Palmer Engineering supported the City of Hodgenville and LaRue County Fiscal Court in developing a comprehensive watershed management plan for the McDougal and Castleman Creek watersheds in LaRue County, Kentucky. Covering 50 square miles of mixed urban and rural land uses, these watersheds were prioritized under Zone III of the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) Source Water Assessment and Protection Program. The project was initiated to improve water quality, guide long-term watershed management, and expand access to funding opportunities.

Palmer Engineering led the process from initial planning to funding acquisition, successfully securing a 2022 Section 319 Non-Point Source Grant to support the project. The team conducted an extensive review of existing watershed conditions, utilized GIS mapping to prioritize areas for water quality improvements, and analyzed data from 32 water quality sampling events at 17 stream sites.

Through four public watershed council meetings, Palmer facilitated community engagement and incorporated local feedback into the plan. A total of 24 Best Management Practices (BMPs) with 42 specific action items were recommended, detailing responsible parties, total cost, funding sources, prioritization, measurable milestones, and potential pollutant load reductions. The plan also includes a timeline for future evaluation, ongoing water quality monitoring, and BMP implementation assessment over the next 10 years.

The McDougal and Castleman Creek Watershed Management Plan was submitted to KDOW on December 22, 2023, and with early and consistent coordination, full approval is anticipated in February 2024. This project demonstrates Palmer Engineering’s expertise in water resources management, environmental planning, and watershed restoration in Kentucky communities.