2001 Roanoke Sec B Chap 8

Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 137
Chapter 8 -
Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Includes Roanoke Rapids Lake and 55 miles of the Roanoke River
8.1 Water Quality Overview
The upper portion of this subbasin, including Roanoke
Rapids Lake, lies within the piedmont region, while the
middle and lower portions are in the coastal plain. The
coastal plain portion includes approximately 50 miles of
the Roanoke River. The major tributaries in this subbasin
are Chockoyette, Quankey, Occoneechee and Bridgers
Creeks; and Conoconnara, Kehuku, Gumberry and
Cypress Swamps. Municipalities include Gaston,
Roanoke Rapids, Weldon, Garysburg and Halifax, as well
as portions of Scotland Neck, Rich Square and Lewiston-
Woodville. A map of this subbasin including water
quality sampling locations is presented in Figure B-8.
Bioclassifications for sample sites in this subbasin are
presented in Table B-20. Use support ratings for each
applicable category in this subbasin are summarized in
Table B-21 and B-22. Refer to Appendix III for a
complete listing of monitored waters and further
information about use support ratings.
With the exception of the Gaston, Roanoke Rapids and Weldon urban area, most of the land in
this subbasin is forested (65 percent) or in agriculture (30 percent). The majority of the
agricultural land is cultivated cropland (cotton, peanuts, tobacco and soybeans), but there are
many animal operations in the area as well.
There are eleven NPDES permitted dischargers in this subbasin. The largest facilities are
Champion International, Perdue Farms and the Roanoke Rapids, Weldon and NC Department of
Correction’s (DOC) Caledonia Prison WWTPs. All of these facilities discharge directly into the
Roanoke River. DOC’s Caledonia facility has significant compliance problems with BOD, fecal
coliform and total suspended solids. This facility is discussed further in Part 8.5.1.
Seven facilities are required to perform toxicity tests on their discharge. Toxicity problems were
observed at the Town of Halifax WWTP (discharges into Quankey Creek) and the Panda-
Rosemary Corporation facility (discharges into Chockoyotte Creek) over the past two years.
Subbasin 03-02-08 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 513 mi
2
Land area: 473 mi
2
Water area: 40 mi
2
Population Statistics
1990 Est. Pop.: 43,392 people
Pop. Density: 91 persons/mi2
Land Cover (%)
Forest/Wetland: 65.2
Surface Water: 2.8
Urban: 1.5
Cultivated Crop: 28.4
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 2.0
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Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 139
Table B-20 DWQ Monitoring Locations and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioclassifications
(1999) for Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Site Stream County Location Bioclassification
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
B-1 Deep Creek Halifax Weldon Not Rated
B-3 Roanoke River Halifax Halifax Good
B-4* Roanoke River Halifax Scotland Neck Good
B-5 Quankey Creek Halifax NC 903 Not Rated
B-6* Quankey Creek Halifax NC 561 Fair
B-9 Occoneechee Creek Northampton SR 1126 Not Rated
B-10 Conoconnara Swamp Halifax NC 561 Not Rated
B-11 Kehukee Swamp Halifax SR 1804 Not Rated
Fish Tissue
FT-4 Roanoke River Halifax Weldon N/A
FT-5 Roanoke River Halifax Scotland Neck N/A
Ambient Monitoring
N7300000 Roanoke River Halifax Roanoke Rapids N/A
N8200000 Roanoke River Halifax Scotland Neck N/A
N8300000 Roanoke River Martin NC 11 N/A
* Historical data are available; refer to Appendix II.
Extensive evaluation, conducted by DWQ, of swamp streams across eastern North Carolina
suggests that different criteria should be used to assess the condition of water quality in these
systems. Swamp streams are characterized by slower flow, lower dissolved oxygen, lower pH,
and sometimes very complex braided channels and dark-colored water. DWQ has developed
draft biological criteria that may be used in the future to assign bioclassifications to these streams
(as is currently done for other streams and rivers across the state). However, DWQ believes that
there has been insufficient sampling of reference swamp streams to assign bioclassifications to
them and use them for use support determinations in the Roanoke River basin at this time. DWQ
continues to work toward preparing these criteria for future use.
The Roanoke River at Halifax was sampled for the first time in 1999 and received a Good
bioclassification for benthic macroinvertebrates. The Roanoke River at Scotland Neck
maintained a Good bioclassification as well. In 1994, the river also received a Good benthic
bioclassification below Weldon.
