HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 8
Chapter 8
Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Including: Roanoke Rapids Lake, Roanoke River, Chockoyotte Creek, Quankey Creek,
Conoconnara Swamp, Occoneechee Creek and Kehukee Swamp
8.1 Subbasin Overview
This subbasin contains the largest intact and least-
disturbed bottomland hardwood forest floodplain in the
mid-Atlantic region and encompasses subbasins
Subbasin 03-02-08 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 513 mi2
Land area: 473 mi2
Water area: 40 mi2
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Pop.: 30,274 people
Pop. Density: 59 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 65.2%
Surface Water: 2.8%
Urban: 1.5%
Cultivated Crop: 28.4%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 2.0%
Counties
Halifax, Northampton, Martin and
Bertie
Municipalities
Roanoke Rapids, Gaston, Weldon,
Garysburg, Halifax, Jackson,
Scotland Neck, Rich Square,
Roxobel, Lewiston Woodville
Monitored Stream Statistics
Aquatic Life
Total Streams: 152.6 mi/4185.0 ac
Total Supporting: 152.6 mi
Total Not Rated: 4185.0 ac
Recreation
Total Streams: 76.6 mi
Total Not Rated: 76.6 mi
03-02-09 and 03-02-10. The lower Roanoke River is one
of five major brownwater ecosystems in the Southeast.
By the year 2020, population in Halifax, Northampton
and Martin counties are expected to increase by 3, 6 and
0.6 percent respectively. Bertie County is estimated to
experience an 8 percent decrease in population by 2020.
For more information regarding population growth and
trends, refer to Appendix I.
Several water quality improvement programs have been
implemented in this subbasin. The NC Agriculture Cost
Share Program (NCACSP), which helps reduce
agricultural runoff by helping farmers implement BMPs,
is one of these programs. The NCACSP provided
$472,693 towards implementing sediment and nutrient
reduction practices, animal waste management and
livestock stream access elimination within this subbasin.
For more information on this and other programs, refer to
recommendations throughout this chapter as well as in
Chapters 16 and 20.
Ten individual NPDES wastewater discharge permits are
issued in this subbasin with a total permitted flow of 41.9
MGD; three are major dischargers. Seven facilities are
required to conduct whole effluent toxicity testing. Five
individual stormwater permits are issued in this subbasin.
Refer to Appendix VI for identification and more
information on individual NPDES permit holders.
Sixteen registered animal operations (4 cattle, 1 poultry
and 11 swine) are located in this subbasin. Refer to
Chapter 16 for more information regarding animal
operations within this basin.
A map including the locations of NPDES discharges and water quality monitoring stations is
presented in Figure 13. Table 10 contains a summary of assessment units and lengths, streams
monitored, monitoring data types, locations and results,
Chapter 8 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 79
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Figure 13 Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Division of Water Quality
Basinwide Planning Unit
May 30, 2006
0 4 8 12 162
Miles
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Legend
Subbasin Boundary
Primary Roads
Municipality
County Boundary
Aqutic Life Use Support Rating
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AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
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Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-08SubbasinTable 10
Chockoyotte Creek
23-29
From source to Roanoke River
10.6 FW MilesC S ND
NB91 /2004M
NF43 /2004NR
Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface
Habitat Degradation Impoundment
Habitat Degradation Land Clearing
Conoconnara Swamp
23-33
From source to Roanoke River
17.7 FW MilesC S ND
NB53 /2004M
Deep Creek
23-24-(1)
From source to a point 0.5 mile upstream of mouth
11.6 FW MilesWS-IV S ND
NB54 /2004N
NF45 /2004G
Kehukee Swamp (White Millpond)
23-42
From source to Roanoke River
10.6 FW MilesC S ND
NB55 /2004M
Little Quankey Creek
23-30-1
From source to Quankey Creek
9.5 FW MilesC S ND
NB92 /2004M
Quankey Creek
23-30a
From source to Little Quankey Creek
16.0 FW MilesC S ND
NB59 /2004N
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-08Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:17 AMDRAFT
