2001 Roanoke Sec B Chap 1

Section B: Water Quality Data and Information by Subbasin 89
Section B
Water Quality Data
and
Information by Subbasin
Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01 90
Chapter 1 -
Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01
Includes a portion of the Dan River, Town Fork and Snow Creeks
1.1 Water Quality Overview
Although the headwaters of the Dan River are in Virginia,
this North Carolina subbasin contains a large portion of
the upper reaches that flow through moderately steep
terrain including the towns of Danbury and Walnut Cove.
Waters include Snow Creek, North and South Double
Creeks, Town Fork Creek and Belews Lake. A map of
this subbasin including water quality sampling locations is
presented in Figure B-1.
Bioclassifications for these sample locations are presented
in Table B-1. Use support ratings for each applicable
category in this subbasin are summarized in Tables B-2
and B-3. Refer to Appendix III for a complete listing of
monitored waters and more information about use support
ratings.
As a result of moderately steep slopes throughout the area,
streams in this subbasin, as well as major sections of the
Dan River, are deeply entrenched, suggesting the effects of long-term erosion. Soil erosion rates
as high as 21 tons/acre/yr have been documented for cultivated cropland in the upper Dan River
watershed, compared to 7.3 tons/acre/yr in the nearby upper Tar River basin (USDA, 1992).
Most of the land in this portion of the basin is forested (73 percent), but a significant portion is
also in use as cultivated cropland and pasture (25 percent). The estimated subbasin population,
based on the 1990 census, is 45,777. Stokes County is projected to receive the largest population
increase of the sixteen counties in the Roanoke River basin (NC portion). From 1998 to 2018,
estimated population growth for Stokes County is 28 percent and Forsyth County is 16 percent.
There are 23 NPDES permitted dischargers in the subbasin, most of which are small wastewater
treatment plants serving schools or subdivisions. Four of these small wastewater treatment
plants had problems with elevated BOD and ammonia in their discharges. The largest discharge
is from the Town of Walnut Cove’s WWTP to Town Fork Creek. Duke Power Company’s
Belews Creek Steam Station discharges cooling water to Belews Lake and ash pond basin
effluent to the Dan River. Five dischargers, including the steam station, are required to monitor
their effluent’s toxicity: Kobe Copper Products, two Stokes County high schools, and Rayco
Utilities. There were no indications of toxicity problems in 1999, and substantial improvements
in effluent toxicity were observed relative to earlier data.
Subbasin 03-02-01 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 453 mi
2
Land area: 445 mi
2
Water area: 8 mi
2
Population
1990 Est. Pop.: 45,777 people
Pop. Density: 103 persons/mi2
Land Cover (%)
Forest/Wetland: 72.8
Water: 1.9
Urban: 0.6
Cultivated Crop: 2.9
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 21.8
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Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01
Table B-1 DWQ Monitoring Locations and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioclassifications
(1999-2000) for Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01
Site Stream County Road Bioclassification
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
B-1* Dan River Stokes NC 704 Good
B-2 Dan River Stokes SR 1695 Good
B-3 North Double Creek Stokes SR 1504 Good-Fair
B-12 Snow Creek (1999) Stokes SR 1673 Fair
B-12 Snow Creek (2000) Stokes SR 1673 Good
Ambient Monitoring
N0150000 Dan River Stokes NC 704 N/A
* Historical data are available; refer to Appendix II.
Benthic macroinvertebrates in this subbasin were sampled under extreme low flow conditions in
1999. For larger streams affected by nonpoint source pollution, a sharp decline in flow may
result in a higher bioclassification; smaller streams, however, might be adversely affected by
extremely low flow.
No sample was collected at Town Fork Creek in 1999 due to inaccessibility, but a special study
was conducted in the watershed in 1995. Two sites in the middle portion of Town Fork Creek
(see Figure B-1) received Good-Fair bioclassifications, but the upstream portion received a Poor
bioclassification. The aquatic life/secondary recreation uses in the upper part of Town Fork
Creek are impaired. This portion is discussed further in Part 1.3.1 of this chapter. Neatman
Creek was also sampled as part of the study and the benthic community received a Good
bioclassification.
Good benthic macroinvertebrate bioclassifications have been recorded since 1983 from the two
Dan River sampling locations, but more variable results have been observed at tributary sites.
Historically, the only Excellent bioclassifications were from small headwater tributaries in
Hanging Rock State Park which are classified High Quality Waters.
Snow Creek received the lowest bioclassification (Fair) of the four sites sampled in 1999. Snow
and North Double Creeks both drain agricultural areas, and their bioclassifications have
fluctuated between Fair and Good-Fair. Because of this fluctuation, Snow Creek was sampled
again by DWQ in August 2000. The benthic community received a Good bioclassification at the
time of this collection. Part 1.5.1 contains more details about impacts observed at Snow Creek.
Water chemistry samples are collected monthly from the Dan River a few miles above Danbury.
