NCG530081_Regional Office Historical File Pre 2018

WDENR v
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
July 20, 2010
Anthony Hall
6298 Blue Ridge Rd
Lake Toxaway NC 28747
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Burkhart Trout Farm
Permit No: NCG530081
Transylvania County
Dear Mr. Hall:
Enclosed please find a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report from
the inspection which I conducted on June 22, 2010. The facility was found to be in
Compliance with permit NCG530081.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional observations and
comments. If you have any questions, please call me at 828-296-4500.
Sincerely,
AKeithyn s
Environmental Sr. Specialist
Enclosure
cc: Central Files
Asheville Files
S`:uiVIIF';S;oat5yiva~ia'Vil;a<,te:v;:t;er'.(;e!. f�r{;i,,NC(,5,3"Trout Fairris;00810Elletter6-10.doc
SURFACE WATER PROTECTION—ASHEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE One
Location:2090 U.S.Highway 70,Swannanoa, NC 28778 NorthCarolina
Phone:[phone]\FAX:[phone]\Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748 //
Internet:www.ncwaterguality.org naturally
I

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding(i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 _I 2 ! 111 121 17 18J 19Jc 201
_=jI 00 10/06/22 1
Remarks
21111111111111 Jill 1111 Jill 11111111 Jill 111111111116
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 CIA --------------------------Reserved----------------------
67 1 169 70 U 71 U 72LNI 73 Lj_j 74 751 I I I I I Li 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Burkhart Trout Farm 11:00 AM 10/06/22 07/08/01
6298 Blue Ridge Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Lake Toxaway NC 28747 11:30 AM 10/06/22 12/07/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Anthony Hall,6298 Blue Ridge Rd Lake Toxaway NC 28747//828-883-2636/No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Facility Site Review N Effluent/Receiving Waters
Section D: Summary of Find in /Comments Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Keith Haynes ARO WQ//828-296-4500/ 7• (q.(b
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Roger C Edwards ' J ARO WQ//828-296-4500/ "d
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
3I NCG530081 I11 12I 10/06/22 ( 17 181_I
Uj
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
The farm appeared to be in normal operation for the summer months. There was no one on site at the time
of the visit. Please be sure that the intake does not take all of the stream during dry weather.
I
Page# 2

Permit: NCG530081 Owner-Facility: Burkhart Trout Farm
Inspection Date: 06/22/2010 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new application? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Is the facility as described in the permit? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: >
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment: The trout farm did not appear to be having adverse impacts on the stream.
Page# 3

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross,Jr.,Secretary
Coleen H.Sullins,Director
July 30,2007
Anthony Hall
6298 Blue Ridge Road
Lake Toxaway,NC 28747
Subject: Renewal of coverage/General Permit NCG530000
Burkhart Trout Farm
Certificate of Coverage NCG530081
Transylvania County
Dear Permittee:
In accordance with your renewal application [received on March 26, 20071,the Division is renewing
Certificate of Coverage(CoC)NCG530081 to discharge under NCG530000. This CoC is issued pursuant to the
requirements of North Carolina General Statue 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North
Carolina and the US Environmental Protection agency dated May 9, 1994 [or as subsequently amended].
If any parts,measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this General Permit are
unacceptable to you,you have the right to request an individual permit by submitting an individual permit
application. Unless such demand is made,the certificate of coverage shall be final and binding.
Please take notice that this Certificate of Coverage is not transferable except after notice to the
Division. The Division may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the certificate of coverage.
Contact the Asheville Regional Office prior to any sale or transfer of the permitted facility.
Regional Office staff will assist you in documenting the transfer of this CoC.
This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by
the Division of Water Quality or permits required by the Division of Land Resources, Coastal Area
Management Act or any other Federal or Local governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions concerning the requirements of the General Permit,please contact Joe
Corporon [919 733-5083, extension 597 or [e-mail]].
Sincerely, � !k1:!(�1i>Wi+�+*ahi�^�Yn w�.-7.in.h.9haity- ;Js ux•,.axae:F ,+,t b".ih �r'
for Coleen H. Sullins I y
J U L 3 1 2007
cc: Central Files
Asheville_Regional-Office/Surface Water Prote tc
NPDES file — ---- -- --
s� WATER QUALITY SECTION
ASHEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
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p�.+.. '�"�+1!�M!l*Mkk{?y1a+Ysetttihnf,!l/Fl,r.»i�,c;N.:tnl•JgavMwa::uttur:.:urve
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617 One
512 North Salisbury Street,Raleigh,North Carolina 27604 NOrthCarOhna
Phone: [phone]/FAX [phone]/Internet:www.ncwaterquality.org Naharallb,
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 50%Recycled/10%Post Consumer Paper

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
GENERAL PERMIT NCG530000
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE NCG530081
DISCHARGE SEAFOOD PACKING & RINSING, FISH FARM AND SIMILAR WASTEWATERS
UNDER THE,
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and
regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
Anthony Hall
is hereby authorized to discharge trout farm wastewater from a facility located at
Burkhart Trout Farm
6298 Blue Ridge Rd
Transylvania County
to receiving waters designated as the West Fork French Broad River in subbasin 04-03-01
of the French Broad River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring
requirements,and other conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof.
This certificate of coverage shall become effective August 1, 2007.
This Certificate of Coverage shall remain in effect for the duration of the General Permit.
Signed this day July 30, 2007.
rr�
for Coleen H. Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

