401 Ky. Admin. Regs. 10:030 – Antidegradation policy implementation methodology.

RELATES TO:

KRS 146.200 - 146.360, 146.410 - 146.535, 146.550 - 146.570, 146.600 - 146.619, 146.990, 176.430, 224.1-010, 224.1-400, 224.16-050, 224.16-070, 224.70-100 - 224.70-140, 224.71-100 - 224.71-145, 224.73-100 - 224.73-120, 30 U.S.C. 1201 -1328

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 146.220, 146.241, 146.270, 146.410, 146.450, 146.460, 146.465, 224.10-100, 224.16-050, 224.16-060, 224.70-100, 224.70-110, 40 C.F.R. 130, 131, 16 U.S.C. 1271 - 1287, 1531 - 1544, 33 U.S.C. 1311, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1341, 1342, 1344

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 224.10-100 requires the cabinet to develop and conduct a comprehensive program for the management of water resources and to provide for the prevention, abatement, and control of all water pollution. KRS 224.70-100 authorizes the policy of the commonwealth to conserve its waters for legitimate uses, safeguard from pollution the uncontaminated waters of the commonwealth, prevent the creation of any new pollution in the waters of the commonwealth, and abate any existing pollution. This administrative regulation and 401 KAR 10:001, 10:026, 10:029, and 10:031 establish procedures to protect the surface waters of the Commonwealth, and thus protect water resources. This administrative regulation establishes a methodology to implement the antidegradation policy contained in 401 KAR 10:029 by establishing procedures to control water pollution in waters affected by that policy.

Section 1. Categorization and Implementation. The antidegradation procedures established in this administrative regulation shall not preempt the power or authority of a local government to provide by ordinance for a higher level of protection through antidegradation implementation for a discharger located within that local government's jurisdiction to a surface water of the commonwealth. The procedures established in this section shall govern implementation of the antidegradation policy of 401 KAR 10:029, Section 1, for a point source discharge. Surface waters shall be placed into one (1) of four (4) categories listed in this section and each category shall have a corresponding implementation procedure.
1. (1) Outstanding national resource water. Surface waters of the commonwealth categorized as outstanding national resource waters are listed in Table 1 of this subsection. Table 1 SURFACE WATERS CATEGORIZED AS OUTSTANDING NATIONAL RESOURCE WATER (ONRW)Waterbody and Receiving WaterBoundary DescriptionLatitude, Longitude (Downstream/ Upstream; Decimal Degrees)CountyBig South Fork Cumberland River of Lake Cumberland (Cumberland River)Wild River Boundary at Blue Heron to Tennessee State Line36.66769, -84.54570/ 36.59880, -84.60518McCrearyMarsh Creek of Cumberland RiverMouth to Laurel Creek36.77776, -84.34903/ 36.73182, -84.37118McCrearyMarsh Creek of Cumberland River*Laurel Creek to Ford Crossing at CR-1060 East Kidd School Road and CR-1110 Kidd School Road36.73182, -84.37118/ 36.69964, -84.34471McCrearyRed River of Kentucky RiverSchool House Branch to KY-74637.84422, -83.67583/ 37.79871, -83.48947Menifee, Powell, WolfeReelfoot LakeSurface Waters Within the National Wildlife Refuge Proclamation Boundary in KentuckyNot ApplicableFultonRock Creek of Big South Fork Cumberland River*CR-1236 Rock Creek Road to Tennessee State Line36.70306, -84.59619/ 36.60241, -84.73999McCrearyRockcastle River of Lake CumberlandLower End of The Narrows (0.25 River Miles Upstream of Cane Creek) to KY-1956 Billows Road37.03017, -84.30832/ 37.17136, -84.29679Laurel, Pulaski, RockcastleUnderground River SystemWithin Mammoth Cave National ParkNot ApplicableEdmonson, Hart, BarrenWar Fork of Station Camp CreekBasin Including all Tributaries from Mouth to to Steer Fork37.53264, -83.90929/ 37.45467, -83.92699Jackson*Waterbodies in the cabinet's reference reach network.
  1. (a) Categorization criteria. A surface water shall be categorized as an outstanding national resource water if:
    1. 1. The surface water meets, at a minimum, the requirements for an outstanding state resource water as provided in 401 KAR 10:031, Section 8; and
    2. 2. The surface water demonstrates national ecological or recreational significance.
  2. (b) Implementation procedure.
    1. 1. Water quality shall be maintained and protected in an outstanding national resource water.
    2. 2. A new discharger or expanded discharge that may result in permanent or long-term changes in water quality shall be prohibited.
    3. 3. The cabinet may approve temporary or short-term changes in water quality if the changes to the outstanding national resource water do not have a demonstrable impact on the ability of the water to support the designated uses.
2. (2) Exceptional water. Surface waters of the commonwealth categorized as an exceptional water are listed in Table 2 of this subsection. Table 2 SURFACE WATERS CATEGORIZED AS EXCEPTIONAL WATERWaterbody and Receiving WaterBoundary DescriptionLatitude, Longitude (Downstream/ Upstream; Decimal Degrees)CountyBIG SANDY RIVER BASINHobbs Fork of Pigeonroost Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.70738, -82.43272/ HeadwatersMartinLower Pigeon Branch of Elkhorn Creek*Left Fork Lower Pigeon Branch to Headwaters37.24194, -82.48681/ HeadwatersPikeRussell Fork of Levisa Fork*Upstream End of Clinchfield Railroad Yard (0.6 RM Upstream of Big Island Branch) to Virginia State Line37.29283, -82.32741/ 37.29579, -82.31462PikeThompson Fork of Souders Branch*Mouth to Headwaters37.68474, -82.66775/ HeadwatersFloydToms Branch of Elkhorn Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.26119, -82.45249/ HeadwatersPikeUnnamed Tributary of Hobbs Fork of Pigeonroost Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.68319, -82.40511/ HeadwatersMartinUnnamed Tributary of Open Fork Paint Creek of Paintsville Lake (Paint Creek)Mouth to Headwaters37.97373, -83.05614/ HeadwatersMorganGREEN RIVER BASINBeaverdam Creek of Green River*Mouth to Headwaters37.19637, -86.27598/ HeadwatersEdmonsonBig Brush Creek of Green RiverBrush Creek to Poplar Grove Branch37.38472, -85.59302/ 37.42787, -85.57944GreenBrushy Pond Creek of Caney CreekAbove Pond to Headwaters37.40290, -86.59473/ HeadwatersButler, GraysonCane Run of Nolin River Lake (Nolin River)*Nolin River Lake Backwaters to Headwaters37.33240, -86.07132/ HeadwatersHartCaney Fork of Peter Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.84608, -85.97090/ HeadwatersBarrenClifty Creek of Rough River*Barton Run to Western Kentucky Parkway37.54800, -86.23505/ 37.51366, -86.15115GraysonClifty Creek of Wolf Lick Creek*Little Clifty