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-08SubbasinTable 10
ROANOKE RIVER
23-(25.5)
From a point 0.6 mile upstream of N.C. Hwy. 48 bridge to a
line across river 50 feet downstream of N.C. Hwy. 48 (City
of Roanoke Rapids, Town of Weldon water supply intakes)
1.7 FW MilesWS-IV;CA S SNA15 NCE NA15 NCE
23-(26)a
From a line across the river 50 ft downstream of NC Hwy
48 bridge to the confluence of Sandy Run Cr at the Bertie
50.1 FW MilesC S SNA16 NCE
NA23 NCE
NA16 NCE Total Suspended Solids Impoundment
Habitat Degradation Impoundment
23-(26)b1
From the confluence of Sandy Run Cr at the
Bertie/Northampton/Halifax Co. line to subbasin 8/9
boundary
24.8 FW MilesC S SNA17 NCE
NA24 NCE
NA17 NCE
ROANOKE RIVER (Lake Gaston below normal full power pool elevation 200 MSL and Roanoke Rapids Lake below normal full power pool elevation 132 feet MSL)
23-(22.5)
From a line across Lake Gaston 0.5 mile upstream of Lake
Gaston Dam to Roanoke Rapids Dam
4,185.0 FW AcresWS-IV,B;CA NR NDNL30 ID
NL31 ID
NL32 ID
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-08Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:17 AMDRAFT
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-08SubbasinTable 10
Use Categories:Monitoring data type: Use Support Ratings 2005:
AL - Aquatic Life NF - Fish Community Survey E - Excellent S - Supporting, I - Impaired
REC - Recreation NB - Benthic Community Survey G - Good NR - Not Rated
NA - Ambient Monitoring Site GF - Good-Fair NR*- Not Rated for Recreation (screening criteria exceeded)
NL- Lake Monitoring F - Fair ND-No Data Collected to make assessment
P - Poor
NI - Not Impaired
Miles/Acres m- Monitored N- Natural
FW- Fresh Water e- Evaluated M - Moderate CE-Criteria Exceeded > 10% and more than 10 samples
S-Severe NCE-No Criteria Exceeded
ID- Insufficeint Data Available
Results:
Results
Aquatic Life Rating Summary
S 152.6 FW Milesm
NR 4,185.0 FW Acresm
NR 11.2 FW Milese
ND 142.7 FW Miles
Recreation Rating Summary
76.6 FW MilesSm
3.4 FW MilesNR e
226.4 FW MilesND
4,185.0 FW AcresND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
306.4 FW MilesIe
4,185.0 FW AcresIe
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-08Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:17 AMDRAFT
along with use support ratings for waters in this subbasin. Refer to Appendix IX for more
information about use support ratings.
Benthic biocriteria for swamp streams have been developed since the previous basin plan (2001).
Where appropriate, those criteria have been applied to sites that were previously Not Rated
(Deep Creek, Quankey Creek, Conoconnara Swamp and Kehukee Swamp). Six benthic
macroinvertebrate community samples, two fish community samples (Figure 13 and Table 10)
and one fish tissue sample were collected during this assessment period. Data were collected
from three ambient monitoring stations and one lake (3 monitoring stations). Refer to the 2005
Roanoke River Basinwide Assessment Report at http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html and Appendix
IV for more information on monitoring.
The following sections identify waters by their assessment unit number (AU#). This number is
used to track defined segments in the water quality assessment database, 303(d) Impaired waters
list, and the various tables in this basin plan. The assessment unit number is a subset of the
DWQ index number (classification identification number). A letter attached to the end of the
AU# indicates that the assessment is smaller than the DWQ index segment. No letter indicates
that the assessment unit and the DWQ index segment are the same.
8.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-02-08 in the aquatic life, recreation,
fish consumption and water supply categories. All waters are Impaired on an evaluated basis in
the fish consumption category because of basin wide fish consumption advice. In the water
supply category, all waters are Supporting on an evaluated basis based on reports from DEH
regional water treatment plant consultants.
There were 152.6 stream miles (50 percent) and 4,185 freshwater acres (100 percent) monitored
during this assessment period in the aquatic life category. Of these, all 152.6 stream miles (50
percent) were Supporting. In the recreation category, all of the 76.6 monitored stream miles (25
percent) were Supporting. Refer to Table 10 for a summary of use support ratings for waters in
subbasin 03-02-08.
