EPA approves watershed plan to clean up Louisville's Mill Creek

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A new plan is in the works to tackle pollution in Louisville's Mill Creek.

The Environmental Protection Agency approved a watershed plan to clean up Mill Creek and stop nonpoint source pollution, according to a news release. The EPA said Mill Creek, in the southwest part of Jefferson County, currently doesn't meet local and state standards for healthy waterways.

Nonpoint source pollution usually happens when rain or snowmelt picks up garbage, sediment or oil from cars and other pollutants, and carries it into waterways.

The plan opens the door for about $1 million in grant funding each year, and community partners are now eligible to apply for that money.

A committee made up of representatives from local and state agencies like MSD, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Louisville Metro Parks and the University of Louisville will identify projects and allocate resources to put the approved plan into action.

The Mill Creek Watershed Plan is the second EPA-approved plan in Louisville. The first was The Middle Fork Beargrass Creek plan that went into effect in 2022.