Creek to Sulphur Lick36.99759, -87.05518/ 36.98189, -87.12934ToddDismal Creek of Nolin RiverMouth to Headwaters37.27478, -86.24986/ HeadwatersEdmonsonEast Fork Little Barren River of Little Barren River*Leatherwood Creek to Flat Rock Creek37.00149, -85.52277/ 36.98390, -85.52892MetcalfeElk Lick Creek of Wolf Lick Creek*Duck Lick Creek to Barren Fork and Edger Creek36.96003, -86.98838/ 36.91651, -86.97280LoganEllis Fork of Damron Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.15744, -85.06621/ HeadwatersAdair, RussellFalling Timber Creek of Skaggs Creek*Land Use Change (0.1 River Miles Upstream of Taylor Branch) to Headwaters36.93680, -85.74424/ HeadwatersMetcalfeFiddlers Creek of North Fork Rough River*Mouth to Headwaters37.70782, -86.34660/ HeadwatersBreckinridgeForbes Creek of Buck Creek*Mouth to Unnamed Tributary (0.3 River Miles Downstream of CR-1021 Owen West Road)36.98832, -87.32847/ 36.95495, -87.34872ChristianGasper River of Barren River*Clear Fork Creek to Wiggington Creek36.98618, -86.63216/ 36.91698, -86.74175Logan, WarrenGoose Creek of Green River*Mouth to Little Goose Creek37.20311, -85.01074/ 37.11575, -84.99617Casey, RussellGreen River of Ohio RiverWestern Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary to to Lynn Camp Creek37.21698, -86.26334/ 37.31974, -85.71529Edmonson, HartHalls Creek of Rough River*Unnamed Tributary (0.2 River Miles Upstream of CR-1131 Halls Creek Road) to Headwaters37.49338, -86.76189/ HeadwatersOhioLick Creek of West Fork Drakes Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.80165, -86.49463/ HeadwatersSimpsonLinders Creek of Rough River*Mouth to Sutzer Creek37.63677, -86.20180/ 37.63368, -86.14513HardinLittle Beaverdam Creek of Green River*Mouth to KY-743 Boiling Springs Road37.17474, -86.34748/ 37.09866, -86.31160Edmonson, WarrenLittle Meeting Creek of Meeting CreekMouth to Loss of Riparian Buffer (near Unnamed Tributary)37.58031, -86.22664/ 37.59732, -86.21150HardinLittle Short Creek of Rough River*Mouth to Headwaters37.55200, -86.57632/ HeadwatersGraysonLynn Camp Creek of Green River*Mouth to Lindy Creek37.31994, -85.71503/ 37.39027, -85.70372HartMcFarland Creek of West Fork Pond River*Grays Branch to Unnamed Tributary37.13299, -87.38653/ 37.11248, -87.40630ChristianMeeting Creek of Rough River*Little Meeting Creek to Petty Branch37.58021, -86.22663/ 37.56328, -86.15925Grayson, HardinMuddy Creek of Rough River*Land Use Change (1.2 River Miles Upstream of CR-1125 Mt Pleasant Road) to Headwaters37.42276, -86.73440/ HeadwatersOhioNorth Fork Rough River of Rough River Lake*Buffalo Creek to Reservoir Dam37.70023, -86.38206/ 37.71212, -86.32604BreckinridgeNosey Creek of Nolin RiverMouth to Dry Run37.45730, -86.06752/ 37.46694, -86.08128GraysonPeter Creek of Barren River*Caney Fork to Dry Fork36.84608, -85.97090/ 36.80042, -85.90772BarrenPond Run of Rough River*Land Use Change (0.2 River Miles Downstream of CR-1503 White Road ) to Headwaters37.57381, -86.60506/ HeadwatersBreckinridge, OhioPuncheon Creek of Figure Eight BranchMouth to Tennessee State Line36.67503, -85.99483/ 36.62953, -86.00534AllenRough River of Green River*Linders Creek to Vertrees Creek37.63677, -86.20180/ 37.69001, -86.13664HardinRussell Creek of Green River*Mouth to Columbia Waste Water Treatment Plant37.22938, -85.51040/ 37.10942, -85.30532Adair, GreenRussell Creek of Green River*Reynolds Creek to Hudson Creek and Mount Olive Creek37.04137, -85.18825/ 37.09160, -85.10334Adair, RussellSixes Creek of Wild Branch*Mouth to Headwaters37.34154, -86.69993/ HeadwatersOhioSulphur Branch of Alexander Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.12892, -86.26930/ HeadwatersEdmonsonThompson Branch of West Fork Drakes Creek*Webb Branch to Tennessee State Line36.65809, -86.49862/ 36.65202, -86.47973SimpsonTrammel Creek of Drakes Creek*Mouth to Tennessee State Line36.87579, -86.37443/ 36.63973, -86.19775Allen, WarrenUnnamed Tributary of Big Run Branch of Big Run BranchMouth to Loss of Riparian Buffer and Unnamed Tributary from the South West37.50894, -86.33964/ 37.48244, -86.32314GraysonUnnamed Tributary of Green River of Ohio River*Mouth to Headwaters.37.19160, -85.12732/ HeadwatersAdairUnnamed Tributary of White Oak Creek of Green River Lake*CR-1073 Hovious Ridge Road to KY-76 Elkhorn Road37.23736, -85.22392/ 37.26178, -85.19616AdairWest Fork Pond River of Pond River*Unnamed Tributary (0.8 River Miles Downstream of CR-1078 J P Grace Road) to East Branch Pond River37.09098, -87.36698/ 37.03070, -87.40602ChristianKENTUCKY RIVER BASINBackbone Creek of Sixmile Creek*Mouth to Scrabble Creek38.33978, -84.99690/ 38.32025, -84.99355Franklin, Henry, ShelbyBear Branch of North Fork Kentucky RiverUpstream of Sediment Pond to Headwaters37.13248, -83.10152/ HeadwatersPerryBig Double Creek of Red Bird River*Mouth to Left and Right Fork Big Double Creek37.14045, -83.58768/ 37.09053, -83.60245ClayBill Branch of Laurel Fork*Mouth to Right and Left Fork Bill Branch36.93025, -83.30921/ 36.93249, -83.30578HarlanBill Oak Branch of Laurel ForkMouth to Headwaters37.33478, -83.56541/ HeadwatersOwsleyBilley Fork of Millers CreekLand Use Change (1.0 River Mile Upstream of Wodward Creek) to Headwaters37.67957, -83.79653/ HeadwatersEstill, LeeBoyd Run of North Elkhorn CreekMouth to Cherry Run38.21316, -84.48529/ 38.21731, -84.47430ScottBuffalo Creek of South Fork Kentucky River*Mouth to Right Fork and Left Fork Buffalo Creek37.35051, -83.65233/ 37.35163, -83.63576OwsleyBullskin Creek of South Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Headwaters37.27322, -83.64441/ HeadwatersClay, LeslieCamp Branch of Spass CreekMouth to Headwaters37.88067, -83.70589/ HeadwatersMenifeeCavanaugh Creek of South Fork Station Camp Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.55370, -83.94222/ HeadwatersJacksonChester Creek of Middle Fork Red River*Mouth to Headwaters37.72746, -83.65906/ HeadwatersWolfeClear Creek of Kentucky River*Mouth to East Fork Clear Creek37.93654, -84.79613/ 37.92667, -84.72576WoodfordClemons Fork of Buckhorn Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.45511, -83.16582/ HeadwatersBreathittColes Fork of Buckhorn Creek *Mouth to Headwaters37.45720, -83.13468/ HeadwatersBreathitt, KnottCraig Creek of Kentucky River*Mouth to Unnamed Tributary37.97902, -84.82058/ 37.98133, -84.78474WoodfordDeep Ford Branch of Cutshin CreekUpstream of Pond to Headwaters37.19085, -83.34793/ HeadwatersLeslieDrennon Creek of Kentucky River*Fivemile Creek to Town Creek38.46577, -85.09825/ 38.43094, -85.11912HenryEast Fork Indian Creek of Indian Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.86030, -83.67480/ HeadwatersMenifeeElisha Creek of Red Bird River*Land Use Change (0.4 River Miles Downstream