4&Glolr
m2i
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross,Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
January 11,2007
Kevin Burkhart
Kevin Burkhart
6298 Blue Ridge Road
Lake Toxaway,NC 28747
Subject: Renewal Notice/General Permit NCG530000
Certificate of Coverage NCG530081
Transylvania County
Dear Permittee:
You are receiving this notice because you currently operate a fish farm or fish packing/rinsing facility
covered under the subject General Permit. NCG530000 will expire on July31,2007. Federal(40 CFR 122.41)
and North Carolina(15A NCAC 2H.0105(e))regulations require that permit renewal applications be filed at
least 180 days prior to expiration of the current permit. To satisfy this requirement,the Division must receive
a renewal request postmarked no later than February 1,2007.
The Certificate of Coverage(CoC)specific to your property was last issued on August 1,2002. The
Division needs information from you to determine if coverage under NCG550000 is still necessary.
If your property still has a wastewater system like the ones described in the enclosed Technical
Bulletin,you must renew the subject CoC.
➢ If you are not sure what type of system your property has, contact Keith Haynes in the NC DENR
Asheville Regional Office at(828)296-4500. That person [or other staff members] can help you
determine if you should renew your CoC
➢ If you know that your facility no longer discharges to a waterbody,contact me at the address or
phone number listed below to request rescission of the CoC.
The attached application form shows the information the Division has on file for your property. Please
verify that the provided information is correct,or make corrections on the form. Complete the additional
questions,then sign and date the form. The completed form should be submitted to the address listed below
the signature block.
If you have any questions concerning this matter,please contact me at the telephone number or e-mail
address listed below. (If it is difficult to reach me,please be aware that your facility is one of over 1400 that I
am contacting regarding the renewal of several General Permits.) Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[ --
Charles H.Weaver,Jr. JA N 7 2007J'I
NPDES Unit
cc: Central Files WATER QUALITY Y sECI ION
411eville_Regional Office/Keith_Haynes ASI IEviLLC F,-C IC PJAL OFFICE
NPDES file —-
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617One
512 North Salisbury Street,Raleigh,North Carolina 27604 NorthCarohna
Phone, 919 733-5083,extension 511/FAX [phone]/[e-mail] ;Vaharallff
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer—50%Recycled/10%Post Consumer Paper

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460
OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding(i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 I NI 2 I ;I 31 NCc530031. 111 121 06/03/30 117 18I cI 19I SI 201
Remarks
21111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111116
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------------Reserved--------•-------------
67I 169 701 41 711 I 721 N I 73I I 174 751 I I I I I I 180
Section B: Facility Data W
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Burkhart Trout Farm 10:50 AM 06/03/30 02/08/01
Northlake Toxaway Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
11:20 AM 06/03/30 07/07/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Kevin Burkhart,1401 Highland Rdg Ct. Matthews NC 2810+/// Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations&Maintenance E Facility Site Review N Effluent/Receiving Waters
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Keith Haynes ARO WQ//828-296-4500/ .06
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Larry Frost ARO WQ//326-296-4500 Ext.4658/
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
3I NCG53008_ I11 121 06/03/30 117 18I`,I
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
The farm was well maintained and appeared to be well properly operated. The owner needs to make sure
that Raleigh is contacted regarding the change in ownership.
Page# 2

Permit: NCG530081 Owner-Facility: Burkhart Trout Farm
Inspection Date: 03/30/2006 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? ■ 0 ❑ 171
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge ❑ ❑ ■
Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: The farm was very well maintained.
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new application? ❑ ❑ ■
Is the facility as described in the permit? ■
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ 0 ■ 11
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ■ n
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? ■ ❑ n
Comment:
Page# 3

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor NCDENR
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
December 17, 2003 l `
Mr. Kevin Burkhart 1' l 9+ DEC 2 3 2003
Burkhart Farms LLC r:,t
1401 Highland Ridge Court
tNA�El (1n1.13',f StcCP"i�3,��
Weddington, North Carolina 28104 u ,S E ILO E RGRf1df�ICE
Subject: NPDES Permit Modification— Name/Ownership Change
Permit NCG530081
Burkhart Farms, LLC
(Formerly Whitewater Trout Farm Inc.)
Transylvania County
Dear Mr. Burkhart:
In accordance with your request received October 24, 2003, the Division is forwarding the subject
permit modification. This modification documents the change in name/ownership at the subject facility.
All other terms and conditions in the original permit remain unchanged and in full effect, This permit
modification is issued under the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the
Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
dated December 6, 1983.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit
modification are unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request
within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be a written petition conforming
to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings,
Post Office Drawer 27447, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7447. Unless such demand is made, this
decision shall be final and binding.
This permit does not affect the legal requirement to obtain other permits which may be required
by the Division of Water Quality, the Division of Land Resources, Coastal Area Management Act, or any
other Federal or Local government permit that may be required. If you have any questions concerning
this permit, please contact Valery Stephens at the telephone number or address listed below.
Sincerely,
A an W"Klimek, P.E.
cc: Central Files
Asheville Regional Office, Water Quality Section
SWGPU Unit
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 2.1 919 733-5083,extension 520 (fax)919 733.0719
VISIT us ON THE INTERNET @ http://h2o.enr.sfate.nc.us/ [e-mail]

i
i
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
GENERAL PERMIT NO. NCG530000
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE No. NCG530081
TO DISCHARGE SEAFOOD PACKING AND RINSING, FISH FARMS AND SIMILAR WASTEWATERS UNDER
THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and
regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
Burkhart Farms, LLC
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from FISH OR SEAFOOD FARM ponds/pools/tanks or similar
wastewater from a facility located at
Burkhart Farms, LLC
North Lake Toxaway
Lake Toxaway
Transylvania County
to receiving waters designated as West Fork French Broad River, Class WS III Tr, in the French Broad
River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set
forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof.
This certificate of coverage shall become effective December 17, 2003.
This Certificate of Coverage shall remain in effect for the duration of the General Permit.
Signed this day December 17, 2003.
/ Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

C'N
Trout Farm Study Plan February 2, 2000
Watersheds of concern: W. Fork French Broad R.
Peter Weaver Cr./ Morgan Mill Cr.
Trout farms in question: Whitewater Trout Farm (on trib of W. Fork)
Morgan Mill Trout Farm
Both stream segments are on the 2000 303(d) list for biological (benthic)
integrity impairment. This study plan seeks to identify the cause of the
impairments. It will consider the trout farm's role in the problem, as well as
other sources of pollution in the respective watersheds. The study is
targeted to take place during the summer of 2000.
A benthic survey was completed on Peter Weaver Cr. in July, 1997. The
survey site is below the confluence of Morgan Mill Cr., to which the trout
farm discharges, and Peter Weaver Cr. The result was a fair rating.
DWQ performed a number of benthic surveys on the W. Fork of the French
Broad. Upstream/downstream monitoring of the trout farm was conducted
in May. and August of 1990. In both cases the stream was rated excellent
above the trout farm. Below the trout farm there are two monitoring sites:
one right below the trout farm at S.R. 1306 and another about one half mile
below the trout farm at NC 281. During May and August the ratings were
good-fair and fair at S.R. 1306, and good and good-fair at NC 281,
respectively. Each site went down one notch in the ratings between May and
August, which cites the probability of increased oxygen stress during the
warmer months.
The first action that must be taken in both watersheds is to perform
additional benthic macro invertebrate surveys. In the Morgan Mill/Peter
Weaver watershed, it would be very advantageous to have surveys in four
locations: first, upstream of the trout farm on Morgan Mill Cr.; second,
downstream of the trout farm on Morgan Mill Cr.; third, on Peter Weaver
Cr., upstream of the conf luence with Morgan Mi II Cr. ; fourth, below the
confluence of Morgan Mill Cr. and Peter Weaver Cr. This would allow DWQ
to determine the impacts from the trout farm, as well as target other
sources of pollution on both of the creeks.

