A2_Broad_Overview

Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 8
Chapter 2 -
Broad River Basin Overview
2.1 General Overview
The headwaters and major tributaries of the Broad River basin begin in the Blue Ridge
Mountains of western North Carolina and flow through the foothills and piedmont of North
Carolina before entering South Carolina (Figure A-4). The Broad River continues to flow
through South Carolina and drains to the Atlantic Ocean via the Congaree and Santee Rivers.
The four major tributaries to the Broad River in North
Carolina are the Green River, Second Broad River,
First Broad River and North Pacolet. There are four
man-made lakes in the basin sampled by DWQ: Lake
Lure, Lake Summit, Lake Adger and Moss Lake
(Kings Mountain Reservoir). Several areas in the
basin are classified for water supply use, and
approximately 30 percent of the streams are
supplementally classified as trout waters.
Seventy-four percent of the land in the basin is
forested and about 22 percent is in managed pasture
lands. Only 2 percent of the land falls into the
urban/built-up category. Despite the large amount of
forested lands and the relatively small amount of
urban area, the basin has seen a significant decrease
(-62,300 acres) in cultivated cropland and increase (+60,500 acres) in developed areas over a 15-
year period (1982 to 1997).
The geography of the Broad River basin contributes to its ecological significance. The basin
drains a section of the Blue Ridge escarpment, yet the area is primarily within the Piedmont
physiographic province providing a wide range of habitat types in the basin. The Broad River
basin is home to 15 rare aquatic and wetland-dwelling animal and plant species. Two aquatic
animals that are listed as threatened by the State of North Carolina are the bog turtle and the
mussel, creeper. The Green Salamander is also listed by the state as endangered. The basin
includes a considerable portion of the South Mountains--a biographically rich area that is
considered of national importance for its ecological assemblage.
The estimated population of the basin in 2000 was 342,282, and the population is projected to
increase 23 percent by 2020. Most of the basin’s population is found in subbasin 03-08-02 in
Spindale, Rutherfordton and Forest City and in subbasin 03-08-04 in and around Shelby,
although there are large number of municipalities scattered throughout the basin.
Broad River Basin Statistics
(NC Portion)
Total Area: 1,513 sq. miles
Stream Miles: 1,495
Lake Acres: 1,954
No. of Counties: 8
No. of Municipalities: 27
No. of Subbasins: 6
Population (2000): 342,282*
Estimated Pop. (2020): 172,133*
% Increase (2000-2020): 23.3%
Pop. Density (1990): 112 persons/sq. mi.
* Based on % of county land area estimated
to be within the basin (Table A-11).
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 10
2.2 Local Governments and Planning Jurisdictions in the Basin
The Broad River basin encompasses all or portions of eight counties and 27 municipalities.
Table A-3 provides a listing of these municipalities, along with the appropriate regional planning
jurisdiction (Council of Governments). Three municipalities are located in more than one major
river basin.
Table A-3 Local Governments and Planning Units within the Broad River Basin
County Region Municipalities
Buncombe B None
Cleveland C Belwood, Boiling Springs, Casar, Earl, Fallston, Grover,
Kings Mountain * ♦, Kingstown, Lattimore, Lawndale,
Mooresboro, Patterson Springs, Polkville, Shelby, Waco
Gaston F Cherryville ♦, Kings Mountain * ♦
Henderson B Saluda *
Lincoln F None
McDowell C None
Polk C Columbus, Saluda *, Tryon
Rutherford C Bostic, Chimney Rock Village, Ellensboro, Forest City,
Lake Lure, Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale
* Located in more than one county.
♦Located in more than one major river basin.
Note: Counties adjacent to and sharing a border with a river basin are not included as part of that basin if only a trace
amount of the county (<2%) is located in that basin, unless a municipality is located in that county.
Region Name Location
B Land of Sky Regional Council Asheville
C Isothermal Planning and Economic Development Commission Rutherfordton
F Centralina Council of Governments Charlotte
2.3 Surface Water Hydrology
Most federal government agencies, including the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), use a system of defining watersheds that is different
from that used by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and many other state agencies in North
Carolina. Under the federal system, the Broad River basin is made up of one hydrologic area, the
Upper Broad. DWQ has a two-tiered system in which the state is subdivided into 17 major river
basins with each basin further subdivided into subbasins. Table A-4 compares the two systems.
The Broad River basin in North Carolina is subdivided by DWQ into six subbasins. Maps of
each subbasin are included in Section B of this plan.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 11
Table A-4 Hydrologic Subdivisions in the Broad River Basin
Watershed Name
and Major Tributaries
USGS 8-digit
Hydrologic Units
DWQ Subbasin
6-digit Codes
Upper Broad
Lake Lure
Second Broad River and tributaries
Middle portion of Broad River
Upper Green River
First Broad River and tributaries
Lower portion of Broad River in NC
Buffalo Creek and tributaries
North Pacolet River and tributaries
03050105 03-08-01
03-08-01
03-08-02
03-08-02
03-08-03
03-08-04
03-08-04
03-08-05
03-08-06
The entire Broad River basin is approximately 5,419 square miles in size. In the North Carolina
portion (roughly 28 percent of the entire watershed), 1,495 miles of freshwater streams drain
1,513 square miles of terrain. The average drainage area is 0.97 square miles per stream mile. In
comparison, the neighboring French Broad and Catawba River basins have an average drainage
of 0.68 and 1.09 square miles per stream mile; while the largest river basin in the state, the Cape
Fear River basin, drains 1.5 square miles per stream mile. In the Broad River basin, especially in
the western portion of the basin, there are many streams draining small areas of land (high
drainage density due to mountainous terrain). But in the Cape Fear River basin, there are few
streams draining much larger portions of land. Areas with high drainage density are associated
with high flood peaks, high sediment production, relatively low suitability for traditional
agriculture, and high development costs for the construction of buildings and the installation of
roads and bridges.
Hydrologic Features
There are four major reservoirs in the North Carolina portion of the Broad River basin sampled
by DWQ. Lake Summit, managed by Northbrook Carolina Hydro LLC, and Lake Adger,
managed by Duke Power, are impoundments of the Green River. Both lakes are used for
electrical energy production and have no minimum flow requirements. Lake Lure, managed by
the Town of Lake Lure, is an impoundment of the mainstem of the Broad River. Although Lake
Lure has no minimum flow requirement, a flow of 6.6 cfs is required at the town’s wastewater
treatment plant located downstream of the dam. Flows from this reservoir have been shown to
negatively influence the quality of water in the Broad River immediately downstream of the dam.