of Left Fork Elisha Creek) to Right and Big Middle Fork Elisha Creek37.08454, -83.53407/ 37.08165, -83.51802LeslieEmily Run of Drennon CreekMouth to Unnamed Tributary (0.5 River Miles Downstream of CR-1010 New Cut Road)38.50114, -85.07706/ 38.51135, -85.12727HenryEvans Fork of Billey Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.69659, -83.77567/ HeadwatersEstillFalling Rock Branch of Clemons Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.47650, -83.14005/ HeadwatersBreathittGilbert Creek of Kentucky RiverMouth to Unnamed Tributary (at Milepost 7.06 KY-513 Gilberts Creek Road)37.97571, -84.85305/ 37.97570, -84.85305AndersonGladie Creek of Red River*Land Use Change (Downstream of Sargent Branch) to Long Branch37.83977, -83.60773/ 37.86994, -83.53192MenifeeGoose Creek of Red Bird RiverMouth to Laurel Creek37.26982, -83.64347/ 37.21607, -83.71750ClayGrier Creek of Kentucky River*Kentucky River Backwaters to Unnamed Tributary38.02224, -84.82900/ 38.01901, -84.78975WoodfordGrindstone Creek of Kentucky River*Kentucky River Backwaters to Pond38.27095, -84.87841/ 38.25169, -84.86151FranklinHardwick Creek of Red RiverMouth to Little Hardwick Creek37.83287, -83.92629/ 37.80637, -83.91057PowellHell for Certain Creek of Middle Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Cucumber Branch37.25900, -83.38193/ 37.21916, -83.44410LeslieHines Creek of Kentucky River*Kentucky River Backwaters to Unnamed Tributary37.87669, -84.37216/ 37.87346, -84.35034MadisonHoney Branch of Greasy CreekMouth to Headwaters37.01785, -83.35630/ HeadwatersLeslieHopper Cave Branch of Cavenaugh Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.54046, -83.96364/ HeadwatersJacksonIndian Creek of Eagle Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.64460, -84.97133/ HeadwatersCarrollIndian Fork of Sixmile Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.30060, -85.04584/ HeadwatersShelbyJohn Carpenter Fork of Clemons Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.48191, -83.13306/ HeadwatersBreathittJohn Littles Branch of North Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Headwaters37.44138, -83.36137/ HeadwatersBreathittJoyce Fork of Cortland Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.35043, -83.55770/ HeadwatersOwsleyKaties Creek of Red Bird RiverMouth to Headwaters37.03516, -83.54001/ HeadwatersClayLaurel Fork of Left Fork Buffalo Creek*Cortland Fork to Big Branch37.34758, -83.56464/ 37.32795, -83.56754OwsleyLeft Fork Big Double Creek of Big Double Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.09053, -83.60245/ HeadwatersClayLine Fork of North Fork Kentucky River*Defeated Creek to Headwaters37.05325, -82.98858/ HeadwatersLetcherLittle Middle Fork Elisha Creek of Big Middle Fork Elisha Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.08174, -83.51566/ HeadwatersLeslieLittle Millseat Branch of Clemons Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.47206, -83.14624/ HeadwatersBreathittLittle Negro Creek of Negro CreekMouth to Unnamed Tributary37.39375, -84.41432/ 37.36326, -84.42477RockcastleLittle Sixmile Creek of Sixmile Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.38438, -85.00254/ HeadwatersHenryLittle Sturgeon Creek of Sturgeon CreekMouth to Headwaters37.47837, -83.81345/ HeadwatersOwsleyLow Gap Branch of Elk Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.15340, -82.98357/ HeadwatersLetcherLower Devil Creek of North Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Middle Fork Lower Devil Creek37.64419, -83.60972/ 37.68891, -83.60403Lee, WolfeLower Howard Creek of Kentucky RiverMouth to West Fork Lower Howard Creek37.91807, -84.27256/ 37.93369, -84.26952ClarkLulbegrud Creek of Red RiverMouth to Falls Branch37.83781, -84.00193/ 37.88288, -83.99603Clark, PowellMiddle Fork Kentucky River of North Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Upper Twin Creek37.58669, -83.67003/ 37.54597, -83.56307Lee, BreathittMiddle Fork Kentucky River of North Fork Kentucky River*Hurts Creek to Greasy Creek37.15444, -83.37052/ 37.07658, -83.39234LeslieMiddle Fork Red River of Red RiverSouth Fork Red River to Natural Bridge State Park Lake37.82360, -83.75245/ 37.77769, -83.67745PowellMike Branch of Laurel ForkMouth to Headwaters37.33908, -83.56338/ HeadwatersOwsleyMill Creek of Kentucky River*0.05 River Miles Upstream of PS-1306 Perry Park Road to Headwaters38.54565, -84.99933/ HeadwatersOwenMillseat Branch of Clemons Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.47440, -83.14367/ HeadwatersBreathittMuddy Creek of Kentucky River*0.1 River Mile Upstream of KY-52 Irvine Road to Viny Fork37.74039, -84.15691/ 37.70998, -84.18205MadisonMusselman Creek of Eagle Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.56845, -84.67732/ HeadwatersGrantRed Bird River of South Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Big Creek37.26973, -83.64341/ 37.16648, -83.58233ClayRight Fork Beehive Branch of Beehive BranchResidential Area to Headwaters37.06172, -83.10148/ HeadwatersPerryRight Fork Buffalo Creek of Buffalo Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.35163, -83.63575/ HeadwatersOwsleyRight Fork Elisha Creek of Elisha CreekMouth to Headwaters37.08165, -83.51802/ HeadwatersLeslieRoaring Fork of Lewis Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.46327, -83.17081/ HeadwatersBreathittRock Lick Creek of South Fork Station Camp Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.539508, -84.010769/ HeadwatersJacksonSand Ripple Creek of Kentucky River*Kentucky River Backwaters to Headwaters38.37772, -84.89991/ HeadwatersFranklin, HenrySevern Creek of Kentucky River*Kentucky River Backwaters to North Fork Severn Creek38.46397, -84.91060/ 38.46646, -84.89242OwenShaker Creek of Kentucky RiverKentucky River Backwaters to Shawnee Run37.84717, -84.76738/ 37.84378, -84.76810MercerShelly Rock Fork of Millseat Branch*Mouth to Headwaters37.48162, -83.15038/ HeadwatersBreathittSixmile Creek of Kentucky River*Little Sixmile Creek to Cedarmore Lake Dam38.38448, -85.00261/ 38.32816, -85.01600Henry, ShelbySouth Fork Kentucky River of Kentucky RiverMouth to Sexton Creek37.56996, -83.71085/ 37.35900, -83.68198Lee, OwsleySouth Fork Red River of Middle Fork Kentucky RiverMouth to Sand Lick Fork37.82360, -83.75245/ 37.78067, -83.73355PowellSouth Fork Station Camp Creek of Station Camp Creek*Mouth to Rock Lick Creek37.53286, -83.90931/ 37.55370, -83.94222JacksonSpring Creek of Red Bird RiverMouth to Little Spring Creek37.06192, -83.54144/ 37.05562, -83.56302ClaySpruce Branch of Red Bird Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.95696, -83.53108/ HeadwatersClayStation Camp Creek of Kentucky River*Land Use Change (1.25 River Miles Upstream of Sparks Branch) to