Bu. Co. Riverlink

VSt�
te of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
WATER QUALITY SECTION
November 20, 2003
Alan Clark
Nonpoint Source Unit
Division of Water Quality
Mail Service Center 1617
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
A.# ve
NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subject: Riverlink Proposal for New Federal Watershed
Initiative Funding (Ross Creek)
Dear Alan,
Through my contacts with Riverlink, I understand that Riverlink is planning to apply with the
Federal Watershed Initiative for funding of a stormwater retrofit project for the entire Ross Creek
watershed. Below please find comments from the Asheville Regional Office (ARO) that support project
funding.
Ross Creek is a small watershed.(3.25 square miles) that lies entirely within the urban center of
Asheville and is tributary to the Swannanoa River. The upper portion has lightly impacted water quality,
primarily from residential development and one cattle farm (not a CAFO). The middle portion of Ross
Creek drains a highly urbanized portion of Asheville dominated by commercial development, only to be
impounded within a residential neighborhood. Following the impoundment, Ross Creek is encased in
concrete as it drains through a final commercial area before emptying into the Swannanoa River. The
cumulative impact of the middle and lower development results in Ross Creek not meeting its best uses
(Class B) such that Ross Creek resides on the 303(d) list.
Ross Creek has received attention in recent years as part of a 2050) funded project administered by
the Land of Sky Regional Council. ARO staff participated in this effort as well as served as part of the
Technical Advisory Subcommittee with a Riverlink administered project for the larger Swannanoa River
watershed. This latter 319-funded project for the Swannanoa has provided multiple layers of digitized data
for Ross Creek, including impervious cover, land use, property owners, and sewer lines, as well as nutrient
and sediment loads predicted by modeling. Other water quality projects along Ross Creek include a sewer
line replacement effort by the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). The aged sewer lines, which surround
Kenilworth Lake (impounded portion of Ross Creek) and which cross and parallel Ross Creels, have served
as a source of untreated wastewater to the basin for several years. As significant financial resources are
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville North Carolina 28801 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
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V --
Mr. Alan Clark
Page Two
November 20, 2003
currently being spent in the watershed through this sewer line replacement effort as well as through the 319
Swannanoa project, meeting the match requirement for the Federal Watershed Initiative may never be more
opportune.
While Ross Creek represents a small, highly urbanized watershed impacted by intense commercial
and residential development, its size may lend itself to accomplishing water quality improvement, assuming
that the project is funded fully as requested. Certainly due to the variety and intensity of urban impacts,
extensive financial resources will be required to effect water quality restoration of Ross Creek. This new
federal funding initiative which would be used to develop a plan to treat urban stormwater pollution
through retrofits, coupled with the MSD's ongoing sewer line replacement that will address chronically
leaking sewers, may be Ross Creek's best opportunity for improvedwater quality. Therefore, please know
that the ARO staff fully supports the principles and objectives of Riverlink's proposal to design and
implement a stormwater retrofit strategy for Ross Creek.
Thank you for giving the Ross Creek proposal full consideration. If you have questions about these
comments, please contact me or Laurie Moorhead at 828/251-6208.
Si ;ely,
Forrest . Westall
Regional Water Quality Supervisor
Cc: Michael Miller, Riverlink Swannanoa, Project Coordinator
v-11--ffy Frost, Division of Water Quality
Laurie Moorhead, Division of Water Quality
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville North Carolina 28801 Telephone [phone] FAX 82&251-6452
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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
^""`' Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
^\ ^`'"'`"^'•<:z :r Division of Water Quality
November 25, 2003
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
7000 1530 0002 2100 7118
MR. JAMES RICE
NORTH VIEW MHP
329 EMMA ROAD
ASHEVILLE NC 28806
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
NORTH VIEW MHP
Bumcombe County
NPDES Permit Number NCO067342
Dear Mr. Rice:
This is to inform you that your monthly monitoring report for July, 2003 has not been received by the
Division of Water Quality. This is in violation of North Carolina General Statute 143-215,65, which
establishes the reporting requirement. The specific terms of reporting may be found in your NPDES
permit and Title 15 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter 2B, Section
.506(a), paragraph IA, which states "monthly monitoring reports shall be filed no later than 30 days after
the end of the reporting period for which the report is made." Failure to submit reports as required will
subject the violator to the assessment of a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation.