The biological community in the lower portion of Quankey Creek, below the Town of Halifax
WWTP, received a Fair bioclassification in both 1992 and 1999. The upper portion is swampy,
and the site was not rated; but no potential impacts to water quality were observed. The lower
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 140
section of Quankey Creek is only partially supporting aquatic life/secondary recreation and is
discussed in more detail in the following sections. Deep Creek, Occoneechee Creek,
Conoconnara Swamp and Kehukee Swamp were not rated using macroinvertebrate data because
of their swampy nature. However, some habitat degradation was noted at each site. Please refer
to Section A, Chapter 4 for further discussion of habitat degradation in the Roanoke River basin.
Fish community data were collected and a mussel survey was conducted in 1995 and 1996 by
Dominion (formerly North Carolina Power Company) as part of its relicensing efforts for the
Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids hydroelectric project. Eight of the fifteen mussel species that
had been historically documented or believed to be present in the lower Roanoke River were
collected from a single 10-mile stretch (DENR-DWQ, May 2000).
Fish tissue samples were collected by DWQ from two sites on the Roanoke River in 1995 and
1999. Six bowfin samples from the river at Weldon had mercury concentrations greater than the
EPA screening value. Metals concentrations in 21 samples of other fish species were less than
federal and state criteria for fish consumption. At Scotland Neck, 23 fish were tested for
mercury contamination. One largemouth bass and one bowfin had concentrations greater than
EPA consumption criteria.
Roanoke Rapids Lake was the only lake monitored in this subbasin. The lake has extensive
growths of nuisance aquatic macrophytes. More than 30 percent of the lake’s surface area is
covered with Hydrilla (DENR-DWQ, May 2000). Other species are also present in the lake.
Secondary recreation activities, such as boating and water-skiing, are impaired in this lake, and
the lake is discussed in more detail in the following sections.
Water chemistry samples are collected monthly from three sites on the Roanoke River in this
subbasin: at Roanoke Rapids, near Scotland Neck and just above Hamilton. Although there was
no indication of substantial water quality problems, total suspended solids and nitrate nitrogen
concentrations increased in a downstream manner from Roanoke Rapids to Hamilton.
For more detailed information on sampling and assessment of streams 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-21 Use Support Ratings Summary (1999) for Monitored Lakes (acres) in Roanoke
River Subbasin 03-02-08
Use Support
Category
FS PS NS Total
2
Aquatic Life/
Secondary Recreation
04,89304,893
Fish Consumption3 04,89304,893
Primary Recreation 4,893 0 0 4,893
Water Supply 4,893 0 0 4,893
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 141
Table B-22 Use Support Ratings Summary (1999) for Monitored and Evaluated
1 Freshwater
Streams (miles) in Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Use Support
Category
FS PS NS NR Total
2
Aquatic Life/
Secondary Recreation
167.9 3.4 0 180.6 351.9
Fish Consumption 0 123.7 0 0 123.7
Primary Recreation 00000
Water Supply 20.5 0 0 0 20.5
1 For the fish consumption use support category, only monitored stream miles are presented.
2 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.
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.
8.2 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 basin
plan identified three impaired waters in this subbasin. Roanoke Rapids Lake, Quankey Creek
and Conoconnora Swamp are discussed below.
8.2.1 Roanoke Rapids Lake (4,893 acres)
1996 Recommendation(s)
In 1996, Roanoke Rapids Lake was partially supporting designated uses due to infestation of
invasive aquatic plants. The lake was described as having prolific growths of aquatic
macrophytes, especially Hydrilla, that hindered secondary recreation activities such as boating
and water-skiing on large portions of the lake. Nutrient levels were moderate and the
recommendation, as in the case of Lake Gaston (subbasin 03-02-07), was to assess the need for a
nonpoint source pollution nutrient management plan.
Status of Progress
In recent years, there has been an increase in invasive aquatic macrophytes in Roanoke Rapids
Lake. More than 30 percent of the surface area is affected by these nuisance plants (DENR-
DWQ, May 2000). Moderate levels of nutrients were again observed during DWQ’s 1999 lake
monitoring; however, studies have shown that the most prevalent plant, Hydrilla, does not
respond to nutrient reduction. Secondary recreation remains impaired (partially supporting) in
this lake. Citizens have formed the Roanoke Rapids Lake Management Council to work toward
reducing aquatic weeds in the lake.
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 142
2001 Recommendations
DWQ will work the Roanoke Rapids Lake Management Council and DWR to reduce aquatic
weeds. Water quality could also benefit from nutrient reduction in this lake. Additionally, a
public education campaign is recommended so that introduction of additional aquatic
macrophytes from boats that have been in other waters is minimized. Refer to Section C for
information about funding sources that are available for water quality improvements and
education in impaired waters.