South Fork Station Camp Creek37.58261, -83.92802/ 37.53287, -83.90929EstillSteeles Run of South Elkhorn CreekMouth to Unnamed Tributary (0.1 River Miles Upstream of PV-3002 Miss Alleged Drive )38.11099, -84.62871/ 38.06735, -84.59554Fayette, WoodfordSteer Fork of War Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.45466, -83.92700/ HeadwatersJacksonSturgeon Creek of Kentucky River*Duck Fork to Little Sturgeon Creek37.53576, -83.78177/ 37.47850, -83.81356Lee, OwsleySugar Creek of Red Bird River*Land Use Change (at End of CR-1119 Sugar Creek Road) to Headwaters37.11885, -83.55208/ HeadwatersClay, LeslieSulphur Lick Creek of Elkhorn Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.28765, -84.80211/ HeadwatersFranklinUnnamed Tributary of Cawood Branch of Beech Fork*Mouth to Headwaters36.93676, -83.37278/ HeadwatersLeslieUnnamed Tributary of Cedar Creek of Kentucky River*Mouth to Headwaters38.37196, -84.79664/ HeadwatersOwenUnnamed Tributary of Glenns Creek of Kentucky River*Mouth to Headwaters38.14826, -84.83651/ HeadwatersWoodfordUnnamed Tributary of Jacks Creek of Kentucky River*Mouth to Headwaters37.85200, -84.36529/ HeadwatersMadisonUnnamed Tributary of Kentucky River of Ohio River*Mouth to Land Use Change38.21913, -84.87712/ 38.23174, -84.86242FranklinUnnamed Tributary of Line Fork of North Fork Kentucky River*Mouth to Headwaters37.07769, -82.99241/ HeadwatersLetcherWar Fork of Station Camp Creek*Steer Fork to Headwaters37.45467, -83.92699/ HeadwatersJacksonWatches Fork of Laurel ForkMouth to Headwaters37.34456, -83.56203/ HeadwatersOwsleyWild Dog Creek of Sturgeon CreekMouth to Dry Fork37.48729, -83.82329/ 37.48235, -83.82972OwsleyWolfpen Creek of Red River*Mouth to Headwaters37.82549, -83.63094/ HeadwatersMenifeeLICKING RIVER BASINBlackwater Creek of Licking River*Eaton Creek to Greasy Fork37.94073, -83.41328/ 37.87922, -83.43981MorganBlanket Creek of Licking RiverMouth to Unnamed Tributary38.65560, -84.28532/ 38.64266, -84.29929PendletonBotts Fork of Brushy Fork*Mouth to Land Use Change37.94933, -83.50601/ 37.93022, -83.53288MenifeeBowman Creek of Licking RiverMouth to Unnamed Tributary at CR-1135 Martin Road38.89246, -84.44237/ 38.89404, -84.50217KentonBrushy Fork of Beaver Creek*Cave Run Lake Backwaters to Headwaters37.98439, -83.50523/ HeadwatersMenifeeBrushy Fork of Middle Fork Grassy Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.70106, -84.44697/ HeadwatersPendletonBucket Branch of North Fork Licking River*Mouth to Headwaters38.05169, -83.31594/ HeadwatersMorganCedar Creek of Licking RiverMouth to North Branch Cedar Creek38.47637, -84.12301/ 38.49051, -84.10732RobertsonCraney Creek of North Fork Licking RiverMouth to Headwaters38.06493, -83.35154/ HeadwatersMorgan, RowanDevils Fork of North Fork Licking River*Mouth to Headwaters38.04413, -83.30378/ HeadwatersElliott, MorganFlour Creek of Licking RiverMouth to Unnamed Tributary (0.05 River Miles Upstream of CR-1021 Vater Road)38.78982, -84.34388/ 38.80192, -84.32458PendletonGrovers Creek of Kincaid Lake*Kincaid Lake Backwaters to Unnamed Tributary38.70547, -84.25273/ 38.70795, -84.21217Bracken, PendletonLicking River of Ohio RiverEnd of KY-211 Auora Road to 0.6 River Miles Downstream of Salt Lick Creek38.17659, -83.61805/ 38.13064, -83.60581Bath, RowanNorth Fork Licking River of Cave Run Lake*Cave Run Lake Backwaters (0.25 River Miles Downstream of Lick Branch) to Devils Fork38.06587, -83.36149/ 38.04413, -83.30378Morgan, RowanSawyers Fork of Cruises CreekMouth to Headwaters38.84833, -84.54035/ HeadwatersKentonSlabcamp Creek of Craney CreekMouth to Headwaters38.09987, -83.32893/ HeadwatersRowanSlate Creek of Licking RiverMouth to Mill Creek38.21841, -83.69863/ 38.11220, -83.74665BathSouth Fork Grassy Creek of Grassy Creek*Mouth to Greasy Creek38.79193, -84.42895/ 38.68302, -84.48375PendletonUnnamed Tributary of Shannon Creek of North Fork Licking RiverMouth to Headwaters38.55443, -83.93335/ HeadwatersMasonWelch Fork of Brushy Fork*Mouth to Unnamed Tributary (Downstream of CR-1160 Fox Chase Road)37.94405, -83.50360/ 37.93209, -83.51361MenifeeWest Creek of Licking River*Mouth to Headwaters38.53643, -84.20046/ HeadwatersHarrison, RobertsonWillow Creek of North Fork Licking RiverMouth to Logans Branch38.58589, -84.17627/ 38.63013, -84.16426BrackenLITTLE SANDY RIVER BASINArabs Fork of Big Sinking Creek*Mouth to Headwaters38.22358, -83.15918/ HeadwatersElliottBig Caney Creek of Grayson Lake (Little Sandy River)*Grayson Lake Backwaters to Headwaters38.15880, -83.09431/ HeadwatersElliott, RowanBig Sinking Creek of Little Sandy River*KY-986 to Arabs Fork38.24972, -83.11729/ 38.22360, -83.15915Carter, ElliottLaurel Creek of Little Sandy River*CR-1352 Stegall Cold Spring Road to Headwaters38.12912, -83.18963/ HeadwatersElliott, RowanMeadow Branch of Little Fork Little Sandy River*Mouth to Headwaters38.07711, -82.99544/ HeadwatersElliottMiddle Fork Little Sandy River of Little Sandy River*Mouth to Sheepskin Branch38.12135, -83.09262/ 38.09139, -83.09075ElliottNichols Fork of Little Fork Little Sandy River*Green Branch to Headwaters38.08073, -83.00200/ HeadwatersElliottLOWER CUMBERLAND RIVER BASINCrooked Creek of Energy Lake*Energy Lake Backwaters to Headwaters36.85193, -88.03311/ HeadwatersTriggDonaldson Creek of Lake Barkley*Lake Barkley Backwaters to Unnamed Tributary36.74924, -87.91006/ 36.74970, -87.86754TriggElk Fork of Red River*Tennessee State Line to Dry Branch36.64264, -87.08560/ 36.74638, -87.13221ToddSugar Creek of Cumberland River*Lick Creek to Left Descending Unnamed Tributary (Upstream of KY-2232 Sugar Creek Road)37.17547, -88.26578/ 37.13054, -88.28340LivingstonWest Fork Red River of Red River*Tennessee State Line to Montgomery Creek36.64154, -87.35589/ 36.70964, -87.32988ChristianWhippoorwill Creek of Red River*Mouth to Vicks Branch36.66568, -86.96368/ 36.75027, -86.99652LoganMISSISSIPPI RIVER BASINJackson Creek of Bayou de Chien*Mouth to Headwaters36.58204, -88.80298/ HeadwatersGravesMurphy PondEntire Pond and Preserve AreaNot ApplicableHickmanObion Creek of Mississippi River*Hurricane Creek to Little Creek36.75483, -89.01154/ 36.76673, -88.91258Carlisle, HickmanSwan PondEntire LakeNot ApplicableBallardTerrapin Creek of North Fork Obion River*Tennessee State Line to East and West Forks Terrapin Creek36.50113, -88.49244/ 36.55040, -88.52493GravesOHIO RIVER BASINAshbys Fork of Woolper CreekMouth to KY-20 Petersburg Road39.03846, -84.81574/ 39.07729, -84.79534BooneBlackford Creek of Ohio RiverLittle Yellow Creek to Butchers Branch37.90127, -86.91300/ 37.88324, -86.89596Daviess, HancockCrooked Creek of Ohio River*Rush Creek to Marion City Lake Dam37.35915, -88.06775/ 37.31055, -88.09185CrittendenDouble Lick Creek of Woolper