Another of the upstream/downstream sequence of benthic surveys on the
West Fork of the French Broad would update our understanding of the
impacts caused by the Whitewater trout farm. Additionally, it may be
helpful to assess the tributary of the West Fork that runs along the
Whitewater raceways. It had visual signs of impacts from the trout farm;
namely, sediment spoil piles and prodigious red worms in the sediment along
the streambanks.
Surveying the benthic macro invertebrate communities would tell us if there
is a problem pollutant in the respective watersheds, but more sampling must
be conducted to identify which pollutant(s) is (are) causing the problem.
These would be the initial steps in the development of management strategy
recommendations. To this end, DWQ proposes the implementation of a
water quality monitoring protocol in the two watersheds.
The most apparent potential causes of impairment are oxygen depletion,
ammonia toxicity, and solids loading. The trout farms pump liquid oxygen
into the streams to boost the dissolved oxygen levels in their effluent
during the warm weather months. This is likely to be helpful to the streams
immediately below the trout farms, but it may also mask impacts further
downstream that result from high BOD loading. Will there be a need to
alleviate this confounding factor? DWQ proposes weekly or biweekly
sampling of locations upstream, immediately downstream and some distance
(0.5 to 1 mile?) downstream from the trout farms for the following
parameters: dissolved oxygen, ammonia, biological oxygen demand, and total
suspended solids.
At first glance, with one exception, it doesn't appear that more extensive
monitoring would be need on the West Fork. On the visit in December,
Kerry Becker of DWQ ARO noted the accumulation of gravel in the
tributary channel that runs along the Whitewater raceways and a.gravel
road used to access the raceways. Some investigation into the possibility
that this access road is eroding into the tributary appears warranted.
Identification of the source(s) of impairment in the Peter Weaver Cr.
watershed is much more complex. The additional benthic surveying and
ambient monitoring will be helpful to identify the major sources of

impairment. However, cursory inspection of the watershed brings other
possible sources of impairment to mind; several small industrial operations
and hydromodification should be investigated. Other pollutants generated
from stormwater runoff, including toxics from a car paint shop, and point
source discharge are possible causes of impairment. Additionally, the
stressed benthic community may be attributable to hydromodification
(channelization and impervious surface expansion) and subsequent habitat
degradation. The additional assessments required to investigate toxics
loading and hydromodification are beyond the readily available resources of
DWQ. Accordingly, DWQ will seek to identify other resources in the coming
months.
The DWQ personnel and resources needed to perform the monitoring .
protocol should be scheduled this winter. Any suggestions or volunteers will
be appreciated. Perhaps the monitoring could begin in May or June and run
through August or September.

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment • •
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary NCDENR
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
July 26,2002
EDWARD JOY
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM INC
RT 1 BOX 53A
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC 28747
Subject: Reissue-NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit
Whitewater Trout Farm Inc
COC Number NCG530081
Transylvania County
Dear Permittee:
In response to your renewal application for continued coverage under general permit NCG530000,the Division of
Water Quality(DWQ)is forwarding herewith the reissued wastewater general permit Certificate of Coverage
(COC). This COC is reissued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the
Memorandum of Agreement between the state of North Carolina and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,
dated May 9, 1994(or as subsquently amended).
The following information is included with your permit package:
* A copy of the Certificate of Coverage for your treatment facility
* A copy of General Wastewater Discharge Permit NCG530000
* A copy of a Technical Bulletin for General Wastewater Discharge Permit NCG530000
Your coverage under this general permit is not transferable except after notice to DWQ. The Division may require
modification or revocation and reissuance of the Certificate of Coverage. This permit does not affect the legal
requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by DENR or relieve the permittee from responsibility
for compliance with any other applicable federal,state,or local law rule,standard,ordinance,order,judgment,or
decree.
If you have any questions regarding this permit package please contact Aisha Lau of the Central Office Stormwater
and General Permits Unit at(919)733-5083,ext.578
Sincerely,
for Alan W.Klimek,P.E.
cc: Central Files
Stormwater&General Permits Unit Files
Asheville Regional Office
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 509/6 recycledl 10%post-consumer paper

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, fflu.
Health and Natural Resources A
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan Howes, Secretary ED E
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Jul7.!ASHEVILL?"h
Edward Joy
Whitewater Trout Farm Route 1,Box 53A SECl-IONLake Toxaway,NC 2874710N L OFFICE
Subject: Certificate of Coverage No. NCG530081
Renewal of General Permit
Whitewater Trout Farm
Transylvania County
Dear Permittee:
In accordance with your application for renewal of the subject Certificate of Coverage, the Division is forwarding
the enclosed General Permit. This renewal is valid from the effective date on the permit until July 31, 2002. This
permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215 .1 and the Memorandum of
Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency dated December 6,1983. If any
parts,measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable to you,you have
the right to request an individual permit by submitting an individual permit application. Unless such demand is
made, this certificate of coverage shall be final and binding.
( The Certificate of Coverage for your facility is not transferable except after notice to the Division. Use the enclosed
Permit Name/Ownership Change form to notify the Division if you sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the
subject facility. The Division may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the Certificate of Coverage.
If your facility ceases discharge of wastewater before the expiration date of this permit, contact the Regional
Office listed below at [phone]. Once discharge from your facility has ceased, this permit may be rescinded.
This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of
Water Quality, the Division of Land Resources, Coastal Area Management Act or any other Federal or Local
governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions concerning this permit,please contact the NPDES Group at the address below.
Sincerely,
A.Preston Howard,Jr.,P.E.
cc: Central Files
iahAsiieville Regional Office,
NPDES File
Facility Assessment Unit
i,
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 [phone] FAX[phone] p&[e-mail]
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f
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA '
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
GENERAL PERMIT NO. NCG530000
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE NO. NCG530081
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER FROM FISH FARMS, SEAFOOD PACKING &
RINSING AND SIMILAR WASTEWATERS UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards
and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,as amended,
Whitewater Trout Farm
is hereby authorized to operate a facility which discharges wastewater from a fish farm or
from seafood packing &rinsing operations and similar wastewaters from a facility
located at
Northlake Toxaway
Lake Toxaway
Transylvania County
to receiving waters designated as subbasin 40301 in the French Broad River Basin
in accordance with the effluent limitations,monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth
in Parts I, II, III and IV of General Permit No. NCG530000 as attached.
This certificate of coverage shall become effective August 1, 1997.
This certificate of coverage shall remain in effect for the duration of the General Permit.
Signed this day July 23, 1997.
' v
1. A. Preston Howard,Jr., P.E., Director
f Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