Kings Mountain Reservoir (Moss Lake) is the water source for the Town of Kings Mountain.
The dam has a minimum flow requirement of 12.0 cfs. In addition to general protection of
aquatic life and secondary recreation, three lakes are classified for primary recreation and one is
designated drinking water supply (Table A-5).
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 12
Table A-5 Statistics for Major Lakes in the Broad River Basin
Subbasin/
Lake County Classification*
Surface
Area (ac)
Mean
Depth (ft)
Volume
(x 106 m3)
Watershed
(mi2)
03-08-01
Lake Lure Rutherford B Tr 732 66 12 95
03-08-03
Lake Adger Polk C 460 26 14.4 138
Lake Summit Henderson B Tr, C Tr 232 22 11.5 43
03-08-05
Kings Mountain Reservoir Cleveland WS-III CA 530 46 7.4 68
* An index for DWQ freshwater classifications can be found in Part 3.2 of this section (Table A-20 on page 35).
2.4 Land Cover
Land cover information in this section is from the most current National Resources Inventory
(NRI), as developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS, NRI, updated June 2001). The NRI is a statistically based
longitudinal survey that has been designed and implemented to inventory land cover types and
acreages. The NRI provides results that are nationally and temporally consistent for four points
in time -- 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1997.
In general, NRI protocols and definitions remain fixed for each inventory year. However, part of
the inventory process includes reviewing previously recorded data when determinations are made
for the new inventory year. For those cases where a protocol or definition needs to be modified,
all historical data must be edited and reviewed on a point-by-point basis to make sure that data
for all years are consistent and properly calibrated. The following excerpt from the Summary
Report: 1997 National Resources Inventory provides guidance for use and interpretation of
current NRI data:
“The 1997 NRI database has been designed for use in detecting significant changes in resource
conditions relative to the years 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1997. All comparisons for two points in
time should be made using the new 1997 NRI database. Comparisons made using data previously
published for the 1982, 1987 or 1992 NRI may provide erroneous results because of changes in
statistical estimation protocols, and because all data collected prior to 1997 were simultaneously
reviewed (edited) as 1997 NRI data were collected.”
Table A-6 summarizes acreage and percentage of land cover from the 1997 NRI for the North
Carolina portion of the basin and for the major watersheds within the basin, as defined by the
USGS 8-digit hydrologic units. Data from 1982 are also provided for a comparison of change
over 15 years. During this period, the amount of cultivated cropland in the basin decreased
significantly (-62,300 acres), while the amount of uncultivated cropland almost doubled
(+14,100 acres). Land in the urban/built-up category increased 146.1 percent or 60,500 acres.
Figure A-5 presents these land cover changes. Descriptions of land cover types identified by the
NRI are found in Table A-7.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 13
Table A-6 Land Cover in the Broad River Basin by Major Watersheds – 1982 vs. 1997
(Source: USDA-NRCS, NRI, updated June 2001)
MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS *
1997 1982 %
TOTALS TOTALS change
Acres % of Acres % of since
LAND COVER (1000s) TOTAL (1000s) TOTAL 1982
Cult. Crop 48.6 5.1 110.9 11.4 -56.2
Uncult. Crop 31.6 3.3 17.5 1.8 80.6
Pasture 125.6 13.1 120.2 12.4 4.5
Forest 605.2 63.3 640.8 65.9 -5.6
Urban & Built-Up 101.9 10.7 41.4 4.3 146.1
Federal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Other 43.5 4.5 41.7 4.3 4.3
Totals 956.4 100.0 972.5 100.0
SUBBASINS 03-08-01, 03-08-02, 03-08-03
03-08-04, 03-08-05, 03-08-06
8-Digit 03050105
Hydraulic Units
* = Watershed areas defined by the 8-Digit Hydraulic Units do not necessarily coincide with subbasin titles used by DWQ.
Source: USDA, Soil Conservation Service - 1982 and 1997 NRI
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
Ac
r
e
s

(
1
0
0
0
s
)
Figure A-5 Land Cover Changes from 1982 to 1997 for the Broad River Basin
(Source: USDA-NRCS, NRI, updated June 2001)
Cult. Crop
-56.2%
Uncult. Crop
80.6%
Pasture
4.5%
Forest
-5.6%
Urban/Built-up
146.1%
Other
4.3%
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 14
Table A-7 Description of Land Cover Types
(Source: USDA-NRCS, NRI, updated June 2001)
Land Use Type Land Use Description
Cultivated Cropland Harvestable crops including row crops, small grain and hay crops, nursery and orchard
crops, and other specialty crops.
Uncultivated Cropland Summer fallow or other cropland not planted.
Pastureland Forage plants for livestock grazing, including land that has a vegetative cover of
grasses, legumes and /or forbs, regardless of whether or not it is being grazed by
livestock.
Forestland At least 10 percent stocked (a canopy cover of leaves and branches of 25 percent or
greater) by single-stemmed trees of any size, which will be at least 4 meters at
maturity, and land bearing evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover. The
minimum area for classification of forestland is 1 acre; must be at least 1,000 feet wide.
Urban and
Built-up Land
Includes airports, playgrounds with permanent structures, cemeteries, public
administration sites, commercial sites, railroad yards, construction sites, residences,
golf courses, sanitary landfills, industrial sites, sewage treatment plants, institutional
sites, water control structure spillways and parking lots. Includes highways, railroads
and other transportation facilities if surrounded by other urban and built-up areas.
Tracts of less than 10 acres that are completely surrounded by urban and built-up lands.
Other Rural Transportation: Consists of all highways, roads, railroads and associated rights-
of-way outside urban and built-up areas; private roads to farmsteads; logging roads;
and other private roads (but not field lanes).
Small Water Areas: Waterbodies less than 40 acres in size and streams less than one-
half mile wide.
Census Water: Large waterbodies consisting of lakes and estuaries greater than 40
acres and rivers greater than one-half mile in width.
Minor Land: Lands not in one of the other categories.
