the proposal-work in progress.

Dear Reader,

We all know that Cherokee park is a beautiful place that is enjoyed by the citizens of Louisville of all ages. Although the park and thriving wildlife itself is breathtaking, some improvements should be implemented in order for everyone to safely enjoy the many aspects of the park. Efforts need to be made to improve the combined sewer overflow to prevent them from leaking raw sewage into Beargrass Creek.

Beargrass creek has the largest watershed in Jefferson County, draining nearly sixty one square miles. The creek is made up of three different branches, including: the south fork that runs through Germantown, buechel and the Louisville Nature Center, the middle fork that begins out in middle town and runs through saint Matthews, the highland and Cherokee park, and the muddy fork, which begins near Indian hills and runs through mocking bird valley. All three forks come together near where 71 and 64 split near Brownsboro road and drain into the Ohio River.  According to the Metropolitan sewer District’s 2005 report of the Beargrass Creek watershed, state of the streams, “Currently, Beargrass Creek is in critical condition, failing to meet the state water quality standards. It is unsuitable for fishing or swimming.” The sewer overflows that occur primarily after heavy rainfall are the main contributor of high fecal coliform bacteria count in Beargrass Creek. When they overflow, the sewers discharge a diluted combination of storm water and wastewater at discharge points along the creek.

The city of Louisville should do a better job in preventing this from happening because it could be harmful to the health of the visitors to the park. I interviewed Weston and he said that MSD currently has a project called Project WIN where the city officials and MSD workers are trying to disconnect the downspouts from surrounding homes of rainwater that lead into the sewer system to prevent overflows. This is something that should be made into public knowledge and implemented in an urgent and timely manner.  

Thank you,

Jill Jones