.>tate of North Carolina
Department of Environment.
Health and Natural Resources • •
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary ED F= H N F1
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
September 30,1993
EDWARD JOY
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM
ROUTE 1,BOX 53A
LAKE TOXAWAY NC 28747 Subject: WHITEWATER TROUT FARM
Certificate of Coverage NCG530081
General Permit NCG530000
Formerly NPDES Permit NCO079341
TransylvaniaCounty
Dear Permittee:
The Division of Environmental Management has recently evaluated all existing individual permits for potential
// coverage under general permits currently issued by the Division. 15A N.C.A.C.2H.0127 allows the Division to .
evaluate groups of permits having similar discharge activities for coverage under general permits and issue
coverage where the Division finds control of the discharges more appropriate in this manner. The Division has
determined that the subject discharge qualifies for such coverage. Therefore, the Division is hereby issuing the
subject Certificate of Coverage under the state-NPDES general permit no. NCG530000 which shall void NPDES
Permit NC0079341. This Certificate of Coverage is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina and the
US Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum of Agreement dated December 6,1983 and as subsequently
amended.
If any parts,measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this general permit are unacceptable to
you,you have the right to submit an individual permit application,associated processing fee and letter requesting
coverage under an individual permit. Unless such demand is made,this decision shall be final and binding. Please
take notice this Certificate of Coverage is not transferable. Part II,E.4. addresses the requirements to be followed
in case of change of ownership or control of this discharge.
In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions, the
Permittee shall take immediate corrective action,including those as may be required by this Division, such as the
construction of additional or replacement wastewater treatment or disposal facilities. Construction of any
wastewater treatment facilities will require issuance of an Authorization to Construct from this Division.
Failure to abide by the requirements contained in this Certificate of Coverage and respective general permit may
subject the Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division of Environmental Management in accordance with
North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 143-215.6C. Please note that the general permit does require
monitoring in accordance with federal law. The monitoring data is not required to be submitted to the Division
unless specifically requested,however,the permittee is required to maintain all records for a period of at least
three (3) years.
Post Office Box 29535,Raleigh,North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone[phone] FAX[phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50%recycled-10%post-consumer paper

Page 2
EDWARD JOY
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM
Certificate of Coverage No. NCG530081
The issuance of this Certificate of Coverage is an administrative action initiated by the Division of
Environmental Management and therefore,no fees are due at this time. In accordance with current rules,there
are no annual administrative and compliance monitoring fees for coverage under general permits. The only fee
you will be responsible for is a renewal fee at the time of renewal. The current permit expires July 31,1997.
This coverage will remain valid through the duration of the attached general permit. The Division will be
responsible for the reissuance of the general permit and at such time,you will be notified of the procedures to
follow to continue coverage under the reissued permit. Unless you fail to follow the procedures for continued
coverage,you will continue to be permitted to discharge in accordance with the attached general permit.
The issuance of this Certificate of Coverage does not preclude the Permittee from complying with any and all
statutes,rules,regulations,or ordinances which may be required by the Division of Environmental Management
or permits required by the Division of Land Resources,the Coastal Area Management Act or any Federal or
Local other governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding this matter,please contact either the
Asheville Regional Office,Water Quality Section at telephone number 704/ 251-6208,or a review engineer in
the NPDES Group in the Central Office at telephone number 919/733-5083.
Cl Sincerely,
A.Preston Howa r.,P.E.
cc: Asheville Regional Office
Central Files
�J

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
GENERAL PERMIT NO. NCG530000
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE No.NCG530081
TO DISCHARGE SEAFOOD PACKING AND RINSING, FISH FARMS AND SIMILIAR WASTEWATERS
UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUNTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and
regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission,and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM
is hereby authorized to discharge seafood packing and rinsing,fish farm or similiar wastewaters from a
` facility located at
i
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM
TransylvaniaCounty
to receiving waters designated as the W FORK FRENCH BRD RV/FRENCH BRD RV B
in accordance with the effluent limitations,monitoring requirements,and other conditions set forth in Parts I,11,
III and IV of General Permit No. NCG530000 as attached.
This certificate of coverage shall become effective November 1, 1993.
This Certificate of Coverage shall remain in effect for the duration of the General Permit.
Signed this day, September 30, 1993.
d— .Preston Howar r.,P.E.,Director
Division of Environmental Management
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

ST 1z R7 FE",, V E r3"
State of North Carolina JUIN T(10
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural ResoV
Division of Environmental Management m Carolina
iakOffice
512 North Salisbury Street 0 Raleigh, North Carolina 2761 tskwille' Worth
James G.Martin,Governor George T. Everett, Ph.D.
William W. Cobey,Jr.,Secretary Director
6/6/90
Edward Joy, President
Edward Joy Subject : NPDES Permit Application
Route 1, Box 53A NPDES Permit No.NC0079341
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 Whitewater Trout Farm
Dear Mr. Joy Transylvania County
This is to acknowledge receipt of the following documents on May 23, 1990:
Application Form
Engineering Proposal (for proposed control facilities) ,
Request for permit renewal,
Application Processing Fee of
Other
The items checked below are needed before review can begiri:
Application Form
—TEngineering proposal (see attachment) ,
Application Processing Fee of
Delegation of Authority (see attached)
Biocide Sheet (see attached)
Other
If the application is not made complete within thirty (30) days, it will be
returned to you and may be resubmitted when complete .
This application has been assigned to Jule Shanklin
(919/733-5083) of our Permits Unit for review. You will be advised ot- any
comments recommendations, questions or other information necessary for the
review of the application .
I am, by copy of this letter, requesting that our Regional Office
Supervisor prepare a staff report and recommendations regarding this
discharge . If you have any questions regarding this applications,
please contact the review person listed above .
S cere 1 y,
CC: �..�,sl�eville Regional Office, P. Dale 40vercash, P .E .
Pollution Prevention Pays
P.O.Box 27687,Raleigh,North Carolina 27611--7687 Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, MAY
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, N.C. 27611
TROUT FARM QUESTIONNAIRE/APPLICATION
1 . Legal name of applicant:
/--111.1C,
2. Mailing Address
Street, Route, or P.O. Box No. 0 Cy 76
City of Town -7
County 77WIl V A AllA
State Zip Code T7 7e147
3 . Telephone number
4 . Name of facility
5 . Ownership (check one)
a. Government
b. Private
c. Both Government and private
6 . Is this facility located on tribal lands?
Yes No
7 . Is this facility (check one) a. Existing
b. Proposed
8 . Date facility was or will be constructed. (mo/yr)
9 . Location of facility
a. City/Town (as applicable)
b. County —7�V IV S A
10. Give directions to this facility from the nearest Town
(use road numbers and mileage between points)
U
�j
Asheville, N)rtfi G'31-o!1na