To prevent further action, please submit this report to the Division's Central Files office at the letterhead
address within 15 days or notify this office as to any problem preventing its timely receipt. You will be
considered noncompliant with the self -monitoring requirements of your NPDES permit until the report
has been submitted.
If future reports are not received within the required time frame during the next twelve (12) reporting
months, you will be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $500.00. Additional violations within a
twelve (12) month period will double the penalty for each violation. The Division must take these steps
because timely submittal of discharge monitoring reports is essential to the efficient operation of our
water quality programs. We appreciate your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions about
this letter or discharge monitoring reports, please contact Robert C. Farmer at (919) 733- 5083 ext 531.
Sincerely,
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. MO M 2
ii L5
cc: Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit !i
Asheville Regional Office- NOV 2 6
20
Central Files
'NAi ER QUALITY SECTION
+ ASLiE`d LLt REGIONAL OFFICE
Customer Service Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
1 800 623-7748 [phone] Fax: [phone]

TE9 Michael F. Easley, Governor
�} William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
> I Alan Klimek, P.E.; Director Division of Water Quality
Q �F
November 22, 2002
DWQ # 02-1799
Buncombe County
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Riverlink, Inc.
Attn: Karen Cragnolin
170 Lyman Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Dear Ms. Cragnolin:
On November 4, 2002 the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) was notified by receipt of your
application regarding your plan to fill waters for the purpose of improving white water boating in
Buncombe County. Approval from DWQ is required to disturb these waters. Please provide 7 copies of
the following information and refer to the DWQ # listed above in your reply. Please show these on
maps of suitable scale (for instance 1" = 100 feet) so we can begin to determine your projects'
compliance with 15A NCAC 2FI.0500.
1. The application fee was insufficient because none was enclosed. Please provide $475. This
fee must be received before your application can be reviewed.
2. Please provide 6 copies of the application, 6 copies of the site plans and other supporting
information.
Please telephone me at 919-733-1786 if you have any questions or would require copies of our
rules or procedural materials. This project will remain on hold as .incomplete in accordance with 15A
NCAC 2H .0505(c). The processing time for this application will begin when this information is
received. If we do not hear from you by writing within three (3) weeks we will assume you no longer
want to pursue the project and will consider it withdrawn.
Program
JRD/bs
0
cc: cAsheville-DWQ-Regional Office
Asheville Corps of Engineers
Central Files
File Copy
d
Recreation, Engineering & Planning, 485 Arapahoe, Boulder, CO 80302
WWRR
C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
656 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
WATER QUALITY SECTION
February 26, 2003
,•0
NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Stan Boyd Bill Eaker
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County Land of Sky Regional Council
2028 Riverside Drive 25 Heritage Drive
Asheville, NC 28804 Asheville, NC 28806
David Herbert
221 Lakewood Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
Dear Gentlemen,
Michael Miller
Riverlink
170 Lyman Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Attached please find the Kenilworth Lake and Ross Creek water quality report generated by the Division of
Water Quality's Intensive Survey Unit. You will recall that sampling was conducted over the summer of
2002. I apologize for the length of time between sampling and generation of the report. Our Intensive
Survey Unit is only able to conduct limited special surveys during certain times of the year due to the
basinwide sampling that must be conducted year-round. Unfortunately, the sampling schedule interferes
with reportgeneration.
If you have questions regarding data interpretation or should you have other concerns specific to this report,
please feel free to contact me (828/251-6208) and I will forward them on to the appropriate staff.