The North Carolina Corporate Geographic Database contains land cover information for the
Broad River basin based on satellite imagery from 1993-1995. The state’s Center for
Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA) developed 24 categories of statewide land cover
information. For the purposes of this report, those categories have been condensed into five
broader categories as described in Table A-8. An important distinction between this land cover
dataset and that of the NRI is that there is no actual groundtruthing of the satellite-generated data.
Figure A-6 provides an illustration of the relative amount of land area that falls into each major
cover type for the Broad River basin. Section B of this plan provides land cover data specific to
each subbasin.
Unfortunately, due to differences in the system of categorizing various land cover classes, it is
not currently possible to establish trends in land cover changes by comparing this data set to
previously attained land cover data. However, it is anticipated that comparisons will be possible
with future satellite data since a strong consensus-based effort was made to develop the
classification system that was used with the 1993-1995 data.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 15
Table A-8 Description of Major CGIA Land Cover Categories
Land Cover Type Land Cover Description
Urban Greater than 50% coverage by synthetic land cover (built-upon area) and
municipal areas.
Cultivated Areas that are covered by crops that are cultivated in a distinguishable pattern
(such as rows).
Pasture/Managed
Herbaceous
Areas used for the production of grass and other forage crops and other managed
areas such as golf courses and cemeteries. Also includes upland herbaceous areas
not characteristic of riverine and estuarine environments.
Forest/Wetland Includes salt and freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, shrublands and all kinds
of forested areas (such as needleleaf evergreens, conifers, deciduous hardwoods).
Water Areas of open surface water, areas of exposed rock, and areas of sand or silt
adjacent to tidal waters and lakes.
Figure A-6 Percentages within Major CGIA Land Cover Categories in the Broad River Basin
2.5 Population and Growth Trends
Population
The Broad River basin in North Carolina had an estimated population of 169,001 based on 1990
census data. Table A-9 presents census data for 1970, 1980 and 1990. It also includes
population densities (persons/square mile) based on the land area (excludes open water) for the
basin. Most of the basin’s population (67%) is located in subbasins 03-08-02 (Rutherford, Polk
and McDowell counties) and 03-08-04 (Rutherford and Cleveland counties). These two
subbasins contain approximately 113,503 people.
Broad River Basin Satellite-Generated Land Cover
(1993-1995)
Forest/Wetland
74%
Water
1% Urban
2%
Cultivated
1%Pasture/
Managed
Herbaceous
22%
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 16
Table A-9 Broad River Subbasin Population, Densities (1970, 1980 and 1990) and Land
Area Summaries
POPULATION 1 POPULATION
DENSITY 2 LAND AND WATER AREAS 3
(Number of Persons) (Persons/Square Mile)
Total
Land and Water Area
Land
Area
Water
Area
SUBBASIN 1970 1980 1990 1970 1980 1990 (Acres) (Sq. Miles) (Sq. Miles) (Sq. Miles)
03-08-01 4,640 7,449 5,659 25 41 31 117,552 183.7 182.5 1.2
03-08-02 47,197 54,704 57,440 92 107 112 328,415 513.2 512.1 1.1
03-08-03 4,793 6,476 8,186 35 48 60 87,495 136.7 136.1 0.6
03-08-04 50,495 55,847 56,063 119 131 132 272,892 426.5 425.1 1.3
03-08-05 26,861 34,317 34,047 151 193 191 115,613 180.6 177.9 2.7
03-08-06 6,454 6,755 7,606 89 93 105 46,608 72.9 72.7 0.2
TOTALS 140,440 165,548 169,001 93 110 112 968,575 1,513.5 1,506.4 7.1
1 Population estimated based on US Census data and percentage of census block that falls within the subbasin.
2 Population density based on land area only. Large wetlands (swamps) not included in area used to calculate density.
3 Information generated by the NC Center for Geographic Information Analysis, August 2000.
In using these data, it should be noted that census data are collected within boundaries such as
counties and municipalities. By contrast, the subbasin lines are drawn along natural drainage
divides separating watersheds. Therefore, where a census block group straddles a subbasin line,
an estimate is made on the percentage of the population in the subbasin. This was done by
simply taking the percentage of the census block area located in the subbasin and then taking that
same percentage of the total census block group population and assigning it to the subbasin. Use
of this method necessitates assuming that population density is evenly distributed through the
census block group, which is not always the case. However, the level of error associated with
this method is not expected to be significant for the purposes of this document. It is also
important to note that the census block groups change every ten years so comparisons between
years must be considered approximate. This analysis to determine river basin population has not
yet been conducted for the recently released 2000 census data.
Growth Trends
Population in the North Carolina portion of the Broad River basin over the census period from
1980-1990 increased by 2.1 percent compared to the statewide average growth of 12.7 percent.
Figure A-7 presents projected population growth by county (1998-2018) for the Broad River
basin in North Carolina. Henderson, Polk and Lincoln counties are growing the fastest, with
projections indicating a 20-40 percent increase in population. All of Polk County is contained
within the basin, but only 29 percent of Henderson County and 7 percent of Lincoln County fall
within the boundary.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 18
Table A-10 presents population data for municipalities with populations greater than 2,000
persons, located wholly or partly within the basin. The data indicate that Boiling Springs is
currently the fastest growing municipality in the basin with an increase in population of 58
percent from 1990 to 2000. Population in Forest City decreased over the same ten-year period
by 7 percent. Population growth in the majority of municipalities in the basin significantly
increased between 1990 and 2000.
Table A-10 Population (1980, 1990, 2000) and Population Change for Municipalities Greater
Than 2,000 Located Wholly or Partly in the Broad River Basin
Municipality County Apr-80 Apr-90 Apr-2000
Percent Change
(1980-90)
Percent Change
(1990-2000)
Boiling Springs Cleveland 2,381 2,445 3,866 2.7 58.1
Kings Mountain Cleveland, Gaston 9,080 8,763 9,693 -3.5 10.6
Shelby Cleveland 15,310 14,669 19,477 -4.2 32.8
Cherryville Gaston 4,844 4,756 5,361 -1.8 12.7
Forest City Rutherford 7,688 8,137 7,549 5.8 -7.2
Rutherfordton Rutherford 3,434 3,617 4,131 5.3 14.2
Spindale Rutherford 4,246 4,040 4,022 -4.9 -0.4
• - The numbers reported reflect municipality population; however, these municipalities are not entirely within the basin.