{
Trout Farm Questionnaire/Application
Page Two of Three
11. Attach a sketch or map
(e.g. County Map or U.S. Geological
Survey Topographic Map) of the existing or proposed
facility with the following information marked:
a. Approximate overall dimensions of the facility.
b. Direction and location of surface drainage and other
discharges from the facility.
c. General location of streams in the area.
d. Location of area for manure disposal.
e. Discharge location.
WO
J
12. Name of stream receiving discharge
13 . Which type of system( s) do you use? (check one or more)
a. Ponds
b. Raceways
c. Water recycling
d. Oxygen injection
e. Mechanical aeration
14. Describe your manure management system (e.g. direct
discharge or land application method, frequency of
application, acres available, collection system, storage
capacity, etc. )
AG
15. Do you w of other trout farms which use the same stream?
Yes � No
If yes , list name of facilities
16 . What is the estimated low flow of the receiving stream
2 niF', gallons per minute
17 . What is the estimated discharge flow rate to the receiving
stream? Give low to high range.
4 gallons per minute
18 . Is there a disc arge from the facility at least 30 days per
year? Yes No
j 19 . How much trout is. produced per year? C/6)
`l pounds per year

_ Trout Farm Questionnaire/Application
Page Three of Three
20. What is the estimated total production capacity of the
facility after any proposed expansions?
pounds per year
Date of proposed expansion (mo/yr)
21. Do you feed more than 5, 000 pounds of feed during the
calendar month of maximum feeding?
Yes No ✓
22 . Do you process trout for le at this facility?
Yes No
If yes, please describe how you handle the processing
wastewater.
23 . Have you ever applied for a state water pollution control
permit (NPDES permit) for this facility?
Yes No
j24. If a state water pollution control p permit for this facility
has been issued, give date and permit number.
a. Date of issuance (mo/dy/yr)
b. Permit number
25 . Have you received, from any level of government, written
notice of complaint pertaining to water pollution from this
facility?
Yes No
I certify that I am familiar with the information contained
in the application and that to the best of my knowledge and
belief such information is true, complete, and accurate.
f �
Printed name of person signing Title
" w A
Signature o applica t Date application signed
If you have questions, please contact the Division of
Environmental Management, Water Quality Section in Asheville at
704-251-6208, in Winston-Salem at 919-761-2013 or is Raleigh at
919-733-5083 .

TO:- PERMITS AND ENGOERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
DATE: June 12, 1990
1
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
COUNTY Transylvania
PERMIT NUMBER NC0079341
.PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Whitewater Trout Farm
Mr. Edward Joy
Route 1, Box 53A
Lake Toxaway, N.C. 28747
2. Date of Investigation: N/A
3 . Report Prepared By: Gary T. Tweed, P.E.
4. Persons Contract and Telephone Number: Edward Joy
5. Directions to Site: The facility is located at the
intersection of Slick Fisher Road and Route 281 .
6. Discharge Point(s) , List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 35-11-05
Longitude: 82-57-00
7. Size (land available for expansion and upgrading) : A few Acres
8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included) : Rolling
area adjacent to stream.

i l
9. Location of nearest dwelling: N/A
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters: W. Fork French
Broad River.
a. Classification: WSIII Trout
b. River Basin and Subbasin No. : 04-03-01
C. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: Mountain Drainage. Lower segment of River class
WSIII Trout HQW.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. Type of wastewater: % Domestic
% Industrial
100 % Trout Hatchery
a. Volume of Wastewater: GPM (Design Capacity)
b. Types and quantities of industrial wastewater: N/A
C. Prevalent toxic constituents in wastewater: N/A
d. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only) : N/A
in development approved
should be required not needed
2. Production rates ( industrial discharges only) in pounds per day:
N/A
3 . Description of industrial process (for industries only) and
applicable CFR Part and Subpart: N/A
4. Type of treatment (specify whether proposed or existing) : None
5. Sludge handling and disposal scheme: Not Specified
6. Treatment plant classification: Less than 5 points; no rating
(include rating sheet) . N/A
7 . SIC Codes(s) : 0279
Wastewater Code(s) : Primary 25 Secondary

r
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant funds
(municipals only) ? N/A
2. Special monitoring requests:
3. Additional effluent limits requests:
4. Other:
PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Whitewater Trout Farm has submitted the Division Trout Farm
Questionnaire which shows the Whitewater Trout Farm to be the
size requiring a NPDES Permit. It is proposed to issue all trout
farm NPDES Permits concurrently. It is recommended that the
Whitewater Trout Farm be issued a NPDES Permit.
Sig ure of Report Preparer
ater7/2
lity Regional Supervisor
Dat J ne 12 , 1990