Sincerely,
1
9,L
Laurie L. Moorhead
Environmental Specialist
Cc. Larry Frost, Division of Water Quality
V
Forrest Westall, Division of Water Quality
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville North Carolina 28801 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
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State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
WATER QUALITY SECTION
October 16, 2002
Alan Clark
Nonpoint Source Unit
Division of Water Quality
Mail Service Center 1617
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
1 •
NCDEN
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subject: Riverlink Proposal for New Federal Watershed
Initiative Funding (Ross Creek)
Dear Alan,
Through my contacts with Riverlink, I understand that Riverlink is planning to apply with the
Federal Watershed Initiative for funding of a stormwater retrofit project for the entire Ross Creek
watershed. Below please find comments from the Asheville Regional Office (ARO) that support project
funding.
Ross Creek is a small watershed (3.25 square miles) that lies entirely within the urban center of
Asheville and is tributary to the Swannanoa River. The upper portion has lightly impacted water quality,
primarily from residential development and one cattle farm (not a CAFO). The middle portion of Ross
Creels drains a highly urbanized portion of Asheville dominated by commercial development, only to be
impounded within a residential neighborhood. Following the impoundment, Ross Creek is encased in
concrete as it drains through a final commercial area before emptying into the Swannanoa River. The
cumulative impact of the middle and lower development results in Ross Creels not meeting its best uses
(Class B) such that Ross Creek resides on the 303(d) list.
Ross Creels has received attention in recent years as part of a 2050) funded project administered by
the Land of Sky Regional Council. ARO staff participated in this effort as well as served as part of the
Technical Advisory Subcommittee with a Riverlink administered project for the larger Swannanoa River
watershed. This latter 319-funded project for the Swannanoa has provided multiple layers of digitized data
for Ross Creek, including impervious cover, land use, property owners, and sewer lines, as well as nutrient
and sediment loads predicted by modeling. Other water quality projects along Ross Creek include a sewer
line replacement effort by the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). The aged sewer lines, which surround
Kenilworth Lake (impounded portion of Ross Creek) and which cross and parallel Ross Creek, have served
as a source of untreated wastewater to the basin for several years. As significant financial resources are
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville North Carolina 28801 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/10% post -consumer paper

Mr. Alan Clark
Page Two
October 16, 2002
currently being spent in the watershed through this sewer line replacement effort as well as through the 319
Swannanoa project, meeting the match requirement for the Federal Watershed Initiative may never be more
opportune.
While Ross Creek represents a small, highly urbanized watershed impacted by intense commercial
and residential development, its size may lend itself to accomplishing water quality improvement, assuming
that the project is funded fully as requested. Certainly due to the variety and intensity of urban impacts,
extensive financial resources will be required to effect water quality restoration of Ross Creels. This new
federal funding initiative which would be used to develop a plan to treat urban stormwater pollution
through retrofits, coupled with the MSD's ongoing sewer line replacement that will address chronically
leaking sewers, may be Ross Creek's best opportunity for improved water quality. Therefore, please know
that the ARO staff fully supports the principles and objectives of Riverlink's proposal to design and
implement a stormwater retrofit strategy for Ross Creek.
Thank you for giving the Ross Creels proposal frill consideration. If you have questions about these
comments, please contact me or Laurie Moorhead at 828/251-6208.
Sing ely,
orrest R. We tall
Regional Water Quality Supervisor
Cc: Michael Miller, Riverlink Swannanoa Project Coordinator
marry Frost, Division of Water Quality
Laurie Moorhead, Division of Water Quality
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville North Carolina 28801 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
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Division of Water Quality
February 13, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To: ilForresl-est`allj
Through: Dianne Reid
From: Ed Williams op
Subject: Ross Creek and Kenilworth Lake
French Broad River Basin
Buncombe County
In response to a request by the Asheville Regional Office (ARO), the Intensive Survey Unit (ISU)
conducted an assessment of the Ross Creek watershed and Kenilworth Lake. This request came about to
address problems that were occurring in Lake Kenilworth during summer and fall of 2001. An apparent
spill of untreated wastewater into Ross Creek upstream of Kenilworth Lake caused a major bloom of
blue-green algae in the lake. This raised public concern regarding water quality and potential health
risks associated with swimming in the lake. The following is a summary of the water quality
investigation that the ISU performed from June through August of 2002.