The intent is to demonstrate growth for municipalities located wholly or partially within the basin.
Table A-11 shows the projected percent change in growth between 1990, 2000 and 2020 for
counties within the basin. Since river basin boundaries do not coincide with county boundaries,
these numbers are not directly applicable to the Broad River basin. They are instead presented as
an estimate of possible countywide population changes. This information was obtained from the
Office of State Planning (April and May 2001).
Table A-11 Past and Projected Population (1990, 2000, 2020) and Population Change by
County
County % of County
in Basin *1990 2000
Estimated
Population
2020
Population
Change
1990 - 2000
Estimated
Pop Change
2000-2020
Buncombe 6%174,357 206,330 265,457 31,973 59,127
Cleveland 99%84,958 96,287 115,247 11,329 18,960
Gaston 3%174,769 190,365 215,587 15,596 25,222
Henderson 29%69,747 89,173 124,985 19,426 35,812
Lincoln 7%50,319 63,780 90,778 13,461 26,998
McDowell 14%35,681 42,151 53,170 6,470 11,019
Polk 100%14,458 18,324 25,111 3,866 6,787
Rutherford 100%56,956 62,899 72,952 5,943 10,053
Total 661,245 769,309 963,287 108,064 193,978
* Source: North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis
Note: The numbers reported reflect county population; however, the county may not be entirely contained within the basin.
The intent is to demonstrate growth for counties located wholly or partially within the basin.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 19
For more information on past, current and projected population estimates, contact the Office of
State Planning at [phone] or visit their website at http://www.ospl.state.nc.us/demog/.
2.6 Natural Resources
2.6.1 Public Lands in the Broad River Basin
Figure A-8 shows the public lands and significant heritage areas in the Broad River basin.
Two NC Wildlife Resources Commission game lands comprise the majority of protected lands in
the Broad River basin. The South Mountains Game Land protects almost the entire 17,000-acre
Rollins/South Mountains Natural Area, and the Green River Game Land is over 11,000 acres.
The Green River Game Land contains four of the five listed Significant Natural Heritage Areas
associated with the Green River Headwaters and Gorge.
Figure A-8 Public Lands and Significant Natural Heritage Areas of the Broad River Basin
In addition to the extensive game lands, a small proportion of Crowders Mountain State Park lies
in the Broad River basin. Crowders Mountain State Park features spectacular vertical ridges that
rise nearly 800 feet above the surrounding piedmont hills. Crowders Mountain State Park was
established in 1973 as a response to local citizens’ desires to protect the ridges from strip mining.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 20
2.6.2 Ecological Significance of the Broad River Basin
The geography of the Broad River basin contributes to its ecological significance. The basin
drains a section of the Blue Ridge escarpment, yet the area is predominantly within the Piedmont
physiographic province providing a wide range of habitat types in the Broad River basin. The
Broad River basin also includes a considerable portion of the South Mountains – a biologically
rich area of North Carolina that is considered of national importance for its ecological
assemblage.
Wetland Communities
As noted before, the Broad River basin contains a number of habitat types. Some aquatic
animals, such as salamanders, are associated with aquatic habitats that are not necessarily
riverine. Wetlands in the Broad River basin exist across a range of landscapes, from river
channels to isolated hillsides.
One type of wetland found in or adjacent to rivers and streams in the Broad River basin is known
as Rocky Bar and Shore. These wetlands are actually rock outcrops and gravel bars which are
too rocky, too wet, or too severely flooded to support large trees. Shrubs and herbs such as alder,
buttonbush, willow, dogwood, cane, waterwillow, jewelweed and various sedges dominate the
vegetation. High quality examples of Rocky Bar and Shore occur along the Broad River and the
Green River.
Montane Alluvial Forest wetlands are found in floodplains of the Broad River basin. These
forested wetland communities are dominated by trees such as hemlock, sycamore, white oak and
tulip poplar, with ironwood, witch hazel and black willow underneath. High quality examples,
which are very rare in North Carolina, occur along the Broad River, Green River and Little
Sugarloaf Creek.
At the edges of floodplains in the Broad River basin can be found wetland communities known
as Low Elevation Seeps. These are often very small wetlands located at the bases of slopes; they
are partially shaded by canopies of trees rooted in adjacent communities. Low Elevation Seeps
seem to be very important foraging and breeding habitats for amphibians such as salamanders
and frogs. Similar to Low Elevation Seeps are wetlands called Hillside Seepage Bogs. These
wetland communities are fed by groundwater seepage and typically have trees at the edges of the
wet, open interior. Hillside Seepage Bogs, which are very rare in North Carolina, are
characterized by well developed Sphagnum moss mats and typical bog plant species.
A unique wetland community called Spray Cliff occurs in the Broad River basin in association
with waterfalls. Spray Cliff communities are constantly wet from the spray of waterfalls, and the
plants -- mostly mosses, liverworts, algae and vascular herbs -- that grow on patches of soil along
the rock faces are adapted to moist environments more typical of the tropics. Spray Cliffs
support many endemic bryophytes and rare plant species.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 21
2.6.3 Rare Aquatic and Wetland-Dwelling Animal Species
Table A-12 Rare and Threatened Aquatic Species in the Broad River Basin (as of July 2001)
Major
Taxon
Common
Name
Scientific
Name
State
Status
Federal
Status
aq insect Caddisfly Triaenodes marginata SR
aq insect Caddisfly Micrasema sprulesi SR
aq insect Mayfly Homoeoneuria cahabensis SR
mollusk Creeper Strophitus undulatus T
crustacean Broad River spiny crayfish Cambarus spicatus SR
crustacean Broad River stream crayfish Cambarus lenati SR
fish Closter’s brook-hypnum Hygrohypnum closteri SR
fish Santee chub – Piedmont population Cyprinella zanema SR
reptile Bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii TT
reptile Green salamander Aneides aeneus ESC
reptile Mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum SC
reptile Crevice salamander Plethodon yonahlossee SC
plant Mountain sweet pitcher plant Sarracenia jonesii E-SC E
plant Fen orchid Liparis loeselii T-SC
plant Gray’s lily Lilium grayi T-SC SC
Three aquatic insects from the Broad River basin – Triaenodes marginata, Micrasema sprulesi
and Homoeoneuria cahabensis – are considered Significantly Rare and do not have common
names. The lack of a common name shows the rareness of these aquatic insects. The first two
are caddisflies and make their living in the stream by breaking down living plant tissue. The last
insect, Homoeoneuria cahabensis, is a mayfly. This species burrows into the bottom of larger
rivers, sustaining itself by collecting or filtering out food from the water’s current.