8.2.2 Quankey Creek (19.4 miles from source to the Roanoke River)
1996 Recommendation(s)
Two sites, above and below the Town of Halifax WWTP, were sampled during the last basin
cycle at the lower end of Quankey Creek. The biological community at both sites received a Fair
bioclassification. The 1996 recommendation was to evaluate impacts from a rest area along I-95
upstream.
Status of Progress
In 1999, two sites, downstream of I-95 and downstream of the Town of Halifax WWTP, were
sampled by DWQ. The biological community below the Halifax WWTP again received a
bioclassification of Fair. This facility has experienced compliance problems over the past decade
and failed 25 percent of whole effluent toxicity tests between 1997 and 1999. Conductivity was
117 umhos (compared to 70 umhos upstream), reflecting the influence of the point source
discharge. However, there is significant habitat degradation caused by channel alterations
contributing to impairment of aquatic life (partially supporting) in the lower section of Quankey
Creek.
The benthic community at the upstream site (that was chosen to evaluate the effects of the I-95
rest area) was not rated because the site exhibited swamp characteristics. However, the site
received the highest habitat quality score of any tributary sampled in the coastal plain area of the
basin. A large number of insects were collected as well as a good variety of pollution intolerant
species. There was no indication of water quality impacts at this location. Based on this
additional monitoring effort, the number of impaired stream miles has been reduced from 19.4 to
3.4 (from the confluence with Little Quankey Creek to the mouth at Roanoke River).
2001 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to work with the Town of Halifax to resolve problems with the WWTP
discharge. The town received a grant in March 2000 to begin addressing the most critical
maintenance problems at the facility, but more funding is needed to complete collection system
rehabilitation and construction of new sewer lines to eliminate failing septic systems in the Town
of Halifax. Refer to Part 8.5.1 for further details about NPDES discharges in this subbasin.
Additionally, DWQ will continue to monitor Quankey Creek and, as resources allow, sample
Little Quankey Creek during the next basinwide sampling to assess its contribution to degraded
water quality in this watershed.
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 143
8.2.3 Conoconnora Swamp (17.7 miles from source to the Roanoke River)
1996 Recommendation(s)
This stream was rated as impaired during the last basin cycle by using fish community data that
resulted in a Fair bioclassification. The recommendation was to evaluate the contribution of
agricultural runoff in the watershed and implement best management practices as necessary.
Status of Progress
Fish community data was not collected from this stream during this basin cycle. The benthic
macroinvertebrate community was not rated and will remain not rated until assessment criteria
can be used with confidence (refer to previous sections). While aquatic life/secondary recreation
in this stream is not currently considered impaired, lower total numbers and diversity of pollution
intolerant species of aquatic insects were observed during the 1999 sampling.
8.3 Status and Recommendations for Newly Impaired Waters
The majority of the lower Roanoke River in North Carolina was rated as impaired based on fish
consumption advisories and recent DWQ fish tissue monitoring (1995-1999). This section
outlines the potential causes and sources of impairment and provides recommendations for
improving water quality.
8.3.1 Roanoke River (128.5 miles from the Roanoke Rapids dam to Williamston)
Current Status
The Roanoke River, from the Roanoke Rapids dam to the Albemarle Sound, is impaired because
of fish consumption advisories. In this particular section of the river, from the dam to
Williamston, the only advisory is due to elevated levels of mercury in bowfin (blackfish).
Bowfin with levels of mercury that exceed consumption criteria were collected by DWQ in the
Roanoke River near Weldon and Williamston in 1995 and 1999. Because of this advisory, this
portion of the river is only partially supporting the fish consumption category. (Note: This is not
a new advisory, but improved use support methodology now bases impairment for the fish
consumption use support category on fish consumption advisories. See Appendix III for more
information regarding use support ratings.)
2001 Recommendation(s)
DWQ will continue to monitor fish tissue in the Roanoke River and will work to identify sources
of mercury. Given the global scale of mercury cycling, it may be difficult for DWQ to recognize
significant reductions of mercury in fish over the short-term. The NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has established a Mercury Task Force that includes
staff from DWQ, Division of Air Quality, Hazardous Waste, Pollution Prevention and Wildlife
Resources. In addition, DWQ has established an internal Water Quality Section Work Group to
stay abreast of mercury issues. Section A, Part 4.8 provides more details about mercury in the
environment.