Lake Kenilworth is small reservoir located on Ross Creek in the French Broad River Basin. This lake is
situated in the community of Kenilworth, which is part of the City of Asheville, NC. Ross Creek and
Lake Kenilworth are designated class B for protection of primary recreation. Land use in the upper
watershed of Ross Creek consists predominately of established residential areas and pastureland. The
mid watershed consists of a heavily urbanized area along Tunnel Road. The lower watershed consists
mainly of residential areas around Lake Kenilworth as well as an older warehouse area and inactive
landfill downstream from the lake near Hwy 81, just prior to the confluence with the Swannanoa River.
The study consisted of four monitoring sites: RC 2 — Ross Creek at Tunnel Road
LK 2 — Lake Kenilworth
LK 1— Lake Kenilworth near dam
RC 1 — Ross Creek near confluence with Swannanoa River
In order to determine if nutrient concentrations are at levels capable of supporting a nuisance algae
bloom, these sites were sampled during the prime algae growing season, June through August.
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Schematic of Study Area:
RC-2
N
oy
o�
0
LK-2 dp
Lake Kenilworth
Boat dock
e,
(ARO sampling site
LK-1
Jet
oa
RC-1
J�a
5
Physical data measured in June reflect conditions that are not indicative of a large algae bloom.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH levels are typical of mountain lakes this time of year. Secchi
measurements taken in the lake averaged 2.1 meters showing average to high water clarity. The data
does show stratification with a hypoxic water column starting at 2.5 meters to a depth of 6.4 meters.
This may be due to breakdown of organic matter on the bottom sediments. The organic matter may have
derived from solids loading, algae die off, and fallen leaves.
The algal densities in June's assemblage were rather low (< 1,500 units/ml). However, the dominant
taxa, Anabaena planktonica, grow in long chains (>100 cells/unit) and were relatively large (> 6 µm).
Therefore, even at the low density they would of been noticeable and likely the cause of the discolored
water. (M. Vanderborgh, Eco-assessment Unit)
Chemical data collected in June show an extremely elevated concentration of 0.16 mg/l of NH3. at the
site LK-1. NH3 was also elevated at LK-2 with a concentration of 0.07 mg/l. Other nutrient
concentrations were moderate to elevated. This high range of nutrients likely set the stage for the large
algal blooms observed in July and August.
Fecal Coliform levels at the two sites on Ross Creek were significantly elevated with 200 colonies/100
ml at RC1, and 330 colonies/100 ml at RC2. Fecal levels in Lake Kenilworth were <2 at LK1 and 40
colonies/100 ml at LK2.
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Physical Data (June 20, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
25.3
8.9
6.2
116
1.0
24.2
8.6
7.6
116
2.0
22.9
5.7
7.4
117
3.0
18.0
0.4
7.0
120
4.0
12.3
0.3
6.6
136
5.0
10.4
0.1
6.4
173
6.0
9.7
0.1
6.5
171
6.4
9.7
1 0.1
6.5
176
STATION: LK2
Depth m
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
8.8
7.6
117
1.0
r222
8.6
7.7
117
2.0
3.6
7.5
121
2.5
1 21.2
1 1.0
7.1
120
STATION: RC-1 Downstream
Depth m
Tem °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 20.5
1 6.4
7.0
1 122
STATION: RC-2 (Upstream)
Depth m
Tem °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 17.9
1 8.4
7.1 1
179
Chemical Data (June 20, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN CHL a Coliform
m/d/vr Station meters ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ua/L per 100 ml
June 20, 2002
LK-1
2.2
0.020
0.40
0.160
0.050
0.45
0.24
0.21
24.0
<2
June 20, 2002
LK-2
1.9
0.010
0.32
0.070
0.070
0.39
0.25
0.14
10.0
40
June 20, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.02
0.10
0.030
0.340
0.44
0.07
0.37
n/a
200
June 20, 2002
RC-2
n/a
<0.02
0.10
0.010
0.420
0.52
0.09
0.43
n/a
330
Physical measurements in July show a jump in algal activity, particularly lower down in the lake's
water column at 2 meters where the DO was 14.8 mg/1 and the pH was 9.2 s.u. Secchi measurements
were lower than they were in June, averaging 1.4 meters. The data shows significant stratification with
a hypoxic water column starting at 3 meters to a depth of 5.9 meters.