The creeper is a freshwater mussel found throughout both the Atlantic and Mississippi
drainages. It is present in most of the Piedmont drainages in North Carolina. Although a wide-
ranging species during the last century, the creeper has become quite rare in many areas where it
was once considered extremely common.
The Broad River spiny crayfish is found in streams of small to medium size with trapped leaf
litter, and its range is restricted to only a handful of areas in North and South Carolina. The
Rare Species Listing Criteria
E = Endangered (those species in danger of becoming extinct)
T = Threatened (considered likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future)
SR = Significantly Rare (those whose numbers are small and whose populations need monitoring)
SC = Species of Special Concern
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 22
species has become threatened range-wide, as its habitat is being converted to urban uses and as
streams are dammed to form impoundments for recreational uses. The Broad River spiny
crayfish is somewhat resilient. However, it cannot survive impoundments on its habitat streams.
The discovery and description of the Broad River stream crayfish is recent enough that little
information has been collected and published about its life history. It is endemic to the Broad
River basin in North Carolina and only found in about five or six locations.
The Santee chub is an interesting fish that occurs in two distinct populations in North Carolina.
One population is found only in the Catawba and Broad River drainages of North Carolina’s
Piedmont, while another population is found in the state’s Coastal Plain in the Cape Fear and
Lumber River drainages. This species is endemic to portions of North and South Carolina. The
Piedmont population usually inhabits moderately high velocity streams over pebbles and gravel.
The bog turtle is recognized by the bright orange patches on the side of its head. As its name
suggests, the bog turtle makes its home in sphagnum moss bogs, marshy meadows and wet
pastures. Burrowing into soft mud, this small and secretive turtle can remain buried for
considerable periods of time. In the Broad River basin, bog turtles are found in communities
known as Hillside Seepage Bogs and Wet Pastures.
Being amphibians, salamanders require aquatic habitats for at least a portion of their lives. Three
rare species of salamander occur in the Broad River basin. The green salamander is found in
the damp shaded crevices of cliffs or rock outcrops in deciduous forests. The mole salamander
is a short, stocky salamander typically associated with extensive floodplain forests in the Coastal
Plain. However, in the mountains of North Carolina, it is found in upland forests surrounding
vernal pools. The aquatic larvae of the mole salamander feed mostly on macroinvertebrates, and
many local populations of the salamander have been lost as native forests and their associated
wetlands have been converted to agricultural and urban areas. The third rare salamander found in
the Broad River basin is sometimes known as the crevice salamander. Also known as the Bat
Cave Variant, this salamander takes its common name from its tendency to dwell in crevices.
2.6.4 Significant Natural Heritage Areas in the Broad River Basin
Refer again to Figure A-8 for a general location of the areas discussed below.
Rollins/South Mountains Natural Area
Of national ecological significance, the 17,000-acre Rollins/South Mountains Natural Area
contains an impressive array of high quality natural communities, rare animal populations, and
three federally-listed and 20 state-listed rare plants. This intact forested area, tucked into the
northeast corner of Rutherford County and stretching into Cleveland and McDowell counties,
shelters the watershed that supplies drinking water to the Town of Shelby. The impressiveness
of the Rollins/South Mountains Natural Area is enhanced by its proximity to other protected
natural areas, including South Mountains State Park, and Morganton, Broughton and School for
the Deaf watersheds. State funding from the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and the North Carolina
Clean Water Management Trust Fund led to the acquisition of the Rollins/South Mountains
Natural Area by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. In addition to protecting the water
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 23
supply for the Town of Shelby, the Rollins/South Mountains Natural Area will serve as
recreation lands and game lands for the citizens of North Carolina.
Hickorynut Gorge
Located near Asheville on the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Hickorynut Gorge is an area
of exceptional ecological significance. Its variety of high quality natural communities and
abundance of rare plants and animals is due in part to the area’s geology - geologic faults, caves,
sheer cliffs, peaks, waterfalls and granitic domes characterize the landscape around the gorge as
it drops 1,800 feet from the mountains to the Piedmont. The Hickorynut Gorge area is composed
of a number of individual sites that have been identified as having special ecological significance
in themselves, and several of the most crucial Significant Natural Heritage Areas are listed
below:
• Rumbling Bald and Shumont Mountain
• World’s Edge/Sugarloaf Mountain
• Bald Mountain/Rainbow Falls
• Bat Cave
• Cane Creek Mountain
• Chimney Rock Natural Area
• Cloven Cliffs/The Pinnacles
• Little Bearwallow Mountain
Green River Headwaters and Gorge
The Green River Headwaters and Gorge are composed of two sets of Significant Natural
Heritage Areas, those in the headwaters of the Green River, and those downstream in the
Narrows of the gorge. The assemblages of plants, animals and natural communities along the
Green River are among the highest quality occurrences in North Carolina. The headwaters are
buffered by intact, good quality forest communities which help to protect the integrity of the
Green River. Additionally, the 4,000-acre headwaters area is valuable for its landscape role
connecting an adjacent natural area in South Carolina (Mountain Bridge) to Stone Mountain and
Pinnacle Mountain to the north. At the Narrows, the gorge is 1,000 feet deep. The following
Significant Natural Heritage Areas constitute the highest quality sites along the Green River and
should be considered for preservation both for water quality and ecosystem functions:
• Cove Creek/Bradley Falls Natural Area
• Green River Gorge
• Green River Headwaters
• Laurel Branch Creek Gorge/Buckeye Ford
• Lower Hungry River Gorge
Tryon Region and Pacolet River Gorge
A collection of Significant Natural Heritage Areas in south-central Polk County is noted for its
natural communities and rare plants. Well developed rich forests on slopes of Tryon Peak and
unique cliff communities are interspersed with caves, streams, ridges and valleys. Dominated by
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 24
White Oak Mountain, the Tryon Region encompasses several high quality natural areas,
including:
• White Oak Mountain/Tryon Peak
• Tryon Reservoir/Twin Lakes/Big Fall Creek Natural Area
• Cedar Cliff/Warrior Mountains
• Melrose Mountain
• Pearsons Falls Glen/Pacolet River Bluffs
Pinnacle Mountain
Also known as Wolf’s Lair, Pinnacle Mountain is part of a larger landscape of natural areas
(along with the Green River Headwaters and Gorge) known as Buck Forest. One of the richest
sites (in total species) in the Green River drainage, Pinnacle Mountain’s habitats include rock
outcrops and cliffs, rich high elevation communities, open mixed hardwoods, rich cove
hardwoods, Canada hemlock ravines, nonforested open land, and a wetland pond/bog/marsh
complex.