8.3 Status and Recommendations of Previously and Newly Impaired
Waters
The following waters were either identified as Impaired in the previous basin plan (2001) or are
newly Impaired based on recent data. If previously identified as Impaired, the water will either
remain on the state’s 303(d) list or will be delisted based on recent data showing water quality
improvements. If the water is newly Impaired, it will likely be placed on the 2008 303(d) list.
The current status and recommendations for addressing these waters are presented below, and
each is identified by an assessment unit number (AU#). Information regarding 303(d) listing and
reporting methodology is presented in Appendix VII.
84 Chapter 8– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
8.3.1 Roanoke Rapids Lake (Roanoke River) [AU# 23-(22.5)]
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.
Current Status
Roanoke Rapids Lake, from a line across Lake Gaston 0.5 mile upstream of Lake Gaston Dam to
Roanoke Rapids Dam (4,768.0 acres), is Not Rated for aquatic life due to insufficient number of
samples taken at sites NL30, NL31 and NL32. Roanoke Rapids Lake was monitored by DWQ in
June, July and August of 2004. Low nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations found indicated
low biological productivity with respect to algal activity. Assessment of parameters related to
biological productivity indicated this low biological productivity with slightly oligotrophic
conditions. Water clarity was generally good. Large areas of invasive aquatic weeds were
observed in 2004, primarily in the center of the lake. These weeds were Hydrilla sp., Brazilian
Elodea (Egeria densa) and Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.). No aquatic weed
control measures have been conducted at this reservoir due to economic reasons (Rob Emens,
N.C. Division of Water Resources, personal communication).
Roanoke Rapids Lake is on the 303(d) list for impaired aquatic life due to aquatic weeds. A
draft management strategy plan for aquatic weeds has been developed for Roanoke Rapids Lake
and five other lakes and has been sent to EPA for approval.
Two largemouth bass and two common carp samples were collected from Roanoke Rapids Lake
at site NT3 during 2003 and analyzed for pesticide and PCB contaminants. The samples were
collected as part of an ongoing statewide organics assessment. Both carp and one bass sample
contained trace amounts of DDE, a DDT metabolite, but concentrations were well below EPA,
FDA, and State of North Carolina criteria. PCB contaminants were not detected in any samples.
2006 Recommendations
The draft aquatic weeds management strategy plan recommends development of an
implementation plan since aquatic weed control is an ongoing concern that requires long-term
commitment. The plan should focus on regular evaluations of the control measures and allow for
modification as conditions change. Integration of control measures and modification should be
sought through evaluating program effectiveness, organizing public outreach for a noxious and
invasive weed prevention program and developing funding strategies. Roanoke Rapids Lake
will be moved to a lower priority category, removing it from the 303(d) list, pending approval of
the draft management strategy plan by the EPA. DWQ will continue to monitor Roanoke Rapids
Lake.
8.3.2 Quankey Creek [AU #23-30a & b]
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
Chapter 8 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 85
maintenance problems at the facility. 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.
Additionally, DWQ will continue to monitor Quankey Creek and, as resources allow, sample
Little Quankey Creek during the next basinwide cycle to assess its contribution to degraded
water quality in this watershed.
Current Status
Quankey Creek [AU# 23-30a], from source to Little Quankey Creek is Supporting aquatic life
based on a Natural benthic community bioclassification at site NB59. Quankey Creek [AU 23-
30b], from Little Quankey Creek to Roanoke River is No Data because it was not resampled in
2004. This segment of Quankey Creek will remain on the 303(d) list for impaired biological
integrity.
2006 Recommendations
DWQ will resample Quankey Creek in the next basinwide assessment. The Town of Halifax
WWTP has chronic problems with exceeding their discharge limits for BOD, DO and fecal
coliform bacteria. There have been numerous NOV’s and civil penalties levied against the
WWTP. The Town was granted an SOC to relax their BOD limits in March 2006. The Town
paid an upfront SOC penalty of $16,166. The SOC requires the Town of Halifax to complete
construction and eliminate discharge by tying into the Town of Weldon’s WWTP by April 2007.
8.4 Status and Recommendations for Waters with Noted Impacts
The surface waters discussed in this section are not Impaired. However, notable water quality
problems and concerns were documented for these waters during this assessment. Attention and
resources should be focused on these waters to prevent additional degradation and facilitate
water quality improvements. DWQ will notify local agencies of these water quality concerns
and work with them to conduct further assessments and to locate sources of water quality
protection funding. Additionally, education on local water quality issues and voluntary actions
are useful tools to prevent water quality problems and to promote restoration efforts. Nonpoint
source program agency contacts are listed in Appendix VIII.