Algae densities increased in July (>8,100 units/ml) as a bloom formed of Aphanizomenon flos-aque.
Aphanizonzenon is another filamentous blue green that grows in long chains (>90 cells/unit). Its
filaments clump together to form visible flecks in the water as well as discolorization.
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Total phosphorous was elevated at the lake sampling sites, with concentrations of 0.05mg/1 at LK-1 and
0.04 at LK-2. TKN was elevated as well, with a concentration of 0.71 mg/1 at LK-1 and 0.4 at LK-2.
Chlorophyll a was high at LK-1 with a value of 31 ug/l. These high nutrient concentrations in the
presence of an algal bloom indicate the need for nutrient reductions to the system.
Fecal coliform levels at the two stream sites were very high at 220 per 100m1 at RC-1 and 510 per 100
ml at RC-2.
Physical Data (July 23, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Tern
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
8.2
8.3
118
1.0
8.3
8.3
117
2.0
14.8
9.2
113
3.0
21.5
0.4
8.1
107
4.0
15.8
0.1
7.4
145
5.0
12.1
0.1
7.1
187
5.9
11.0
1 0.1
7.1
195
STATION: LK2
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
26.8
9.6
8.8
119
0.9
27.8
11.8
9.0
119
STATION: RC-1 Downstream
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 23.1
5.8
7.6
124
STATION: RC-2 (Upstream)
De th m
Tem °C
DO m /L
H LsuE
Cond.
0.15
1 20.8
1 8.5
7.5
1 175
Chemical Data (July 23, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN CHL a Coliform
Station meters mg/L mq/L mq/L mq/L mq/L mq/L mg/L pg/L per 1 UU mi
July 23, 2002
LK-1
1.9
0.050
0.71
0.010
0.010
0.72
0.70
0.02
31.0
2
July 23, 2002
LK-2
0.9
0.040
0.40
0.010
0.010
0.41
0.39
0.02
6.0
7
July 23, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.04
0.10
0.020
0.310
0.41
0.08
0.33
n/a
220
,July 23, 2002
RC-2
n/a
0.07
0.10
0.010
0.290
0.39
0.09
0.30
n/a
510
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Physical data from August show no significant changes from July. The water column remained
stratified with hypoxic conditions from 2 meters to a depth of 6 meters.
Algal density increased even more in August and reached more than 304,000 units/ml. This increase
was primarily in a small (< 0.5 µm), more benign, colonial blue green Chroococcus dispersus. Even
though this taxa represented over 97% of the total density, the continued bloom of Aphanizomenon
was the likely cause of the consistent water discolorization. Nutrient levels remained elevated in the
lake.
Physical Data (August 13, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
H su
Cond.