2.7 Permitted Wastewater and Stormwater Discharge Facilities
Discharges that enter surface waters through a pipe,
ditch or other well-defined point of discharge are
broadly referred to as 'point sources'. Wastewater
point source discharges include municipal (city and
county) and industrial wastewater treatment plants and
small domestic wastewater treatment systems serving
schools, commercial offices, residential subdivisions
and individual homes. Stormwater point source
discharges include stormwater collection systems for
municipalities which serve populations greater than 100,000 and stormwater discharges
associated with certain industrial activities. Point source dischargers in North Carolina must
apply for and obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Discharge permits are issued under the NPDES program, which is delegated to DWQ by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
2.7.1 Wastewater Discharges in the Broad River Basin
Currently, there are 48 permitted wastewater discharges in the Broad River basin. Table A-13
provides summary information (numbers of facilities and permitted flows) about the discharges
by subbasin and type. Subbasin maps in Section B depict the locations of NPDES permitted
discharges. Detailed information, including a key to discharge location numbers, is provided in
Appendix I.
The primary pollutants associated
with point source discharges are:
* oxygen-consuming wastes
*nutrients
* color
* toxic substances including chlorine,
ammonia and metals
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 25
Table A-13 Summary of NPDES Dischargers and Permitted Flows
Broad River Subbasin
Facility Categories 03-08-01 03-08-02 03-08-03 03-08-04 03-08-05 03-08-06 TOTAL
Total Facilities 1161148848
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.995 18.6 0.02 8.8 7.3 2.3 38.0
Major Discharges 06033214
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.0 15.9 0.0 8.1 7.2 1.9 33.1
Minor Discharges 1101115634
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.995 2.7 0.02 0.7 0.1 0.4 4.9
100% Domestic Waste 06151316
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.0 0.1 0.02 0.1 0.01 0.03 0.3
Municipal Facilities 15022212
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.995 13.3 0.0 6.6 6.1 1.6 28.6
Nonmunicipal Facilities 0111126636
Total Permitted Flow (MGD) 0.0 5.2 0.02 2.2 1.2 0.7 9.3
The majority of NPDES permitted
discharges in the Broad River basin
are from wastewater treatment plants
serving communities and schools.
Many of them are small facilities with
less than one million gallons of flow
per day. However, there are a few
larger discharges in the basin as well.
Facilities, large or small, where recent
data show problems with a discharge
are listed and discussed in each
subbasin chapter in Section B.
Type of Wastewater Discharge
Major Facilities: Municipal wastewater treatment plants with
flows ≥1 MGD (million gallons per day) and some industrial
facilities (depending on flow and potential impacts on public
health and water quality).
Minor Facilities: Any facilities not meeting the definition of
Major.
100% Domestic Waste: Facilities that only treat domestic-type
waste (water from bathrooms, sinks, washers).
Municipal Facilities: Public facilities that serve a
municipality. Can treat waste from homes and industries.
Nonmunicipal: Non-public facilities that provide treatment
for domestic, industrial or commercial wastewater. This
category includes wastewater from industrial processes such
as textiles, mining, seafood processing, and power generation,
and other facilities such as schools, subdivisions, nursing
homes, groundwater remediation projects, water treatment
plants and non-process industrial wastewater.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 26
2.7.2 Stormwater Discharges in the Broad River Basin
Amendments were made to the Clean Water
Act in 1990 and most recently in 1999
pertaining to permit requirements for
stormwater discharges associated with
industrial activities and municipal separate
storm sewer systems (MS4s). DWQ
administers these regulations in North Carolina
through the state’s NPDES stormwater
program. The goal of the DWQ stormwater
discharge permitting regulations is to prevent
pollution via stormwater runoff by controlling
the source(s) of pollutants.
The municipal permitting requirements are
designed to lead into the formation of
comprehensive stormwater management
programs for municipal areas. No
municipalities in the Broad River basin were
required to obtain a NPDES permit for
stormwater sewer systems under the Phase I
rules (population >100,000).
Additionally, no municipalities in the basin are automatically required (US Census Designated
Urban Areas) to obtain a NPDES stormwater permit under the Phase II rules. However, Shelby
will be considered for inclusion under the Phase II rules because of a population greater than
10,000 and/or a population density greater than 1000 persons per square mile. DWQ is currently
developing criteria that will be used to determine whether these and other municipalities should
be required to obtain a NPDES permit.
Industrial activities which require permitting are defined in categories ranging from sawmills and
landfills to manufacturing plants and hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities.
Stormwater permits are granted in the form of general permits (which cover a wide variety of
more common activities) or individual permits. Excluding construction stormwater general
permits, there are no general stormwater permits and two individual permits active within the
Broad River basin. Individual permit holders are presented in Appendix I.
The primary concern with runoff from industrial facilities is the contamination of stormwater
from contact with exposed materials. Poor housekeeping can lead to significant contributions of
sediment and other water quality pollutants. To address these issues, each NPDES stormwater
permitted facility must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) that addresses
the facility’s potential impacts on water quality. Facilities identified as having significant
potential to impact water quality may also be required to conduct analytical monitoring to
characterize pollutants in stormwater discharges.
EPA Stormwater Rules
Phase I – December 1990
Requires a NPDES permit for municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) serving
populations of 100,000 or more.
Requires a NPDES stormwater permit for ten
categories of industry.
Requires a NPDES stormwater permit for
construction sites that are 5 acres or more.
Phase II – December 1999
Requires a NPDES permit for some municipal
storm sewer systems serving populations
under 100,000, located in urbanized areas.