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NOV 2 6 2003 („
Environmental Sciences Branch WATER pUALITYSECTION J
Biological Assessment Unit ASHEVILLE REGIONAL OFFIi ))))
November 20, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To: Jimmie Overton
Through: Trish MacPherson
From: Bryn H. Tracy%11�71vl�
Subject: Fish Community Assessment of West Fork French Broad River above and below
Whitewater Trout Farm (Transylvania County, French Broad River Basin, Subbasin 01,
Index No. 6-2-(0.5))
INTRODUCTION
As requested by the Modeling/TMDL Unit as part of the Collaborative Assessment of Watersheds and
Streams Program, the fish communities at three sites along the West Fork French Broad River were
evaluated to determine any impacts from the Whitewater Trout Farm discharge. One-half mile of the river
from above to below the trout farm is on the 2002 303 (d)list of biologically impaired streams (NCDENR
2003a). The cause of impairment is given as"cause unknown"with "aquaculture" also given as the
potential source. This memorandum summarizes the results from this monitoring.
WATERSHED DESCRIPTION
This study was conducted in the extreme upper watershed of the West Fork French Broad River(Figure
1) in the Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains ecoregion (Griffith at al. 2002). Most of the six
square mile watershed is forested except for the bottomlands which have been converted to pasture,
cropland, small farms, and home sites. The waters are classified as Class B Trout(Tr)waters which
means that these waters have conditions which sustain and allow for trout propagation and survival of
stocked trout on a year-round basis (NCAC 2002). The river above Camp Winding Gap (also known as
Camp Windy Gap)and sections of the river below NC 281 are classified as Wild Trout Waters by the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC); the lower one-half of the river is classified as
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters (NCWRC 1997; www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_03fishing.htm).
There is one trout farm on the upper West Fork French Broad River within the study area. Whitewater
Trout Farm (also known as KB Farm)is a small trout farm located near the confluence of Mill Branch and
the West Fork French Broad River(Figures 2 and 3). The aquaculture facility raises and markets
Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout can inadvertently escape the facility during floods and inhabit downstream
reaches of the river. Brown trout are not raised but are stocked, along with Rainbow trout and Brook
trout, in the lower reaches of the river by the NCWRC. The aquaculture facility operates under a
statewide general permit(NPDES Permit No. NCG530081)and discharges to waters classified as V.
Trout farms are required to have a waste management plan which typically consists of a settling pond or
basin at the end of the raceway which is routinely pumped out for land application (NCDA&CS 2001).
The basin at the Whitewater Trout Farm is a"full flow'settling basin with each raceway having a
quiescent zone.
t For such discharges,the daily maximum effluent limitations for total suspended solids is 10 mg/L,the daily average dissolved
oxygen effluent concentrations shall not be less than 6.0 mg/L,the pH shall not be less than 6.0 s.u.nor greater than 9.0 s.u.,and
that there shall be no discharge of fish parts,floating solids,or visible foam in other than trace amounts
(http://h2o.enr.state.ne.uslsu/Forms_Documents.htm-Stormwater%20General%20Pennit).

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Figure 2. Left-Whitewater Trout Farm located just above SR 1306 off NC 281 at the
confluence of Mill Branch and the West Fork French Broad River, Transylvania
County. The farm raises Rainbow trout.
Figure 3. Right-healthy, 200 mm long Brown trout collected from West Fork French Broad
River at SR 1306 below the Whitewater Trout Farm, Transylvania County.
HISTORICAL DATA
DWQ's interests in the effects upon the aquatic community from trout farm discharges along the upper
West Fork French Broad River began in 1989. Prior to the implementation of Best Management Practices
(BMPs), the discharges from trout farms were high in suspended solids, dissolved and particulate
organics, and nutrients. In May and August 1990, September 2000, and October 2001, studies of the
impact of these discharges upon the benthic macroinvertebrate community were conducted prior to and
after implementation of BMPS (Biological Assessment Unit Memoranda B-900720, B-901029, 20000925,
and 20020125).
Three sites (one above and two below the trout farm)were evaluated. [Note: the uppermost site in the
1990 and 2000 study was on an unnamed tributary to the West Fork French Broad River and not the
West Fork French Broad River perse. The 2001 site was on the West Fork French Broad Riverjust
above Camp Winding Gap] These studies determined that the site above the trout farms was rated either
Excellent or Not Rated, the site immediately below the trout farm (at SR 1306)was generally Fair, and the
site below the farm at NC 281 was Good-Fair or Good (NCDENR 2003b). The effects of the discharge on
the benthic fauna were similar to that of sewage effluents—an abundance of pollution tolerant, nutrient
enrichment indicative, and filter feeding benthic macroinvertebrates. The discharges also stimulated
production of benthic periphyton, sewage fungus, and bacteria. In Transylvania County alone in 2000
there were 18 such discharges from trout farms. (NCDA&CS 2001).
In 1990 to complement the DWQ benthic macroinvertebrate study, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission sampled four sites along the river during May, August, and October to determine what
impacts the discharge had upon the fish community(Doug Basler, Jim Borawa, and Scott Loftis, NCW RC,
pers. com., unpublished data)? The trout farm discharge greatly stimulated fish production (density and
biomass of three species) in the receiving stream (Table 1). For example, Total Density was 15 to 44
times greater below than above the discharge; likewise Total Standing Crop was 9 to 12 times greater
below than above the discharge. The stimulated production was generally greatest immediately below
the discharge and declined with distance downstream.
2 The four sites sampled were: Site Nos. 1A and 113 on US Forest Service land above the trout farms,Site No. 3 below the trout
farms at SR 1306,and Site No.4 approximately 0.5 mile below SR 1306 where an unnamed tributary joins the river on the north
side of the river and roughly one-half the way between SR 1306 and NC 281. The fish were collected using a three-pass depletion
back pack electrofishing technique over a distance of approximately 90 to 100 meters.
3