0.15
25.5
8.5
8.1
130
1.0
25.5
8.5
8.1
130
2.0
25.4
5.7
7.9
130
3.0
24.1
0.2
7.5
126
4.0
18.4
0.1
7.1
153
5.0
13.6
0.1
6.9
209
6.0
11.8
0.1
6.9
234
STATION: LK2
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
25.4
8.4
8.1
131
1.0
25.4
8.4
8.1
130
2.0
25.3
8.3
8.1
131
2.2
1 25.2
1 7.4
1 8.1
1 130
STATION: RC-1 Downstream
Depth m
Tem °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 19.9
1 7.7
7.6
1 146
STATION: RC-2 (Upstream)
Depth
(m)EL °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 18.0
1 8.2
7.7
1 240
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Chemical Data (August 13, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN .CHL a Coliform
Station meters mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L pg/L per I UU mi
August 13, 2002
LK-1
1.0
0.020
0.61
0.010
0.010
0.62
0.60
0.02
24.0 7
August 13, 2002
LK-2
0.9
0.030
0.60
0.010
0.010
0.61
0.59
0.02
22.0 26
August 13, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.06
0.10
0.040
0.360
0.46
0.06
0.40
n/a
August 13, 2002
RC-2
n/a
0.04
0.10
0.010
0.310
0.41
0.09
0.32
n/a 230
Summary
The watershed survey and subsequent chemical and physical monitoring show that Lake Kenilworth
serves as a "catch basin" for a variety of pollutants coming from non -point sources such as sewer leaks,
urban runoff (fertilizers, grease, oils, etc...), and development. Nutrient concentrations were more than
sufficient to support nuisance algal growth. With that being the case, nuisance algal blooms will
continue until steps are taken to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the system. A logical course of
action would be to locate and repair all sewer leaks, install stormwater control systems in the watershed,
promote stream buffers to create a natural riparian zone, put restrictions on further development, that
would decrease nutrient runoff, and encourage the use of BMP's by the business and residential
population.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this information, please call me at 919.733.6510, or
email at [e-mail].
Cc: Jimmie Overton
Mark Vanderborgh
Lorie Morehead
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Division of Water Quality
February 13, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To:
Forrest Westall
Through:
Dianne Reid `��
From:
Ed Williams
Subject:
Ross Creek and Kenilworth Lake
French Broad River Basin
Buncombe County
In response to a request by the Asheville Regional Office (ARO), the Intensive Survey Unit (ISU)
conducted an assessment of fhe Ross Creek watershed and Kenilworth Lake. This request came about to
address problems that were occurring in Lake Kenilworth during summer and fall of 2001. An apparent
spill of untreated wastewater into Ross Creek upstream of Kenilworth Lake caused a major bloom of
blue-green algae in the lake. This raised public concern regarding water quality and potential health
risks associated with swimming in the lake. The following is a summary of the water quality
investigation that the ISU performed from June through August of 2002.
Lake Kenilworth is small reservoir located on Ross Creek in the French Broad River Basin. This lake is
situated in the community of Kenilworth, which is part of the City of Asheville, NC. Ross Creek and
Lake Kenilworth are designated class B for protection of primary recreation. Land use in the upper
watershed of Ross Creek consists predominately of established residential areas and pastureland. The
mid watershed consists of a heavily urbanized area along Tunnel Road. The lower watershed consists
mainly of residential areas around Lake Kenilworth as well as an older warehouse area and inactive
landfill downstream from the lake near Hwy 81, just prior to the confluence with the Swannanoa River.
The study consisted of four monitoring sites: RC 2 — Ross Creek at Tunnel Road
LK 2 — Lake Kenilworth
LK 1 — Lake Kenilworth near dam
RC 1 — Ross Creek near confluence with Swannanoa River
In order to determine if nutrient concentrations are at levels capable of supporting a nuisance algae
bloom, these sites were sampled during the prime algae growing season, June through August.
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Schematic of Study Area:
RC-2
N
1 �z
o
o�
LK-2 * do
Lake Kenilworth RR'.
Boat dock
(ARO sampling site\
LK-1
yes
oaf\
RC-1 �pa�
�a
5
Physical data measured in June reflect conditions that are not indicative of a large algae bloom.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH levels are typical of mountain lakes this time of year. Secchi
measurements taken in the lake, averaged 2.1 meters showing average to high water clarity. The data
does show stratification with a hypoxic water column starting at 2.5 meters to a depth of 6.4 meters.
This may be due to breakdown of organic matter on the bottom sediments. The organic matter may have
derived from solids loading, algae die off, and fallen leaves.