8.4.1 Bridgers Creek [AU #23-34]
Current Status and Recommendation
Bridgers Creek, from source to Roanoke River (7.8 miles) is Not Rated on an Evaluated basis for
aquatic life. The Rich Square WWTP is currently completing construction for a land application
discharge system. In early 2004, DWQ Regional Office staff discovered an illegal bypass from
their spray irrigation lagoon. DWQ is working with Rich Square to get them under a SOC that
will provide for a schedule for a properly engineered removal of the bypass. In June 2004, Rich
Square had received a Clean Water Bond grant for sewer rehabilitation including inflow and
infiltration for the spray irrigation system but not for the bypass. DWQ will continue to work
with Rich Square.
86 Chapter 8– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
8.4.2 Chockoyotte Creek [AU #23-29]
Current Status
Chockoyotte Creek, from source to Roanoke River (10.6 miles) is Supporting aquatic life due to
a Moderate Stress benthic community bioclassification at site NB91. The habitat was severely
impacted at this site. Sedimentation, bank erosion, partial shading, inadequate riparian zones and
an absence of instream habitat were all noted. It appeared that the stream had once been
dammed at the sampling location and there were remains of large concrete blocks and rocks.
Although Chockoyotte Creek received a Moderate Stress bioclassification, it has a highly
degraded habitat due to urban impacts from the cities of Roanoke Rapids and Weldon. The
Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District relocated their discharge pipe from Chockoyotte Creek to the
Roanoke River in winter 2004/2005 and received new permit limits. Chockoyotte Creek was not
rated in the fish community bioclassification due to questions regarding the applicability of the
Piedmont or Coastal Plain regional criteria at site NF43. The overall community was abundant,
diverse (19 species including 5 species of sunfish) and the species were well represented by
multiple age groups. Multiple species were found from both regional criteria. The American eel
and the redbreast sunfish represented the most abundant species making up 74 percent of all the
fish collected. This is the only site where the American eel was collected. This is likely the case
because of the numerous dams on the Roanoke River impeding upstream migrations and the
colonization of historical habitats.
2006 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor Chockoyotte Creek. The towns of Roanoke Rapids and Weldon
are encouraged to develop a stormwater program to address the severe habitat degradation from
lack of controlling stormwater runoff.
8.4.3 Conoconnara Swamp [AU # 23-33]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Conoconnara Swamp, from source to Roanoke River (17.7 miles), is Supporting aquatic life due
to a Moderate Stress benthic community bioclassification at site NB53. In comparing this 2004
sample to the previous 1999 sample, which would have received a Natural bioclassification, the
2004 data indicated a decline in the benthic community. A narrow riparian zone was noted on
the left bank and an open canopy slightly decreased the habitat score. The decline in the benthic
community could be a sign of increasing stress in the watershed and warrants future monitoring.
8.4.4 Kehukee Swamp (White Millpond) [AU # 23-42]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Kehukee Swamp, from source to Roanoke River (10.6 miles), is Supporting aquatic life due to a
Moderate Stress benthic bioclassification at site NB55. The benthic community resembled
mostly pollution-tolerant species. In addition, undercut banks and root mats were rare.
However, the riparian zone was wide and intact on both sides of the stream. DWQ will continue
to monitor Kehukee Swamp.
Chapter 8 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 87
8.4.5 Little Quankey Creek [AU # 23-30-1]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Little Quankey Creek, from source to Quankey Creek (9.5 miles), is Supporting aquatic life due
to a Moderate Stress benthic community bioclassification at site NB92. High erosion potential
and a narrow riparian zone were observed at this site. A slightly more pollution-tolerant benthic
community was collected, indicating signs of water quality stress. DWQ will continue to
monitor Little Quankey Creek.