Table 1. Fish data collected by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission from
three sites along the West Fork French Broad River, Transylvania County, 1990.
See text for explanation of location of sites.
Month May Aug Oct
Location Above Below Above Below Above Below
Site 11 3 4 11 3 4 1 3 4
Density(No./ha)
Rainbow trout 288 725 421 1,098 621 439 116 766 116
Brown trout 200 1,906 1,103 632 3,460 2,539 410 4,185 1,146 -
Blacknose dace 89 2,652 7,647 111 14,936 23,753 11 18,810 8,996
Redbreast sunfish 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 577 5,304 9,171 1,841 19,017 26,731 537 23,761 10,258
Standing Crop(Kglha)
Rainbow trout 13.54 84.43 37.04 14.97 44.10 56.56 11.20 44.1 56.56
Brown trout 11.75 216.11 53.05 29.56 323.60 125.5 22.95 323.60 125.15 -
Blacknose dace 0.27 6.29 19.69 0.33 32.65 41.63 0.06 36.56 14.18
Redbreast sunfish 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 25.56 306.87 109.78 44.86 400.35 223.69 34.21 404.26 195.89
'Averages of two sites located above the trout farms on US Forest Service lands.
These two 1990 biological studies (DWQ's and NCWRC's)along with a water chemistry study were part
of a larger study on the impacts of trout farms coordinated by Drs. James Rice and Jeffery Hinshaw of
North Carolina State University(Jim Rice, pers. com.). Since these early studies were conducted,
operators at the aquaculture facility have attempted to do a better job of capturing the waste solids on the
farm rather than being discharged into the stream. Beginning in the early 2000s, the trout chow diet has
also changed so there is more efficient food conversion from feed to fish flesh. The feed is also now
more water stable and floats atop the raceways until eaten rather than settling out in the bottom of the
tanks (Jeffrey Hinshaw, NCSU, pers. com.)
METHODS
A distance of 600 ft. was sampled at each site on August 27 or 28, 2003 following all methods (including
physical-chemical and habitat assessments)in the existing North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity(NCIBI)
protocols (NCDENR 2001). The fish within the delineated stretch were collected using two backpack
electrofishing units with each unit accompanied by one person netting fish. A seine was used where
appropriate. After collection, all readily identifiable fish were examined for sores, lesions, fin damage, and
skeletal anomalies, measured (total length (TL)to the nearest 1 mm), and then released. Once the first
50 specimens of each species were measured, the remaining fish of each particular species were just
counted and then also released. Those fish that were not readily identifiable in the field were preserved
in 10%formalin and returned to the laboratory for identification, examination, and total length
measurement. These fish were then deposited as voucher specimens with the North Carolina State
Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh. All young-of-year fish were excluded from the data analyses.
Fish were considered young of year if less than 100 mm TL for Rainbow trout and Brown trout and less
than 50 mm TL for Blacknose dace.
SITE LOCATIONS and DESCRIPTIONS
This study focused on three headwater sites on the West Fork French Broad River which were sampled
on August 27 or 28, 2003 (Figure 1):
Site No. 1,off NC 281
Site No. 1 is off NC 281 approximately 0.6 miles above the Whitewater Trout Farm and at the entrance to
Camp Winding Gap. Fish were sampled from a reach extending from 425 ft. above to 175 ft. below the
culvert. The river has wide forested riparian zones along both banks above the culvert and an overgrown
Christmas tree farm and a youth camp below the culvert(Figure 4). The river is a typical high gradient,
cold water mountain stream heavily shaded by Eastern hemlock and Rhododendron. Instream habitats
consisted of riffles, runs, pools, snags, and the macrophyte Podostemum(river weed).
4

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Figure 4. Upstream (A) and downstream (B)views of Site No. 1 on the West Fork French
Broad River off NC 281 at Camp Winding Gap, Transylvania County.
Site No. 2, SR 1306 281
Site No. 2 was at SR 1306 immediately below the trout farm (Figure 5). Fish were sampled from a reach
extending from 360 ft. above to 240 ft. below the culvert(i.e., from the mouth of Mill Branch to the mouth
of Fork Creek). Between Site Nos. 1 and 2 and extending to Site No. 3, the riparian zones are narrow,
shrubby, and the surrounding lands have been converted to active pastures and row crops. The open
canopy and the nutrients in the trout farm discharge stimulated the production of the benthic periphyton
and algae Vaucheria(water felt); Podostemum was also wide spread and abundant on the rocks in the
current(Figure 6). Instream habitats consisted of riffles, runs, pools, and snags.
j
t III
p I
� �2`�4 A' ��5 q''a 11. '�1��t��� ;, �'SJF�a � �cv''�� {a•, 5,�� �+$>
Figure 5. Upstream (A) and downstream (B)views of Site No. 2 on the West Fork French
Broad River at SR 1306, Transylvania County.
5

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Figure 6. Vaucheria (water felt) (A) and Podostemum (river weed) (B)found growing in the
West Fork French Broad River at SR 1306 and NC 281,Transylvania County.
Site No. 3, NC 281
Site No. 3 was located 1.2 miles below the trout farm and the sample reach extended 600 ft. upstream
from the bridge crossing (Figure 7). Unlike Site No. 2, the riparian along the left shore was forested with
Eastern hemlock and Rhododendron. However, the riparian along the right shoreline was very narrow
and bordered the road and an active pasture. The cattle were excluded from the stream but they had
direct access to tributaries between Site Nos. 2 and 3. Potamegeton (pond weed), Vallisneria(eel grass),
and Podostemum were wide spread and abundant; excessive periphyton and filamentous algal growths
(Vaucheria)also grew in places. Instream habitats consisted of runs, snags, deadfalls, and pools.
1 y iN
1
Figure 7. Upstream views of Site No. 3 on the West Fork French Broad River at NC 281,
Transylvania County.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Habitat
Instream and riparian habitats were of extremely high quality above the trout farm, low quality at the farm,
and of moderate quality below the farm (Table 2). The major causes of the degraded habitats at Site No.
2 were the loss of riparian habitats, bank stability, and an embedded substrate.
6

Table 2. Habitat assessment scores at three fish community sites along the West Fork
French Broad River,Transylvania County, August 2003.
Site No.
1 2 3 Maximum
Location off NC 281 SR 1306 NC 281 Possible
Date 08/28/03 08/27/03 08/27/03 Score
Habitat characteristics
Channel modification 5 5 5 5
Instream habitat 20 14 18 20
Bottom substrate 15 8 10 15
Pool variety 8 6 7 10
Riffle habitats 16 9 7 16
Bank stability d vegetation
Left bank 7 3 7 7
Right bank 7 3 5 7
Light penetration 8 5 8 10
Riparian vegetative zone width
Left bank 4 1 5 5
Right bank 4 1 1 5
Total Habitat Score 94 55 73 100
Physical and Water Quality Characteristics
The drainage areas of the three sites ranged from 2.1 to 6.0 square miles and the stream widths ranged
from 3 to 8 meters (Table 3). The conductivity(specific conductance)was extremely low at all sites,
although the discharge from the trout farm increased the conductivity by 175% between Site No. 1 and
Site No. 2. By the time the flow had reached Site No. 3, the conductivity had returned to background
levels. Dissolved oxygen concentration and percent saturation also sagged and rebounded slightly below
the farm. The pH however did not return to background levels by Site No. 3 and, in fact, continued to
decrease. Even though the water was clear at all the sites, below the trout farm there were deposits of
organic silt which had settled out in the low flow areas and which easily became suspended rendering the
water very turbid. Flows during the sampling period were slightly greater than the historical median flows
for that period.
Table 3. Physical and water quality characteristics of three fish community sites along the
West Fork French Broad River,Transylvania County, August 2003.
Site No.
1 2 3
Location off NC 281 SR 1306 NC 281
Latitude 351051 351104 351110
Longitude 825609 825659 825730
Date 08/28/03 08/27/03 08/27/03
Physical and water quality characteristics
Drainage area(mil) 2.1 3.3 6.0
Temperature(°C) 17.3 18.6 18.0
Conductivity(pmhos/cm) 8 14 8
Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 7.6 6.8 7.2
Dissolved oxygen saturation(%) 79 73 76
pH(s.u.) 6.9 6.2 6.0,
Average width(m) 3 5 8
Average depth(m) 0.3 0.3 0.4
Water clarity Clear Clearz Clear2
Substrate Cobble,boulder,gravel Cobble,gravel Cobble,gravel,silt
Estimated flow(cfs)3 170
Historical median flow cfs 3 140
The pH meter was calibrated and was operating correctly.
'Silt deposits were easily suspended causing the water to become very turbid.
'The flow was based upon the USGS gauge at the French Broad River at Rosman(Transylvania County).
7