The algal densities in June's assemblage were rather low (< 1,500 units/ml). However, the dominant
taxa, Anabaena planktonica, grow in long chains (>100 cells/unit) and were relatively large (> 6 µm).
Therefore, even at the low density they would of been noticeable and likely the cause of the discolored
water. (M. Vanderborgh, Eco-assessment Unit)
Chemical data collected in June show an extremely elevated concentration of 0.16 mg/1 of NH3 at the
site LK-1. NH3 was also elevated at LK-2 with a concentration of 0.07 mg/l. Other nutrient
concentrations were moderate to elevated. This high range of nutrients likely set the stage for the large
algal blooms observed in July and August.
Fecal Coliform levels at the two sites on Ross Creek were significantly elevated with 200 colonies/100
ml at RC1, and 330 colonies/100 ml at RC2. Fecal levels in Lake Kenilworth were <2 at LK1 and 40
colonies/100 ml at LK2.
Enviraurzerital Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Physical Data (June 20, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
25.3
8.9
6.2
116
1.0
24.2
8.6
7.6
116
2.0
22.9
5.7
7.4
117
3.0
18.0
0.4
7.0
120
4.0
12.3
0.3
6.6
136
5.0
10.4
0.1
6.4
173
6.0
9.7
0.1
6.5
171
6.4
1 9.7 1
0.1
6.5
176
STATION: LK2
Depth m
Tern
DO m /L
H su
Cond.
0.15
8.8
7.6
117
1.0
8.6
77
117
2.0
.
3.6
7.5
121
2.5
21.2
1.0
1 7.1
1 120
STATION: RC-1 Downstream
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 20.5
1 6.4
7.0
122
STATION: RC-2 (Upstream)
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
17.9
1 8.4
7.1
179
Chemical Data (June 20, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN CHL a Coliform
m/d/yr Station meters mq/L mq/L mq/L mq/L mq/L mq/L ma/L ua/L per 100 ml
June 20, 2002
LK-1
2.2
0.020
0.40
0.160
0.050
0.45
0.24
0.21
24.0
<2
June 20, 2002
LK-2
1.9
0.010
0.32
0.070
0.070
0.39
0.25
0.14
10.0
40
June 20, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.02
0.10
0.030
0.340
0.44
0.07
0.37
n/a
200
June 20, 2002
RC-2
n/a
<0.02
0.10
0.010
0.420
0.52
0.09
0.43
n/a
330
Physical measurements in July show a jump in algal activity, particularly lower down in the lake's
water column at 2 meters where the DO was 14.8 mah and the pH was 9.2 s.u. Secchi measurements
were lower than they were in June, averaging 1.4 meters. The data shows significant stratification with
a hypoxic water column starting at 3 meters to a depth of 5.9 meters.
Algae densities increased -in July (>8,100 units/ml) as a bloom formed of Aphanizomenon flos-agate.
Aphanizomenon is another filamentous blue green that grows in long chains (>90 cells/unit). Its
filaments clump together to form visible flecks in the water as well as discolorization.
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Total phosphorous was elevated at the lake sampling sites, with concentrations of 0.05mg/l at LK-1 and
0.04 at LK-2. TKN was elevated as well, with a concentration of 0.71 mg/l at LK-1 and 0.4 at LK-2.
Chlorophyll a was high at LK-1 with a value of 31 ug/l. These high nutrient concentrations in the
presence of an algal bloom indicate the need for nutrient reductions to the system.
Fecal coliform levels at the two stream sites were very high at 220 per 100ml at RC-1 and 510 per 100
ml at RC-2.