8.4.6 Roanoke River [AU# 23-(26)a & 23-(26)b1]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Roanoke River [AU# 23-(26)a], from a line across the river 50 ft downstream of NC Hwy 48
bridge to the confluence of Sandy Run Creek at the Bertie/Northampton/Halifax Co. line (50.1
miles) (sites NA16 and NA 23) and Roanoke River [23-(26)b1], from the confluence of Sandy
Run Creek at the Bertie/Northampton/Halifax Co. line to subbasin 08/09 boundary (24.8 miles)
(sites NA17 and NA24), is Supporting aquatic life due to DWQ and USGS concurrent ambient
monitoring at these sites. During this assessment period no benthic or fish community sites were
sampled on the Roanoke River due to resource constraints and high flows. The two historic sites
(at Halifax and US 258) should be sampled in future basinwide assessments.
This section of the Roanoke River is also Supporting recreation because the fecal coliform
bacterial screening criteria was not exceeded at sites NA16 or NA17.
A 74-stream mile portion of the Roanoke River mainstem from Roanoke Rapids (at hwy NC-48)
to Hamilton (at the wildlife boat ramp) was modeled for a dissolved oxygen TMDL. A model
was used to determine the assimilative capacity of this section of the Roanoke River under
critical low flow/warm weather conditions. This water quality management tool allows DWQ to
develop allocations for oxygen consuming wastes and established an oxygen-consuming TMDL.
The USEPA approved the TMDL in November 1996. This section of the Roanoke includes just
above AU# 23-(26)a, 23-(26)b1 and part of 23-(26)b2 in subbasin 03-02-09.
It is noted that severe bank erosion is occurring on the Roanoke River. River flows are managed
for flood control by the US Army Corp of Engineers and for hydropower generation by private
industries. These managed flows are not similar to natural seasonal flow conditions and
subsequently extend the length of time flooding occurs on the floodplain and in backswamps. In
addition, frequent managed high flows at bankfull heights further accelerate river bank erosion.
The NC Department of Corrections, Caledonia WWTP was granted an SOC in October 2003 for
fecal coliform bacteria. They were required to have an upgrade to their system by March 31,
2005; however they continued to have fecal coliform violations. DWQ will continue to purse
corrections to these violations.
Water Quality Initiatives
The NCEEP purchased two tracts on the Roanoke River [23-(26)b1] in coordination with The
Nature Conservancy. This acquisition protects 25,718 feet on one side of the river, 23,572 feet of
88 Chapter 8– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
streams in the interior of the tracts and 523 acres of riverine cypress gum swamp and bottomland
hardwood wetlands. The two tracts lie approximately three miles apart, with the Roanoke River
Wetlands Game Lands situated between. With the exception of one mile of privately owned
land, this acquisition creates a 9-mile block of protected land along the north shore of this
segment of the Roanoke River.
8.5 Additional Water Quality Issues within Subbasin 03-02-08
The following section discusses water quality topics downstream from the major reservoirs; J.H.
Kerr, Gaston and Roanoke Rapids. The topics discussed may be related to water quality
protection primarily concerning flow fluctuations from upstream dam releases.
8.5.1 Primary Nursery Area
The Roanoke River, from the Roanoke Rapids Dam to US 258 is designated as a Primary
Nursery Area (PNA) by the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), per rules set forth in the
NC Administrative Code 15ANCAC 10C.0501. Inland PNAs “are defined as those areas
inhabited by the embryonic, larval or juvenile life stages of marine or estuarine fish or crustacean
species due to favorable physical, chemical or biological factors”. These rules are “to establish
and protect fragile inland waters which support embryonic, larval or juvenile populations of
marine or estuarine fish or crustacean species. Nursery areas are necessary for the early growth
and development of virtually all of North Carolina’s important marine or estuarine fish or
crustacean species. Nursery areas need to be maintained, as much as possible, in their natural
state, and the fish and crustacean populations within them must be permitted to develop in a
normal manner with as little interference from man as possible”. This designation is based
primarily upon evidence that this section of the Roanoke River, approximately 35 miles, is the
spawning reach for the Roanoke River/Albemarle Sound striped bass stock.
Because the continued health and reproduction of many aquatic species and wildlife is directly
linked to good water quality, the WRC goal of conservation, management and enhancement of
these species and habitats is key in protecting this valuable and complex ecosystem. WRC
frequently conducts research and survey projects in the Roanoke River basin to assure that
resource management decisions are based upon current data. The results of these projects
demonstrate the diversity of aquatic species within portions of the basin as well as the
importance of the Roanoke River as a spawning and nursery area to anadromous fish species.