Fish Community
As was the case in 1990, the impact of the discharge from the trout farm upon the receiving stream was
to clearly artificially enhance and stimulate upper trophic level fish production in the river at and below the
discharge (Table 4). For example, piscivorous Brown trout were 15 times more abundant below the than
above the trout farm. Prey species also increased in numbers below the trout farm. No Blacknose dace
were collected at Site No. 1, but were abundant at Site Nos. 2 and 3.
Enhancement extended downstream to Site No. 3 where the total number of fish was still 11 times
greater than at Site No. 1. Not only were there more fish at and below the discharge than above it, but
many of the Brown trout were greater than 300 mm TL and several were as long as 550 mm TL. These
large piscivores undoubtedly influenced the structure of the fish community. Although individual weights
and standing crop estimates were not made, the number and size of fish (as shown in Figure 3)were a
common occurrence at Site No. 2 and to a lesser extent at Site No. 3.
Table 4. Abundance and catch per unit effort(CPUE) of fish collected from three sites along
the West Fork French Broad River,Transylvania County, August 27 and 28, 2003.
Site No.
1 2 3
Abundance
Rainbow trout 10 44' 4'
Brown trout 12 180 68
Blacknose dace 0 93 160 -
Total number 22 317 232
Shocking time(seconds) 4,863 4,814 5,357
CPUE(No.of fishN00 seconds shocking)
Rainbow trout 0.21 0.91, 0.07' _
Brown trout 0.25 3.74 1.27 _
Blacknose dace 0.00 1.93 2.99 _
Total CPUE 0.5 6.6 4.3
'Includes fish that appeared to be stocked as well as wild fish.
Fish communities in streams such as the West Fork French Broad River are currently not rated with the
NCIBI. The diversity was low in this trout stream, however, all the fish appeared healthy and all the
species at all the sites were represented by multiple age groups indicating successful reproductive efforts.
The West Fork French Broad River downstream at SR 1309 was sampled in October 1997 as part of the
1997 French Broad River Basinwide Assessment Program (NCDEHNR 1998). Based upon data
collected by DWQ in 1997 and 2003 and by the NCWRC in 1990,the fish community in the lower part of
this watershed (from NC 281 to SR 1309)seems to have been altered by the nonnative trout species and
by the long-term management of the stream as a popular trout stream. Only six species (Rainbow trout,
Brown trout, Blacknose dace, Redbreast sunfish (also an exotic), Greenside darter, and Swannanoa
darter) have been collected from these sites. There were at least 15 additional native species previously
known from this watershed: Mountain brook lamprey, Brook trout, Central stoneroller, Saffron shiner,
Mirror shiner,Warpaint shiner, Telescope shiner, Longnose dace, Northern hogsucker,White sucker,
Rockbass, Fantail darter, Redline darter, Greenfin darter, Gilt darter, and Mottled sculpin (Menhinick
1991). Many of these species should have been collected downstream at the NC 281 and SR 1309 sites.
SUMMARY
The impacts of a trout farm discharge upon the aquatic communities in the West Fork French Broad River
have been documented since 1990. The discharge, along with degraded riparian habitats in the vicinity
of the farm, has affected the water chemistry, enriched periphytic growths, degraded the benthic
community, and artificially stimulated the fish community. Although the sites evaluated were in the upper
part of the watershed, management of the stream as a popular trout stream, has possibly displaced
several native species. Enrichment and degradation of the stream by cattle wastes also can not be ruled
out as a factor affecting the aquatic communities of the upper West Fork French Broad River.
8

REFERENCES
Griffith, G., Omernik,J. and J. Comstock. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina. United States
Environmental Protection Agency. Research and Development. NHEERL. Western Ecology
Division. Corvallis, OR.
Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission. Raleigh, NC.
NCAC. 2002. North Carolina administrative code. Effective August 1,2002. Environmental
Management Commission. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Division of Water Quality. Raleigh, NC.
NCDA&CS. 2001. Aquaculture in North Carolina. Rainbow trout. Inputs, outputs, and economics.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Raleigh, NC.
(http://www.ncagr.com/Aquacult/pubs.html).
NCDEHNR. 1998. Basinwide assessment report support document. French Broad River basin. North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water
Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC.
NCDENR. 2001. Standard operating procedure. Biological monitoring. Stream fish community
assessment and fish tissue. Biological Assessment Unit. North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section.
Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC.
2003a. North Carolina water quality assessment and impaired waters list(2002 Integrated 305(b)
and 303 (d) report). February 2003. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Raleigh, NC. .
. 2003b. Basin assessment report. French Broad River Basin. Ibid.
NCWRC. 1997. North Carolina trout fishing maps. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Raleigh, NC.
c: Kevin Burkhart(Burkhart Farms LLC,Waddington, NC)
Jeffrey Hinshaw(NCSU, Extension Aquaculture Specialist, Fletcher, NC)
Darlene Kucken (Basinwide and Estuary Planning Unit)
Scott Loftis (District 9, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)
Chris Roessler(Modeling/TMDL Unit)
Skip Thompson (NCSU, Area Aquaculture Agent,Waynesville, NC)
Forrest Westall (Asheville Regional Office)
Michelle Woolfolk(Modeling/TMDL Unit)
9

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