This site is located well into North Carolina, but above any major tributaries in order to monitor
the condition of the river as it flows in from Virginia. These data have indicated good water
quality, with the exception of turbidity and total suspended solids. The Dan River at this location
is protected for trout propagation and survival of stocked trout (Tr) making the water quality
Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01 93
standard for turbidity, among other parameters, more restrictive. This turbidity standard was
exceeded in 35 percent of samples collected from 1995 to 1999, at times reaching levels seven
and eight times the standard. For more information regarding general water quality issues in the
Dan River watershed, including sedimentation, refer to Section A, Chapter 4.
Three lakes in this subbasin were monitored in 1999: Hanging Rock Lake, Kernersville
Reservoir and Belews Lake. Hanging Rock and Belews Lakes are oligotrophic lakes with no
indications of water quality problems. Kernersville Lake’s status changed from mesotrophic in
1994 to eutrophic in 1999, reflecting high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. In 1999,
chlorophyll a concentrations were greater than the state standard; however, no algal blooms have
been reported.
For more detailed information on sampling and assessment of streams and lakes in this subbasin,
refer to the Basinwide Assessment Report - Roanoke River Basin (DENR-DWQ, May 2000),
available from DWQ Environmental Sciences Branch at http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html or by
calling [phone].
Table B-2 Use Support Ratings Summary (1999) for Monitored Lakes (acres) in Roanoke
River Subbasin 03-02-01
Use Support
Category
FS PS NS Total
1
Aquatic Life/
Secondary Recreation
4,087 0 0 4,087
Fish Consumption3 04,03004,030
Primary Recreation 4,042 0 0 4,042
Water Supply 4,075 0 0 4,075
Table B-3 Use Support Ratings Summary (1999) for Monitored and Evaluated
2 Freshwater
Streams (miles) in Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01
Use Support
Category
FS PS NS NR Total
1
Aquatic Life/
Secondary Recreation
288.1 0 8.0 137.3 433.4
Fish Consumption3 0 55.8 0 0 55.8
Primary Recreation 0 0 0 11.3 11.3
Water Supply 45.2 0 0 0 45.2
1 Total stream miles/acres assigned to each use support category in this subbasin. Column is not
additive because some stream miles are assigned to more than one category.
2 For the fish consumption use support category, only monitored stream miles are presented.
3 These waters are impaired because of a statewide fish consumption advisory for bowfin. Refer to
Section A, Part 4.8.4 for further information. Fish tissue monitoring in the Dan River is discussed
in Chapter 3 of this section.
Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01 94
1.2 Status and Recommendations for Previously Impaired Waters
This section reviews use support and recommendations detailed in the 1996 basinwide plan,
reports status of progress, gives recommendations for the next five-year cycle, and outlines
current projects aimed at improving water quality for each water. The 1996 Roanoke River
Basinwide Plan identified one impaired water in this subbasin: Belews Lake. This lake is no
longer impaired and is discussed in further detail below.
1.2.1 Belews Lake (4,030 acres)
1996 Recommendation(s)
Belews Lake was constructed by Duke Power Company in 1973 to provide a source of cooling
water for the Belews Creek Steam Station. Water was used to wash out ash residue, routed to a
settling pond, and then discharged into the lake. In 1978, it was determined that this practice
resulted in the accumulation of high concentrations of selenium in fish tissue. The 1996 plan
reported a fish consumption advisory for selenium contamination in common carp, redear sunfish
and crappie, which resulted in a rating of partially supporting for the lake. In 1984, the Belews
Creek Steam Station upgraded their ash disposal system and rerouted the discharge into the Dan
River. The current NPDES permit contains a protective selenium limitation. Therefore, the only
recommendation given in the 1996 plan was to monitor selenium concentrations in water quality
and fish tissue in the lake and the Dan River.
Status of Progress
Belews Lake was most recently sampled by DWQ during the summer of 1999. Surface water
selenium concentrations were less than the laboratory detection limit. Concentrations in benthic
macroinvertebrates have declined, but are still at levels higher than those observed in benthic
macroinvertebrates found in uncontaminated waters. Selenium concentrations in fish tissue have
declined to levels considered safe for human consumption by the Department of Health and
Human Services. The consumption advisory was lifted in August 2000. Chapter 3 of this
section discusses recent fish tissue monitoring in the Dan River below Belews Lake (near Eden).
1.3 Status and Recommendations for Newly Impaired Waters
Town Fork Creek, from its source to Timmons Creek, is an additional stream segment rated
impaired (not supporting) based on recent DWQ monitoring (1995-1999). This section outlines
the potential causes and sources of impairment and provides recommendations for improving
water quality.
1.3.1 Town Fork Creek (8.0 miles from source to Timmons Creek)
Current Status
During a special study conducted by DWQ in 1995, the upper section of Town Fork Creek
received a Poor benthic macroinvertebrate bioclassification. As a result, the referenced portion
of the stream is rated not supporting aquatic life due to severe habitat degradation and possible
organic enrichment. The stream is impounded above the sample location, and the drainage area
supports a mixture of agricultural and residential land uses. There is one small permitted
Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01 95
discharge on an unnamed tributary higher up in the watershed, but records do not indicate any
problems at the facility.