Creek*Mouth to Headwaters39.03416, -84.78650/ HeadwatersBooneGarrison Creek of Ohio River*Mouth to Headwaters39.10565, -84.80643/ HeadwatersBooneHarrods Creek of Ohio RiverWolfpen Branch to Brush Creek38.33388, -85.60350/ 38.44058, -85.42898Henry, Jefferson, OldhamKinniconick Creek of Ohio River*McDowell Creek to Headwaters38.57479, -83.18862/ HeadwatersLewisLittle South Fork of Big South ForkLand Use Change to Headwaters38.82216, -84.74115/ HeadwatersBooneMetropolis Lake of Ohio RiverEntire Lake37.15096, -88.77076/ 37.14475, -88.76100McCrackenMiddle Fork Massac Creek of Massac Creek*CR-1207 Hines Road to Pond37.01626, -88.74480/ 36.97538, -88.72982McCrackenPryors Fork of Corn CreekMouth to Land Use Change38.63666, -85.40210/ 38.64269, -85.33447TrimbleSecond Creek of Ohio River*Ohio River Backwaters to Headwaters39.08518, -84.84280/ HeadwatersBooneUnnamed Tributary of Big Sugar Creek of Ohio River*I-71 to Headwaters38.74961, -84.81112/ HeadwatersGallatinUnnamed Tributary of Corn Creek of Ohio River*Mouth to Headwaters38.60284, -85.42320/ HeadwatersTrimbleUnnamed Tributary of Massac Creek of Ohio River*Mouth to Headwaters36.99350, -88.69103/ HeadwatersMcCrackenWest Fork Massac Creek of Massac Creek*KY-724 Woodville Road to Little Massac Creek37.08238, -88.77790/ 37.06021, -88.79830McCrackenYellowbank Creek of Ohio River*KY-259 to Headwaters37.98102, -86.50810/ HeadwatersBreckinridgeSALT RIVER BASINBeech Fork of Rolling ForkHot Water Creek to Headwaters37.59785, -85.04111/ HeadwatersBoyle, MarionBrashears Creek of Salt RiverGuist Creek to Bullskin and Clear Creeks38.09923, -85.28643/ 38.16191, -85.28012Shelby, SpencerCedar Creek of Salt River*Mouth to Greens Branch38.00214, -85.66327/ 37.98224, -85.60071BullittChaplin River of Beech Fork*Thompson Creek to Cornishville, KY37.85567, -85.03830/ 37.80423, -84.98705Mercer, WashingtonDoctors Fork of Chaplin RiverMouth to Begley Branch37.67567, -84.96085/ 37.64612, -84.99949BoyleGuist Creek of Brashears CreekMouth to Jeptha Creek38.09920, -85.28615/ 38.13244, -85.19651SpencerHarts Run of Wilson Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.86326, -85.61160/ HeadwatersBullittIndian Creek of Thompson CreekMouth to Unnamed Tributary37.85118, -84.97889/ 37.87350, -84.94786MercerLick Creek of Long Lick CreekMouth to 0.1 River Miles Downstream of Dam37.81851, -85.21553/ 37.82616, -85.16402WashingtonOtter Creek of Rolling Fork*Land Use Change (0.04 River Miles Downstream of West Fork Otter Creek) to East and Middle Fork Otter Creek37.50830, -85.58171/ 37.49520, -85.57644LarueOveralls Creek of Wilson Creek*Mouth to West Fork Overalls Creek37.87053, -85.60352/ 37.88749, -85.60604BullittPlum Run of Glens CreekMouth to Headwaters37.85773, -85.12186/ HeadwatersWashingtonSalt Lick Creek of Rolling Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.55415, -85.52125/ HeadwatersLarue, MarionSulphur Creek of Chaplin River*Mouth to Cheese Lick and Brush Creek37.88144, -85.09987/ 37.88844, -85.02061Anderson, Mercer, WashingtonUnnamed Tributary of Unnamed Tributary of Sulphur Creek of Sulphur CreekMouth to End of Forested Reach37.88903, -85.09514/ 37.89877, -85.09422AndersonWest Fork Otter Creek of Otter Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.50770, -85.58158/ HeadwatersLarueWilson Creek of Rolling Fork*Mouth to Headwaters37.81170, -85.73756/ HeadwatersBullitt, NelsonTENNESSEE RIVER BASINBlood River of Kentucky Lake*McCullough Fork to Tennessee State Line36.52538, -88.17089/ 36.49911, -88.17594CallowayClarks River of Tennessee RiverPersimmon Slough Creek to Middle Fork Creek36.91438, -88.42009/ 36.90303, -88.40517MarshallGrindstone Creek of Kentucky Lake*Kentucky Lake Backwaters to Headwaters36.58230, -88.11886/ HeadwatersCallowayPanther Creek of Kentucky Lake (Blood River)*Kentucky Lake Backwaters (0.05 River Miles Downstream From End of CR-1137 Deerberry Lane) to Headwaters36.56275, -88.15697/ HeadwatersCallowayPanther Creek of West Fork Clarks River*Upstream of Channelization (at CR-1088 McKendree Church Road ) to Impoundment36.80551, -88.52235/ 36.74409, -88.51418GravesRockhouse Creek of Clarks RiverMouth to East and West Fork Rockhouse Creek36.74871, -88.27661/ 36.70430, -88.31580CallowaySoldier Creek of West Fork Clarks River*Mouth to North Fork and South Fork Soldier Creek36.79642, -88.47535/ 36.78881, -88.39095MarshallSugar Creek of Kentucky Lake (Blood River)Kentucky Lake Backwaters (0.05 River Miles Upstream of KY-732 Irvine Cobb Road ) to CR-1014 Old Newburg Road36.65222, -88.15062/ 36.65780, -88.15776CallowaySugar Creek of West Fork Clarks RiverMouth to Unnamed Reservoir36.90001, -88.54781/ 36.87609, -88.49180GravesTrace Creek of West Fork of Clarks River*Mouth to Neely Branch36.84213, -88.53168/ 36.80975, -88.56009GravesUnnamed Tributary of Unnamed Tributary of Panther Creek of West Fork Clarks River*Mouth to Headwaters36.79894, -88.53176/ HeadwatersGravesWest Fork Clarks River of Clarks RiverPanther Creek to Soldier Creek36.82217, -88.51448/ 36.79648, -88.47555GravesWest Fork Clarks River of Clarks River*Soldier Creek to Duncan Creek36.79646, -88.47554/ 36.76359, -88.45642MarshallWildcat Creek of Blood River*CR-1131 Wright Road to Headwaters36.61320, -88.18308/ HeadwatersCallowayTRADEWATER RIVER BASINEast Fork Flynn Fork of Flynn Fork*US-62 Dawson Road to Headwaters37.14805, -87.76320/ HeadwatersCaldwellPiney Creek of Lake Beshear*Lake Beshear Backwaters to Headwaters37.10253, -87.70751/ HeadwatersCaldwell, ChristianSandlick Creek of Tradewater River*Camp Creek to Headwaters37.02761, -87.59583/ HeadwatersChristianTradewater River of Ohio RiverCaney Creek to Buffalo Creek37.16249, -87.66399/ 37.15384, -87.64868HopkinsTradewater River of Ohio River*Drippings Spring Branch to Buntin Lake Dam37.03680, -87.52727/ 36.95621, -87.48714ChristianUnnamed Tributary of Piney Creek of Lake Beshear*Mouth to Headwaters37.08000, -87.71066/ HeadwatersCaldwellUnnamed Tributary of Sandlick Creek of Tradewater River*Mouth to Headwaters37.00769, -87.59282/ HeadwatersChristianTYGARTS CREEK BASINTygarts Creek of Ohio RiverLost Creek to Leatherwood Branch38.51484, -82.97672/ 38.48574, -83.02801GreenupUPPER CUMBERLAND RIVER BASINBad Branch of Poor Fork Cumberland River*Mouth to Headwaters37.06615, -82.77128/ HeadwatersLetcherBark Camp Creek of Cumberland River*Upstream of Cumberland River Backwaters to Martins Fork36.90856, -84.30678/ 36.89760, -84.26548WhitleyBear Creek of Big South Fork Cumberland RiverMouth to Tennessee State Line36.62673, -84.53343/ 36.59643, -84.52092McCrearyBeaver Creek of Cumberland River*Mouth to Freeman Fork and Middle Fork36.94623, -84.41643/ 36.89501, -84.44078McCrearyBee Lick Creek of Brushy CreekMouth to Warren Branch37.26772, -84.43760/ 