershed. 

The Plan identifies the key pollutants of concern in the Banklick; bacteria (fecal coliform), sediment (total suspended solids), and nutrients.  There are several sources to consider for these parameters:
  • Bacteria - Possible sources include sewer overflows, failing septic systems, agricultural runoff, and pet waste.
  • Sediment - Construction site runoff?  Sure, BUT even more so...we're seeing sediment in NKY's streams coming from erosion of the actual streambank itself due to too much water and too high of stream velocities.
  • Nutrients - Fertilizer use and sewer overflows.
The Plan was developed to guide the Banklick Watershed Council and all its partners in watershed improvement efforts, but it is further hoped that it will stimulate watershed residents, businesses, and others to join in those efforts. 

Total Maximum Daily Load (Alternative)

For decades, we've been dedicated to restoring the Banklick Creek, collaborating with local partners to combat pollution and accumulating valuable water quality data. Our long-term efforts and extensive data have now culminated in a significant milestone: in April 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) approved our locally-developed water quality plan.

Instead of a standard, state-imposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), our plan leverages years of in-stream data gathered by SD1 (Sanitation District No. 1) and the insights from our dedicated stream restoration work. Recognizing this, KDOW empowered SD1 and the Banklick Watershed Council to forge a refined strategy tailored to our specific needs.  This "Alternative TMDL" analyzes the latest bacteria levels, details a clear implementation roadmap to address pollution sources, and commits to providing annual progress updates.

Learn more by viewing the full report here.

Older Studies...

Watershed Characterization Report - Completed by SD1, this comprehensive document provides a thorough review of the potential sources within the watershed.

Flood Damage Reduction Study - Corps of Engineers (2000)