2001 Recommendation(s)
More field investigation is needed in order to determine the actual sources of pollution in this
watershed. DWQ will further investigate the one permitted facility to ensure compliance.
However, identification and reduction of nonpoint sources of pollution that contribute to habitat
degradation will likely result in significant improvement for the aquatic community at this
location. Refer to Section A, Chapter 4 for more information about habitat degradation.
1.4 Section 303(d) Listed Waters
Belews Lake (discussed above) is the only water listed on the state’s year 2000 §303(d) list. A
portion of Town Fork Creek, discussed above, will likely be added to the list in 2002. Refer to
Appendix IV for more information on the state’s §303(d) list and listing requirements.
1.5 Other Issues and Recommendations
The surface waters discussed in this section are fully supporting designated uses (or not rated)
based on recent DWQ monitoring; however, data revealed some impacts to water quality.
Although no action is required for these streams, voluntary implementation of BMPs is
encouraged and continued monitoring is recommended. DWQ will notify local agencies of water
quality concerns regarding these waters and work with them to conduct further monitoring and to
locate sources of water quality protection funding. Additionally, education on local water quality
issues is always a useful tool to prevent water quality problems and to promote restoration
efforts. Nonpoint source program agency contacts are listed in Appendix VI.
1.5.1 Snow Creek
Snow Creek has been sampled by DWQ on three occasions, each time producing a different
bioclassification. These changes appear to be related to both varying flow conditions and land
use activities in the watershed. In August 1994, the benthic community received a Good-Fair
bioclassification. The site was sampled under normal flow conditions, although flow records
from nearby Hyco Creek suggest that at least two high flow events had occurred prior to DWQ’s
sample date. It is likely that some scouring of the streambed occurred during those high flow
events impacting the benthic macroinvertebrate community.
In August 1999, flow was extremely low and the benthic community received a Fair
bioclassification. Floating algal mats were observed along the edges of the stream suggesting
nutrient enrichment. Samples were collected just after construction of a new bridge which may
have created a localized impact on part of the stream. DWQ sampled Snow Creek again in
August 2000 and the benthic community received a Good bioclassification. This year
represented optimal flow conditions that were reflected in the species diversity and abundance.
Although aquatic life in this stream is not considered impaired, there are nonpoint source
pollution impacts present in the watershed. Sedimentation, infrequent riffle areas and a
Section B: Chapter 1 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-01 96
significant lack of riparian vegetation have been observed. Identification and reduction of
nonpoint sources of pollution that contribute to habitat degradation are needed in order to insure
a healthy aquatic community in the future. For general recommendations on habitat degradation
and best management practices, please refer to Section A, Chapter 4.
1.5.2 Dan River
As was mentioned previously, the Dan River from the Virginia state line to the confluence with
Big Creek is protected for trout propagation and survival of stocked trout. Trout (as well as other
aquatic life) are sensitive to turbidity in streams and rivers. The turbidity standard at a DWQ
ambient monitoring station above Danbury was exceeded in 35 percent of samples collected
from 1995 to 1999, at times reaching levels seven and eight times the standard. Aquatic life in
the Dan River is currently not considered to be impaired because the benthic community was
assigned a Good bioclassification in 1999. However, high levels of turbidity over a sustained
period of time have the potential to negatively impact aquatic communities.
It has come to the attention of DWQ that all-terrain vehicle use occurs in portions of the Dan
River. Disturbing channel substrate with any type of heavy equipment or vehicles destroys
instream habitat. In flowing water, this type of disturbance also creates turbidity and adds to
suspended sediment concentrations. Public education about impacts of all-terrain vehicles on the
river and riparian areas is needed in this subbasin.
1.5.3 Projected Population Growth
Stokes County is projected to receive the largest population increase of the sixteen counties in
the Roanoke River basin (NC portion). From 1998 to 2018, estimated population growth for
Stokes County is 28 percent and Forsyth County is 16 percent. Growth management within the
next five years will be imperative in order to maintain good water quality in this subbasin.
Growth management can be defined as the application of strategies and practices that help
achieve sustainable development in harmony with the conservation of environmental qualities
and features of an area. On a local level, growth management often involves planning and
development review requirements that are designed to maintain or improve water quality.
1.5.4 NPDES Discharges
As was mentioned in this chapter’s overview, four facilities experienced problems complying
with NPDES permit limits over the most recent two-year review period. The Town of
Walkertown and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utility Commission are planning to
construct sewer lines in order to connect both Walkertown Middle and Elementary Schools into
the Winston-Salem WWTP. It is estimated that this connection will be completed in 2003,
eliminating these two discharges.
Two small "package plant" wastewater treatment facilities also had occasional, fairly short-term
violations of ammonia limits: Greystone Subdivision and Cain’s Way Mobile Home Park. The
Greystone Subdivision WWTP is in need of major improvements to allow it to meet the
restrictive ammonia limits consistently. Flow-splitting between the two clarifiers at the plant
often causes excessive flows to be routed through only one unit.