37.30223, -84.49337PulaskiBrownies Creek of Cumberland River*Blacksnake Branch to Headwaters36.70309, -83.51605/ HeadwatersBell, HarlanBrush Creek of Roundstone CreekWolf Creek to Reemergence of Sinking Creek37.38934, -84.26451/ 37.46557, -84.22675RockcastleBrushy Creek of Buck Creek*Mouth to Headwaters37.21223, -84.46737/ HeadwatersPulaski, RockcastleBuck Creek of Lake Cumberland (Cumberland River)*Backwaters of Lake Cumberland to 0.8 River Miles Upstream of Hurricane Creek37.04922, -84.42953/ 37.35997, -84.59522Lincoln, PulaskiBunches Creek of Cumberland River*Mouth to Amos Falls Branch and Seminary Branch36.83271, -84.31786/ 36.82749, -84.26979WhitleyCane Creek of Rockcastle River*Mouth to Dam/Pond in Headwaters37.02646, -84.30837/ 37.05336, -84.17792LaurelClear Creek of Roundstone CreekScaffold Cane Branch to Davis Branch37.44240, -84.27859/ 37.48595, -84.25532RockcastleClifty Creek of Brushy CreekMouth to Rocky Branch37.21642, -84.46933/ 37.24147, -84.48323PulaskiCogur Fork of Indian Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.79972, -84.39768/ HeadwatersMcCrearyCumberland River of Lake CumberlandKentucky Wild River Boundaries36.87220, -84.32413/ 36.75173, -84.28413McCreary, WhitleyDog Slaughter Creek of Cumberland River*Mouth to North and South Fork Dog Slaughter Creek36.85996, -84.31441/ 36.85930, -84.30072WhitleyEagle Creek of Cumberland River*Mouth to Headwaters36.84359, -84.34359/ HeadwatersMcCrearyFishing Creek of Lake Cumberland (Cumberland River)Lake Cumberland Backwaters to Puncheon Creek37.12475, -84.71187/ 37.22878, -84.71567Casey, Lincoln, PulaskiFugitt Creek of Clover Fork Cumberland River*Land Use Change to Headwaters36.91670, -83.08021/ HeadwatersHarlanHorse Lick Creek of Rockcastle River*Mouth to Clover Bottom Creek37.31994, -84.13808/ 37.40908, -84.12219Jackson, RockcastleHowards Creek of Dale Hollow Lake*Dale Hollow Lake Backwaters to Headwaters36.69404, -85.22579/ HeadwatersClintonIndian Creek of Cumberland River*Kilburn Fork to Barren Fork36.80492, -84.37957/ 36.78654, -84.41624McCrearyJackie Branch of Bark Camp Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.90449, -84.27945/ HeadwatersWhitleyJellico Creek of Cumberland RiverMouth to Jacks Creek36.75172, -84.27458/ 36.72276, -84.27523McCreary, WhitleyKettle Creek of Cumberland RiverTennessee State Line to Wells Creek36.61526, -85.49117/ 36.65104, -85.44504MonroeKilburn Fork of Indian CreekMouth to Headwaters36.80503, -84.37958/ HeadwatersMcCrearyLaurel Creek of Marsh CreekMouth to Laurel Creek Lake Dam36.73182, -84.37118/ 36.69308, -84.44385McCrearyLaurel Fork of Clear Fork*Tennessee State Line to Tiny Branch36.58947, -83.98760/ 36.63172, -83.95268WhitleyLaurel Fork of Middle Fork Rockcastle River*Mouth to Headwaters37.36733, -84.04829/ HeadwatersJacksonLeatherwood Creek of Marrowbone CreekMouth to Headwaters36.83564, -85.56409/ HeadwatersCumberland, Metcalfe, MonroeLeft Fork Fugitt Creek of Fugitt CreekMouth to Headwaters36.92528, -83.04509/ HeadwatersHarlanLittle South Fork of Cumberland River*Backwaters of Lake Cumberland to Langham Branch36.80583, -84.59556/ 36.64854, -84.78912McCreary, WayneLittle White Oak Creek of White Oak CreekMouth to Headwaters37.10204, -84.19978/ HeadwatersLaurelMarsh Creek of Cumberland River*Ford Crossing at CR-1060 East Kidd School Road and CR-1110 Kidd School Road to Tennessee State Line36.69964, -84.34471/ 36.59540, -84.40845McCrearyMartins Fork of Cumberland RiverRough Branch to Headwaters36.69766, -83.39220/ HeadwatersBell, HarlanMcFarland Creek of Cumberland RiverPoore Branch to Tennessee State Line36.63276, -85.50960/ 36.61585, -85.55184MonroeMcFarland Creek of Cumberland RiverTennessee State Line to Tennessee State Line36.61628, -85.57728/ 36.61646, -85.58620MonroeMeshack Creek of Cumberland RiverMouth to Pitcock Branch36.70211, -85.53507/ 36.73160, -85.54153MonroeMiddle Fork Rockcastle River of Rockcastle River*Mouth to Indian Creek and Laurel Fork37.33585, -84.11898/ 37.36739, -84.04838JacksonMud Camp Creek of Cumberland River*Mouth to Collins Branch36.76461, -85.51225/ 36.77858, -85.51607CumberlandMud Camp Creek of Cumberland River*Unnamed Tributary (at Milepost 0.25 of CR-1335 Sawmill Hollow Road) to Headwaters36.78298, -85.55654/ HeadwatersCumberland, MonroeOtter Creek of Lake Cumberland0.75 River Miles Upstream of Gap Creek to Carpenter Fork36.76911, -84.96678/ 36.70801, -84.95672WaynePoor Fork Cumberland River of Cumberland River*Franks Creek to Headwaters37.05547, -82.80558/ HeadwatersLetcherPresley House Branch of Poor Fork Cumberland River*Mouth to Headwaters37.06433, -82.79065/ HeadwatersLetcherPuncheoncamp Branch of Rock Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.65874, -84.64042/ HeadwatersMcCrearySand Lick Creek of Crocus CreekMouth to Unnamed Tributary36.92458, -85.27126/ 36.92129, -85.24942Adair, Cumberland, RussellShilalah Creek of Clear Fork*Mouth to to Headwaters36.66632, -83.59259/ HeadwatersBellSinking Creek of Rockcastle River*Mouth to White Oak Creek37.10193, -84.27981/ 37.09095, -84.20416LaurelSouth Fork Dog Slaughter Creek of Dog Slaughter Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.85930, -84.30072/ HeadwatersWhitleySouth Fork Rockcastle River of Rockcastle RiverMouth to to White Oak Creek37.33576, -84.11903/ 337.29097, -84.08801Jackson, LaurelSulphur Creek of Cumberland RiverLittle Sulphur Creek to Baxter Branch36.68446, -85.57250/ 36.68327, -85.60582MonroeSulphur Creek of Dale Hollow Lake (Wolf River)*Dale Hollow Reservoir Backwaters to Headwaters36.64784, -85.20342/ HeadwatersClintonUnnamed Tributary of Cane Creek of Rockcastle RiverMouth to Headwaters37.05162, -84.19761/ HeadwatersLaurelUnnamed Tributary of Rock Creek of Big South Fork Cumberland River*Mouth to Headwaters36.66420, -84.62917/ HeadwatersMcCrearyUnnamed Tributary of Rock Creek of Big South Fork Cumberland River*Mouth to Headwaters36.64450, -84.71115/ HeadwatersMcCrearyWatts Branch of Rock Creek*Mouth to Headwaters36.65759, -84.65619/ HeadwatersMcCrearyWatts Creek of Cumberland River*Camp Blanton Lake to Headwaters36.86035, -83.37971/ HeadwatersHarlanWhite Oak Creek of Sinking CreekLittle White Oak Creek to Headwaters37.10204, -84.19978/ HeadwatersLaurel*Waterbodies in the cabinet's reference reach network
  1. (a) Categorization criteria. A surface water shall be categorized as an exceptional water if the surface water:
    1. 1. Is designated as a Kentucky Wild River and is not categorized as an outstanding national resource water;
    2. 2. Is designated as an outstanding state resource water as established in 401 KAR 10:031, Section 8(1)(a)1. and 2. and Section 8(1)(b);
    3. 3. Contains a:
      1. a. Fish community that is rated "excellent" by the use of the Index of Biotic Integrity included in Development and Application of the Kentucky Index of Biotic Integrity (KIBI), 2003; or
      2. b. Macroinvertebrate community that is rated "excellent" by the Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Index included in "The Kentucky Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Index," 2003; or
    4. 4. Is in the cabinet's reference reach network.
  2. (b) Implementation procedure. The implementation procedure for exceptional water shall be as established in subsection (3)(b) of this section.
3. (3) High quality water.
  1. (a) Categorization criteria.
    1. 1. A surface water shall be categorized as high quality water if the surface water is not listed as an outstanding national resource water or an exceptional water in Table 1 or 2 of this section and if the surface water does not meet the criteria for impaired water as established in subsection (4)(a) of this section.
    2. 2. A surface water shall be categorized as a high quality water if the surface water is listed as an outstanding state resource water in 401 KAR 10:026 and is not listed as an outstanding national resource water in Table 1 or an exceptional water in Table 2 of this section.
  2. (b) Implementation procedure. Existing instream water uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect the existing uses shall be maintained and protected. A KPDES permit application for a new or expanded discharge into a high quality or exceptional water shall be subject to the provisions of this paragraph, except:
    1. 1.
      1. a. The renewal of a KPDES permit that does not authorize pollutant loading to the receiving stream in excess of that previously authorized;
      2. b. An increase in pollutant loading within the limits previously approved by the KPDES permit; or
      3. c. A new or expanded discharge that the applicant demonstrates:
        (i) Shall not consume more than ten (10) percent of the available assimilative capacity of the receiving stream outside of a designated mixing zone or zone of initial dilution for each new or increased pollutant in the discharge; and
        (ii) The cumulative impact of this category of discharges shall not consume more than ten (10) percent of the available assimilative capacity of the receiving stream outside of a designated mixing zone or zone of initial dilution.
    2. 2. The activities identified in clauses a. through d. of this subparagraph shall constitute compliance with the alternatives and socioeconomic analysis requirements if addressed in the manner established in this subparagraph rather than as established in subparagraph 1.c. of this paragraph, unless the permittee chooses to satisfy applicable antidegradation requirements pursuant to subparagraph 3. of this paragraph.
      1. a. The cabinet may, upon receipt of a notice of intent to be covered under a general permit, require additional analyses or other information if necessary to comply with antidegradation requirements. A general permit issued pursuant to 401 KAR 5:050 through 5:080 shall be compliant with the alternatives and socioeconomic analysis requirements if:
        (i) The activity permitted by the general permit may result in a lowering of water quality, the cabinet shall describe in the Fact Sheet how the general permit complies with the alternatives analysis, and socioeconomic demonstration requirements of subparagraph 1.c. of this paragraph upon each general permit issuance;
        (ii) The requirements and conditions in a general permit will prevent a lowering of water quality, the cabinet shall describe in the Fact Sheet how the general permit complies with the antidegradation policy established in 401 KAR 10:029, Section 1; and
        (iii) The cabinet notifies the public of an activity granted coverage under a general permit on the cabinet's Web page, which shall include the facility name, location, and receiving water.
      2. b. The approval of a POTW's regional facility plan pursuant to 401 KAR 5:006 shall constitute compliance with the alternatives analysis and socioeconomic demonstration for a regional facility.
      3. c. An antidegradation review shall not be required for maintenance of an existing highway facility. A new or expanded discharge associated with a project identified in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's six (6) year road plan as established in KRS 176.430 shall satisfy the:
        (i) Alternatives analysis for lowering water quality requirement if an alternatives analysis for the project has been submitted; and
        (ii) Socioeconomic demonstration requirement if the project has been approved by the General Assembly and included in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's six (6) year road plan and evaluated pursuant to the provisions of KRS 176.430(4)(i).
      4. d. An individual MS4 permit issued pursuant to 401 KAR 5:050 through 5:080 shall be compliant with the alternatives and socioeconomic analysis requirements if the:
        (i) Activity permitted by the MS4 permit may result in a lowering of water quality, the cabinet shall describe in the Fact Sheet how the MS4 permit complies with the alternatives analysis and socioeconomic demonstration requirements of subparagraph 3.a. and b. of this paragraph; and
        (ii) Requirements and conditions in the MS4 permit will prevent a lowering of water quality, the cabinet shall describe in the Fact Sheet how the MS4 permit complies with the antidegradation policy established in 401 KAR 10:029, Section 1.
    3. 3. An application for a KPDES permit subject to this paragraph shall contain information demonstrating that the lowering of water quality is necessary to accommodate important economic or social development in the area in which the water is located.
      1. a. The socioeconomic demonstration shall consider:
        (i) The boundaries of the affected community;
        (ii) The potential effect on employment, including a comparison of local unemployment rates and state and national unemployment rates;
        (iii) The potential effect on median household income levels, including a comparison of the present median household income level, projected median household income level, and number of households affected in the defined community;
        (iv) The potential effect on tax revenues, including current tax revenues in the affected community compared to projected increase in tax revenues generated by the permitted project;
        (v) The potential effect of the facility on the environment and public health; and
        (vi) Other potential economic or social effect to the community that the applicant includes in the application.