Because of the significance of diadromous fishes throughout the entire river basin including
upper reaches extending into Virginia, a Diadromous Fish Restoration Technical Advisory
Committee (DFRTAC) was formed as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
relicensing project number 2009. This is a multi-agency, collaborative effort between the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Geological
Survey, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Division of Marine
Fisheries, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, United States Army Corps of
Engineers, local universities, and Dominion Power. Initial efforts are focusing on restoration of
American eel and American shad in the upper portions of the Roanoke River basin, in which
historical migration paths have been blocked by dams in the lower portion of the river basin.
Projects have been conducted in subbasins 03-02-08, 03-02-09 and 03-02-10. These projects
included analysis of striped bass and American Shad spawning stock attributes and evaluations
Chapter 8 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 89
of American shad restoration techniques. For more information regarding these WRC studies
contact WRC, Division of Inland Fisheries.
8.5.2 US Army Corps of Engineers
The US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) owns and operates John H. Kerr Reservoir. The
project is located in Mecklenburg County, Virginia; 20.3 miles downstream from Clarksville,
Virginia and 18 miles upstream from the Virginia-North Carolina State line. The main purpose
of the reservoir is for reduction of flood damage, generation of hydroelectric power and low
water control for pollution abatement and conservation of fish and wildlife.
The flow regime from the dam is managed. How the flow is released has the potential to affect
water quality downstream. Carelessly managing a high flow release to a lower flow, especially
in hot weather, could have significant potential to reduce downstream dissolved oxygen. High
flow releases inundate the adjacent downstream back swamps. The surface of these areas is high
in organic material, which when decomposed by bacteria, will strip dissolved oxygen from the
downstream waters. As these swamps continue to flood, their slope is generally less, increasing
the time required for them to drain. New flood flow to these areas will then cover more land per
unit volume of water in contact with oxygen removing materials. The subsequent drainage of
these waters into the river can increase the risk of anoxic or hypoxic conditions downstream.
In a cooperative effort with state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, the ACOE Wilmington
District formed a water management group to discuss water quality conditions in the lower
Roanoke River. These regular discussions also include immediate weather forecasts, river and
reservoir conditions and forecast lake levels. This effort has been very useful in avoiding
potentially devastating fish kill events. A key resource tool in the decision making process has
been the water quality gage stations which are maintained by USGS. These water quality gage
stations provide real-time data of dissolved oxygen levels in the Roanoke River mainstream.
8.5.3 Dominion Power Generation
Dominion Power Generation owns and operates Lake Gaston and Dam and Roanoke Rapids
Lake and Dam for the purpose of hydropower generation. Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids
Lake are located directly downstream from John H. Kerr Reservoir. Per the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) license requirements, Dominion Power is to conduct water
quality monitoring for dissolved oxygen when the dissolved oxygen standard is not met at the
Roanoke Rapids Dam. Subsequent reporting of the standard violation and water quality data
results are required to be submitted to DWQ.
8.5.4 Conservation Tillage
Conservation tillage is a practice that has been implemented throughout the Roanoke River
Basin, with particular success in this subbasin. Conservation tillage practices produce
environmental benefits that may include reduced soil erosion, sedimentation, and pollution from
dissolved and sediment-attached substances.
90 Chapter 8– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08
Through the NCACSP, there were three eligible practices that provided cost share assistance to
farmers utilizing conservation tillage: long-term no-till (5 year), conservation tillage (3 year) and
conservation tillage (1 year). The one-year contract was removed from the program in 2003.
According to the NCACSP, the three-year conservation tillage practice means any tillage and
planting system in which at least 60 percent of the at-plant soil surface is covered by plant
residue. The long-term no-till practice means planting all crops for five consecutive years with
at least 80 percent of the at-plant soil surface covered by plant residue from preceding crops.
The goal of implementing these practices is to improve water quality.
During this basinwide cycle, 1999-2004, the following conservation tillage BMPs were installed
in this subbasin through the NCACSP:
Practice Acres Enrolled Cost
Conservation Tillage (1 year) 166.68 acres $17,719
Conservation Tillage (3 years) 1,257.1 acres $158,674
Long-term No-Till (5 years) 547.4 acres $52,291
Chapter 8 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08 91
92 Chapter 8– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-08