Physical Data (July 23, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
29.1
8.2
8.3
118
1.0
27.4
8.3
8.3
117
2.0
25.7
14.8
9.2
113
3.0
21.5
0.4
8.1
107
4.0
15.8
0.1
7.4
145
5.0
12.1
0.1
7.1
187
5.9
11.0
1 0.1
7.1
1 195
STATION: LK2
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
26.8
9.6
8.8
119
0.9
27.8
11.8
9.0
119
STATION: RC-1 Downstream
De th m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
23.1
1 5.8
7.6
124
STATION: RC-2 (Upstream)
De th m
Temp °C
DO m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
20.8
8.5
7.5
175
Chemical Data (July 23, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN CHL a Coliform
m/d/vr Station meters mq/L mq/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ma/L ua/L per 100 ml
July 23, 2002
LK-1
1.9
0.050
0.71
0.010
0.010
0.72
0.70
0.02
31.0
2
July 23, 2002
LK-2
0.9
0.040
0.40
0.010
0.010
0.41
0.39
0.02
6.0
7
July 23, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.04
0.10
0.020
0.310
0.41
0.08
0.33
n/a
220
July 23, 2002
RC-2
n/a
0.07
0.10
0.010
0.290
0.39
0.09
0.30
n/a
510
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Physical data from August show no significant changes from July. The water column remained
stratified with hypoxic conditions from 2 meters to a depth of 6 meters.
Algal density increased even more in August and reached more than 304,000 units/ml. This increase
was primarily in a small (< 0.5 µm), more benign, colonial blue green Chroococcus dispersus. Even
though this taxa represented over 97% of the total density, the continued bloom of Aphanizomenon
was the likely cause of the consistent water discolorization. Nutrient levels remained elevated in the
lake.
Physical Data (August 13, 2002)
STATION: LK1
Depth m
Temp °C
DO m g/L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
25.5
8.51
8.1
130
1.0
25.5
8.51
8.1
130
2.0
25.4
5.71
7.9
130
3.0
24.1
0.21
7.5
126
4.0
18.4
0.1
7.1
153
5.0
13.6
0.1
6.9
209
6.0
11.8
0.1
6.9
234
STATION: LK2
Depth m
Temp °C
DO +m /L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
25.4
6.4
8.1
131
1.0
25.4
8.4
8.1
130
2.0
25.3
B.3
8.1
131
2.2
25.2
.7.4
8.1
1 130
I
STATION: RC-;j
Downstream
Depth m
Temp °C
DO
/L
Hsu
Cond.
0.15
1 19.9
1 T!�[
7.6
1 146
STATION: RG-2
(Upstream)
Depth m
Tem °C
DO �rn
/L
(suLE
Cond.
0.15
1 18.0
1 612
1 7.7
1 240
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section

Chemical Data (August 13, 2002)
Secchi Fecal
Date Sampling Depth TP TKN NH3 NOx TN TON TIN CHL a Coliform
m/d/yr Station meters mg/L mg/L mg/L mg//L mg/L mg/L mg/L pg/L per 100 ml
August 13, 2002
LK-1
1.0
0.020
0.61
0.010
0.010
0.62
0.60
0.02
24.0 7
August 13, 2002
LK-2
0.9
0.030
0.60
0.010
0.010
0.61
0.59
0.02
22.0 26
August 13, 2002
RC-1
n/a
0.06
0.10
0.040
0.360
0.46
0.06
0.40
n/a
August 13, 2002
RC-2
n/a
0.04
0.10
0.010
0.310
0.41
0.09
0.32
n/a 230
Summary
The watershed survey and subsequent chemical and physical monitoring show that Lake Kenilworth
serves as a "catch basin" for a variety of pollutants coming from non -point sources such as sewer leaks,
urban runoff (fertilizers, grease, oils, etc...), and development. Nutrient concentrations were more than
sufficient to support nuisance algal growth. With that being the case, nuisance algal blooms will
continue until steps are taken to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the system. A logical course of
action would be to locate and repair all sewer leaks; install stormwater control systems in the watershed,
promote stream buffers to create a natural riparian zone, put restrictions on further development, that
would decrease nutrient runoff, and encourage the use of BMP's by the business and residential
population.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this information, please call me at 919.733.6510, or
email at [e-mail].
Cc: Jimmie Overton
Mark Vanderborgh
Lorie Morehead
Environmental Sciences Branch Water Quality Section