Provides a "no stormwater exposure"
exemption to industrial facilities covered
under Phase I.
Requires a NPDES stormwater permit for
construction sites that are 1-5 acres.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 27
The state stormwater management rules (15A NCAC 2H .1000) regulate development activities
in 20 coastal counties and on lands statewide that drain to Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW)
and/or High Quality Waters (HQW). Under this program, development is permitted as either low
density or high density. Low density limits the impervious, or built upon, area on a project and
allows natural infiltration and attenuation of stormwater runoff. High density requires
installation and maintenance of structural best management practices to control and treat
stormwater runoff from the site.
2.8 Animal Operations
In 1992, the Environmental Management Commission adopted a rule modification (15A NCAC
2H.0217) establishing procedures for managing and reusing animal wastes from intensive
livestock operations. The rule applies to new, expanding or existing feedlots with animal waste
management systems designed to serve animal populations of at least the following size: 100
head of cattle, 75 horses, 250 swine, 1,000 sheep or 30,000 birds (chickens and turkeys) with a
liquid waste system. Within the past five years there have been several additional pieces of
legislation enacted that affect animal operations in North Carolina.
Table A-14 summarizes, by subbasin, the number of registered livestock operations, total number
of animals, total acres in operation, and total steady state live weight as of January 2000. These
numbers reflect only operations required by law to be registered, and therefore, do not represent
the total number of animals in each subbasin.
Steady State Live Weight (SSLW) is the result, in pounds, after a conversion factor has been
applied to the number (head count) of swine, cattle or poultry on a farm. The conversion factors,
which come from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation
Service (NRCS) guidelines, vary depending on the type of animals on the farm and the type of
operation (for example, there are five types of hog farms). Since the amount of waste produced
varies by hog size, SSLW is the best way to compare the sizes of the farms.
Table A-14 Registered Animal Operations in the Broad River Basin (as of December 5, 2001)
Cattle Poultry Swine
Total Total Total
Subbasin No. of No. of Steady State No. of No. of Steady State No. of No. of Steady State
Facilities Animals Live Weight Facilities Animals Live Weight Facilities Animals Live Weight
03-08-01 1 150 210,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
03-08-02 2 380 532,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
03-08-03 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
03-08-04 3 765 813,000 -- -- -- 1 4,000 566,800
03-08-05 1 640 896,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
03-08-06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Totals 7 1,935 2,451,000 -- -- -- 1 4,000 566,800
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 28
Information on animal capacity by subbasin (Table A-15) was provided by the USDA. A
negligible percentage of the state’s total capacity for swine, dairy and poultry is found in the
Broad River basin. Overall, swine and dairy production in the Broad River basin decreased this
decade while poultry production has increased.
Table A-15 Estimated Populations of Swine, Dairy and Poultry in the Broad River Basin
(1998 and 1994)
Subbasin
Total Swine
Capacity
Swine
Change
Total Dairy
Capacity
Dairy
Change
Poultry
Capacity
Poultry
Change
1998 1994 94-98 (%) 1998 1994 94-98 (%) 1998 1994 94-98 (%)
03-08-01 7 263 -97 -- -- -- 23,000 -- 100+
03-08-02 73 1,743 -96 1,263 1,782 -29 342,454 149,454 129
03-08-03 36 49 -27 -- -- -- -- -- --
03-08-04 5,167 5,319 -3 1,148 910 26 1,230,261 1,234,161 --
03-08-05 74 354 -79 -- 9 -100 403,476 165,459 144
03-08-06 2 2 -- 115 115 -- 13,300 13,300 --
TOTALS 5,359 7,730 -31 2,526 2,816 -10 2,012,491 1,562,374 29
% of State Total <1% <1% 3% 2% <1% <1%
2.9 Water Quantity Issues
2.9.1 Local Water Supply Planning
The North Carolina General Assembly mandated a local and state water supply planning process
in 1989 to assure that communities have an adequate supply of potable water for future needs.
Under this statute, all units of local government that provide, or plan to provide, public water
supply service are required to prepare a Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) and to update that plan
at least every five years. The information presented in a LWSP is an assessment of a water
system’s present and future water needs and its ability to meet those needs.
Surface water is used to meet the majority of overall water needs in the North Carolina portion of
the Broad River basin (approximately 83 percent of estimated total water use). In 1997, 15
public water systems used water from the basin providing 26 million gallons of water per day to
100,887 people in the basin. Water demand from these public systems is projected to increase 56
percent by 2020. Four of the 19 systems (21 percent) reported that available supply was not
adequate to meet estimated demand through 2020, and one other system (5.2 percent) reported
that by 2020 demand levels will exceed 80 percent of available supply.
Not everyone gets water from public water supply systems. Many households and some
commercial and industrial operations supply their own water from both surface water and
groundwater sources in the basin. The US Geological Survey estimates that self-supplied users,
excluding power-generating facilities, account for 51.2 percent of the total water used in the
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 29
Broad River basin. Water used for industrial and irrigation purposes comprises the majority of
self-supplied water use in the basin (Figure A-9).
Self-Supplied Water Usage in the
Broad River Basin
Industrial
49%
Livestock
7%
Domestic
19%
Irrigation
24%
Commercial
1%
Figure A-9 Estimated Self-Supplied Water Use in the Broad River Basin
(NCDENR-DWR, January 2001)
The State Water Supply Plan is a compilation of over 500 LWSPs developed by local
government water systems in North Carolina. More detailed information is available in the plan
about water supply and water usage in the Broad River basin. This plan is available online at the
Division of Water Resources website at http://www.dwr.ehnr.state.nc.us or by calling [phone].
2.9.2 Water Withdrawals
Prior to 1999, North Carolina required water users to register their water withdrawals with the
Division of Water Resources (DWR) only if the amount was 1,000,000 gallons or more of
surface water or groundwater per day. In 1999, the registration threshold for all water users
except agriculture was lowered to 100,000 gallons per day. Table A-16 presents registered
withdrawals.
