The Kentucky Division of Water is seeking feedback on a report addressing pollutant levels in several small bodies of water in Hopkins County.
The report is being submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency as required by the federal Clean Water Act.
All states are required to compile such a list as part of a report to Congress every two years. However, the list's priority of polluted waters may be updated on a case-by-case basis.
KDOW biologists examined streams southwest of Madisonville finding high acidity and the metals cadmium, iron, nickel and zinc above prescribed levels, making the waters “impaired” for their designated uses, namely swimming, fishing and boating.
The report indicates that at least some of the pollutants came from sulfur runoff from coal and strip mine operations within the watershed areas.
The draft will be used to form a plan to improve water quality in those watersheds.
The KDOW is taking public comment on the draft report until May 18th.