      2. b. The alternatives analysis shall consider:
        (i) Pollution prevention measures, such as changes in plant processes, source reductions, or substitution with less toxic substances;
        (ii) The use of best management practices to minimize impacts;
        (iii) Recycle or reuse of wastewater, waste by-products, or production materials and fluids;
        (iv) Application of water conservation methods;
        (v) Alternative or enhanced treatment technology;
        (vi) Improved operation and maintenance of existing treatment systems;
        (vii) Seasonal or controlled discharge options;
        (viii) Land application or infiltration to capture pollutants and reduce surface runoff, on-site treatment, or alternative discharge locations; and
        (ix) Discharge to other treatment facilities.
      3. c. Information required pursuant to this subparagraph shall be submitted on the Socioeconomic Demonstration and Alternatives Analysis form.
    4. 4. A permit applicant who has failed to demonstrate the necessity and social or economic development importance for lowering water quality shall not receive a permit unless:
      1. a. The applicant demonstrates, through a revised submission, the necessity for lowering revised water quality in accordance with subparagraph 3. of this paragraph; or
      2. b. The applicant demonstrates that the discharge can meet the requirements established in subparagraph 1.c. of this paragraph.
    5. 5. A permit applicant who demonstrates the necessity and social or economic development importance for lowering water quality shall meet the requirements of the KPDES program, 401 KAR 5:050 through 5:080.
    6. 6. The cabinet's determination shall be documented in the permit Fact Sheet and included in the administrative record for the permit or action.
4. (4) Impaired water.
  1. (a) Categorization criteria. A surface water categorized as impaired for applicable designated uses shall be a water identified pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1315(b).
    1. 1. A surface water assessed by the cabinet as not fully supporting an applicable designated use shall be categorized as impaired for the purposes of this administrative regulation, except as established in subparagraph 2. of this paragraph.
    2. 2. A surface water shall not be categorized as impaired water for the purposes of this administrative regulation if the surface water is listed:
      1. a. As an outstanding state resource water in 401 KAR 10:026;
      2. b. As an exceptional water in 401 KAR 10:030; or
      3. c. Only as mercury or methylmercury impaired for fish consumption.
  2. (b) Implementation procedure.
    1. 1. All existing uses shall be protected and the level of water quality necessary to protect those existing uses shall be assured in impaired water.
    2. 2. The process to allow a discharge into an impaired water and to assure protection of the water shall be regulated by the requirements in the Kentucky Pollution Discharge Elimination System Program, 401 KAR 5:050 through 5:080.
Section 2. Procedure for Recategorizing Water. This section shall apply to the recategorization of surface water to outstanding national resource water and exceptional water. The redesignation of water to outstanding state resource water shall be governed by the procedures in 401 KAR 10:026.
1. (1) The cabinet may propose to recategorize certain water to outstanding national resource water and exceptional water if the water meets the criteria set forth in Section 1(1)(a) or (2)(a) of this administrative regulation.
  1. (a) If the cabinet proposes to recategorize these waters, it shall provide notice and an opportunity for public hearing.
  2. (b) The cabinet shall provide the documentation requirements of this section for those surface waters it proposes to recategorize.
2. (2) A person may request recategorization of a surface water to an outstanding national resource water or exceptional water by filing a petition with the cabinet.
  1. (a) The petition shall include the name and address of the petitioner and the information and documentation necessary to recategorize the particular water as required by subsection (4) of this section.
  2. (b) The petitioner shall have the burden of proof that the recategorization is appropriate.
  3. (c) The cabinet shall provide notice of the petition and an opportunity for a public hearing.
  4. (d) The cabinet shall review the petition, supporting documentation, and any comments received from the public to determine if the proposed water qualifies for recategorization.
  5. (e) The cabinet shall document the determination to grant or deny recategorization as a result of a petition, and shall provide a copy of the decision to the petitioner and other interested parties.
3. (3) If a water is to be recategorized, the cabinet shall publish notice of the recategorization.
  1. (a) A permit issued after the date of publication shall be issued with limitations based on the new category.
  2. (b) When the cabinet reviews its water quality standards pursuant to the provisions of Section 303 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1313, the cabinet shall propose to have all recategorized water promulgated as an amendment to this administrative regulation.
4. (4) The following information, documentation, and data shall support a petition for recategorization:
  1. (a) A petition for outstanding national resource water shall include:
    1. 1. A USGS 7.5 minute topographic map or its equivalent showing those surface waters to be recategorized including a description consisting of a river mile index with any existing and proposed discharge points;
    2. 2. Existing uses and water quality data for the surface water for which the recategorization is proposed. If adequate data are unavailable, additional studies shall be required by the cabinet;
    3. 3. Descriptions of general land uses and specific land uses adjacent to the surface water for which the recategorization is proposed;
    4. 4. The existing and designated uses of the water upstream and downstream of the proposed recategorized water;
    5. 5. General physical characteristics of the surface water including width, depth, bottom composition, and slope;
    6. 6. The frequency of occasions when there is no natural flow in the surface water and the 7Q₁₀ and harmonic mean flow values for the surface water and adjacent surface waters;
    7. 7. An assessment of the existing and potential aquatic life habitat in the surface water under consideration and the adjacent upstream surface waters. The existing aquatic life shall be documented including the occurrence of individuals or populations, indices of diversity and well-being, and abundance of species of any unique native biota;
    8. 8. A documented rationale as to why the water qualify for the recategorization; and
    9. 9. The rationale used to support the national significance of the water.
  2. (b) A petition for exceptional water shall include:
    1. 1. A United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute topographic map or its equivalent showing the surface water to be recategorized including a description consisting of a river mile index with existing and proposed discharge points;
    2. 2. Descriptions of general land uses, including:
      1. a. Mining;
      2. b. Agriculture;
      3. c. Recreation;
      4. d. Low, medium, and high density residential, commercial, or industrial uses; and
      5. e. Specific land uses adjacent to the surface water for which the recategorization is proposed;
    3. 3. The frequency of occasions when there is no natural flow in the surface water and the 7Q₁₀ and annual mean flow values for the surface water; and
    4. 4. Fish or benthic macroinvertebrate collection data and an Index of Biotic Integrity or Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Index calculation from a waterbody if criteria specified in Section 1(2)(a)3 of this administrative regulation are utilized.
Section 3. Incorporation by Reference.
1. (1) The following material is incorporated by reference:
  1. (a) "Development and Application of the Kentucky Index of Biotic Integrity (KIBI)", 2003, Kentucky Division of Water, Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet;
  2. (b) "The Kentucky Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Index", 2003, Kentucky Division of Water, Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet; and
  3. (c) "Socioeconomic Demonstration and Alternative Analysis", KPDES Form SDAA, DEP Form 7032, May 2019.
2. (2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Division of Water, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  1. (a) The Socioeconomic Demonstration and Alternative Analysis, KPDES Form SDAA, DEP Form 7032, May 2019, is also available on the division's Web site at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/KPDES/Pages/default.aspx.
  2. (b) "Development and Application of the Kentucky Index of Biotic Integrity" and "Kentucky Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Index" is also available on the division's Web site at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/QA/Pages/default.aspx.

History

(21 Ky.R. 2843; Am. 89; 280; eff. 7-12-1995; 26 Ky.R. 145; 819; 1144; eff. 12-8-1999; 30 Ky.R. 1024; 1801; 31 Ky.R. 558; eff. 9-8-2004; TAm eff. 8-9-2007, Recodified from 401 KAR 5:030, 6-11-2008; 35 Ky.R. 161; 908; 36 Ky.R. 31; eff. 7-30-2009; 37 Ky.R. 2071; 2655; eff. 8-5-2011; 42 Ky.R. 884; 2092; eff. 2-5-2016; TAm 7-8-2016.; 46 Ky.R. 202, 1231, 1840; eff. 1-3-2020.)