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 144
8.4 Section 303(d) Listed Waters
Currently in this subbasin, two waters are listed on the state’s year 2000 §303(d) list: Roanoke
Rapids Lake and Quankey Creek. Roanoke Rapids Lake is listed on Part I of the 2000 §303(d)
list requiring DWQ to develop a TMDL/management strategy. Quankey Creek is biologically
impaired. Both waters are discussed in more detail in the previous sections. The Roanoke River,
along with all other waters in the basin, will likely be added to the list in 2002 based on the
statewide bowfin consumption advisory. Refer to Appendix IV for more information on the
state’s §303(d) list and listing requirements.
8.5 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.
Although aquatic communities in the section of Roanoke River contained in this subbasin are
currently in good condition, there are several discharges and other impacts in this portion that are
likely contributing to a decline in water quality downstream. These impacts are discussed in the
following paragraphs.
8.5.1 NPDES Discharges
As was mentioned in this chapter’s overview, the NC Department of Correction’s (DOC)
Caledonia Prison WWTP discharge, which is permitted to release 0.8 million gallons per day to
the Roanoke River, continued to experience compliance problems over the past five years.
Parameters that exceed permitted limits include BOD, fecal coliform and total suspended solids.
DWQ has been working with DOC for the past eight years to correct problems with this
discharge. Almost $8,000 in civil penalties have been assessed dating back to June 1993. DOC
has plans to build a new constructed wetlands treatment system by December 2002. Final
compliance with permit limits for this new discharge is required by July 2003.
The Town of Halifax’s WWTP discharge, permitted to release up to 0.7 MGD to Quankey Creek
just upstream of the Roanoke River, continued to experience both compliance (BOD and total
suspended solids) and toxicity problems over the past five years. DWQ has been working with
the town for more than a decade to resolve problems with this deteriorating facility. More than
$8,000 in civil penalties have been assessed dating back to June 1991. The town received a grant
in March 2000 to begin addressing the most critical maintenance problems at the facility, but
more funding is needed to complete collection system rehabilitation and construction of new
sewer lines to eliminate failing septic systems in the Town of Halifax.
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 145
8.5.2 Eroding Streambanks
There are several large areas along the Roanoke River, as well as smaller tributaries where the
banks are eroding. In some areas, this erosion is severe, contributing large amounts of
sedimentation to the Roanoke River. One landowner, with several hundred feet of riverbank, has
agreed to work with the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program’s (APNEP) Roanoke
Regional Council to provide alternative water sources and fence livestock out of the Roanoke
River. That project will serve as a demonstration site, once it is complete. Refer to Part 1.2.2 of
Section C for details about the Roanoke Regional Council.
The DOC Caledonia facility is a prison farm, and cattle at this facility have had access to the
Roanoke riverbank for several hundred feet. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation has
been working with DOC to select and implement BMPs at this facility, including cattle exclusion
and bank stabilization.
Section A, Chapter 4 discusses sedimentation, streambank erosion and best management
practices for controlling them. Appendix VI contains descriptions of and contact information for
nonpoint source pollution programs in North Carolina.
8.5.3 Phase II Stormwater Requirements
Amendments were made to the Clean Water Act in 1990 (Phase I) and most recently in 1999
(Phase II) pertaining to permit requirements for stormwater discharges associated with storm
sewer systems. Part of Phase II requires some municipal storm sewer systems serving
populations under 100,000, which are located in larger urbanized areas and/or that have a high
population density to obtain an NPDES stormwater permit. The municipal permitting
requirements are designed to lead into the formation of comprehensive stormwater management
programs for municipal areas. Roanoke Rapids will be considered for inclusion under the Phase
II rules because of a population greater than 10,000 and/or a population density greater than
1,000 persons per square mile. DWQ is currently developing criteria that will be used to
determine whether this and other municipalities will be required to obtain a NPDES permit.
Refer to Section A, Part 2.7.2 for further information.
8.5.4 Chockoyette Creek
This stream flows through and around Roanoke Rapids and Weldon in the northwestern portion
of this subbasin. The stream is currently impacted by collection system overflows in Roanoke
Rapids, but there is also potential for serious habitat degradation to occur as this urban area
continues to grow. Roanoke Rapids is diligently working to correct the wastewater collection
system problems, which essentially amounts to a complete replacement. DWQ will continue to
work with the city over the next five years toward completion of this task. DWQ will also plan
to sample this stream during this basinwide cycle, as resources allow.
Stormwater issues need to be addressed by Roanoke Rapids, Gaston and Weldon. This urban
area is not automatically covered by the EPA’s Phase II stormwater rules, based on total
population and density (see part 8.5.3). However, these municipalities could begin to develop a
stormwater program that addresses stormwater runoff.
Section B: Chapter 8 - Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 146