Streams or lakes are listed on the 303(d) list as impaired for a specific designated use(s). Designated uses for surface waters are:
- warm water aquatic habitat
- cold water aquatic habitat
- primary contact recreation
- secondary contact recreation
- domestic water supply
- outstanding state resource water
Water quality impairments, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), include bacteria, nitrates, metals, pH, etc. A list of the more common impairments for Kentucky's surface waters are listed in the following table.
Table Explanation
'Cause_ID' is a unique, descriptive number used by the EPA.
The 'STORET_No' codes listed in the table refer to the numerical code used in the STOage and RETreival (STORET) database administered by the EPA. For more information on STORET and how to search for data within EPA, click on this STORET link.
The 'Cause_Desc' column in the table provides additional detail on the impairment cause, and may list additional resources according to EPA definitions or references.
Roundstone Creek, Skegg Creek, Rockcastle County
Rockcastle County Example of a potential stream
Example of a nutrient delisted for nutrients
impaired stream
EPA has defined seven reasons to delist a water, as described below. When any of the seven listed reasons are determined accurate by the state, a request can be made to delist the water from the 303(d) list.
- The state determines water quality standards are being met.
- There was a flaw in the original 303(d) listing.
- Other pollution controls are expected to meet the water quality standard.
- The impairment is due to a condition other than a pollutant, e.g., a natural environmental condition or a condition not addressed by the TMDL process.
- EPA has approved a TMDL.
- The waterbody is not within the state's jurisdiction.
- Other reasons that are defined as needed.
Delisting a water from a 303(d) list is a formal process that requires approval from EPA.
