The Salt Creek Watershed (Muskingum River Basin) TMDL
The Salt Creek Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report was approved by U.S. EPA on June 6, 2011. TMDL reports identify and evaluate water quality problems in impaired water bodies and propose solutions to bring those waters into attainment with water quality standards.
The Salt Creek watershed is located in southeast Ohio. Salt Creek flows into the Muskingum River near the Village of Philo in Muskingum County. The watershed is home to more than 12,000 people.
The Salt Creek watershed is located entirely within Muskingum County and drains nearly 145 square miles toward the southwest. Land use is predominantly comprised of 52% forest, 30% pasture and hay, 8% developed land, and 8% cultivated cropland. The 322-acre Blue Rock State Park is located within the watershed, which includes a recreational lake. The state park also obtains its drinking water from Manns Fork of Salt Creek. Blue Rock State Forest is located near the park and includes over 4,500 acres of forest maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Duncan Falls is located on the east bank at the mouth of Salt Creek.
The TMDL Report
Many of the documents referenced in the TMDL report can be found on the Forms and Publications page.
Supplemental Information
- Fact Sheet [PDF 112K]
- Biological and Water Quality Survey of Salt Creek and Selected Tributaries (Muskingum River Basin), 2008. Muskingum County, Ohio. March 26, 2010. OEPA Report DSW/EAS 2010-4-7.
For further information, please go to the 2008 Salt Creek Watershed (Muskingum River) Water Quality Monitoring page.
For more information contact:
Beth Risley
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Division of Surface Water
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
beth.risley@epa.state.oh.us