There are 16 registered water withdrawals in the North Carolina portion of the Broad River
basin. Nine of these (56 percent) are surface water withdrawals. Excluding power generating
facilities, there is a cumulative permitted capacity to withdraw 4.4 million gallons of water per
day.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 30
Table A-16 Registered Water Withdrawals in the Broad River Basin (August 2000)
County
2000
Average
for Days
Used
(MGD)
2000
Maximum
for Days
Used
(MGD)
Source
Of
Withdrawal
Facility
Rutherford 1.2 2.4 Second Broad River Burlington Industries – J.C. Cowan Plant
Cleveland 170.89 288 Broad River Duke Energy Corp. – Cliffside Steam Station
Henderson 54 188 Lake Summit Duke Energy Corp. – Tuxedo Hydro-Electric Facility
Cleveland 0.01 0.024 Quarry Martin Marietta Materials Inc. – Kings Mountain Quarry
Rutherford 0.017 0.017 Groundwater Heater Utilities, Inc. – Mid-South-Bridges CWS
Rutherford 0.006 0.006 Groundwater Heater Utilities, Inc. – Mid-South-Holly Hills
Henderson 0.013 0.013 Groundwater Heater Utilities, Inc. – Mid-South-Tuxedo
Polk 0.003 0.003 Groundwater Heater Utilities, Inc. – Mid-South-Valley Court Estates
Henderson 0.49 0.816 King Creek Kenmure Country Club – Kenmure Golf Course
Cleveland 0.138 0.226 Lake or Pond Cleveland Country Club Golf Course
Cleveland 0.686 1.09 Buffalo Creek CNA Holings, Inc. – Ticona-Shelby Facility
Cleveland 0.56 0.92 First Broad River Cleveland-Caroknit
Polk Not Reported Not Reported Green River Northbrook Carolina Hydro LLC – Turner Shoals Plant
Cleveland Not Reported Not Reported First Broad River Northbrook Carolina Hydro LLC – Spencer Mountain
Rutherford 0.053 0.11 Groundwater Carolina Water Service Inc. of NC – Fairfield Apple Valley
Rutherford 0.103 0.199 Groundwater Carolina Water Service Inc. of NC – Fairfield Mountain
2.9.3 Interbasin Transfers
In addition to water withdrawals (discussed above), water users in North Carolina are also
required to register surface water transfers with the Division of Water Resources if the amount is
100,000 gallons per day or more. In addition, persons wishing to transfer two million gallons per
day (MGD) or more, or increase an existing transfer by 25 percent or more, must first obtain a
certificate from the Environmental Management Commission (G.S. 143-215.22I). The river
basin boundaries that apply to these requirements are designated on a map entitled Major River
Basins and Sub-Basins in North Carolina, on file in the Office of the Secretary of State. These
boundaries differ slightly from the 17 major river basins delineated by DWQ.
In determining whether a certificate should be issued, the state must determine that the overall
benefits of a transfer outweigh the potential impacts. Factors used to determine whether a
certificate should be issued include:
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 31
• the necessity, reasonableness and beneficial effects of the transfer;
• the detrimental effects on the source and receiving basins, including effects on water supply
needs, wastewater assimilation, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, hydroelectric power
generation, navigation and recreation;
• the cumulative effect of existing transfers or water uses in the source basin;
• reasonable alternatives to the proposed transfer; and
• any other facts and circumstances necessary to evaluate the transfer request.
A provision of the interbasin transfer law requires that an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement be prepared in accordance with the State Environmental Policy
Act as supporting documentation for a transfer petition.
Currently, there are no certified interbasin transfers in the Broad River basin.
Table A-17 lists five known potential transfers involving the North Carolina portion of the Broad
River basin (not required to be certified). Approximately 1.5 MGD is transferred out of the basin
to the Catawba River basin, and a relatively small unknown quantity is transferred into the basin
for an estimated net loss of water. Please note that all local water systems are now required to
report existing and anticipated interbasin transfers as part of the Local Water Supply Planning
process. This information will be available for future updates of this basinwide plan and will
allow for a better assessment of cumulative impacts.
Table A-17 Interbasin Transfers in the Broad River Basin (1997)
Supplying
System
Receiving
System
Source
Subbasin
Receiving
Subbasin
Estimated
Transfer (MGD)
Kings Mountain Kings Mountain Broad River Catawba River 0.288
Kings Mountain Gastonia WWTP Broad River S. Fork Catawba River 1.186
Cherryville Cherryville S. Fork Catawba River Broad River Unknown
Hendersonville Hendersonville French Broad River Broad River <0.1
Hendersonville Saluda French Broad River Broad River 0.151
2.9.4 Minimum Streamflow
One of the purposes of the Dam Safety Law is to ensure maintenance of minimum streamflows
below dams. Conditions may be placed on dam operations specifying mandatory minimum
releases in order to maintain adequate quantity and quality of water in the length of a stream
affected by an impoundment. The Division of Water Resources (DWR), in conjunction with the
Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), recommends conditions relating to release of flows to
satisfy minimum instream flow requirements. The permits are issued by the Division of Land
Resources (DLR). Table A-18 summarizes minimum flow requirements in the Broad River
basin.
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 32
Table A-18 Hydropower Dams and Dams with a Minimum Streamflow Requirement in the
Broad River Basin
Name Location Waterbody
Drainage
Area
(sq. mi.)
Min. Release
(cu. ft/sec)
Dams associated with Hydropower Production
Stice Shoals South of Shelby, NC First Broad
River
288.0 None
Cliffside At the Town of Cliffside, NC Second Broad
River
220.0 None
Henrietta* At the Town of Henrietta, NC Second Broad
River
206.0 60
Caroleen At the Town of Caroleen, NC Second Broad
River
199.0 None
1
Lake Lure At the Town of Lake Lure, NC Broad River 95.0 None
2
Gaston Shoal North of Gaffney, SC
3 Broad River 1250.0 150 (Jun-Feb)
350 (Mar-May)
Lake Adger South of Lake Lure, NC Green River 138.0 None
Lake Summit South of Zirconia, NC Green River 42.6 None
Other Impoundments
Kings Mountain Reservoir At the Town of Stubbs, NC Buffalo Creek 68.1 12.0
Pavillon South of Lake Lure, NC Britten Creek 4.1 2.0
* Project is not yet complete.
Notes
1 Even though there is no minimum flow, the project must operate in a run-of-river mode; i.e., instantaneous inflow equals
outflow. Note: A noncompliant project can noticeably alter the streamflow.
2 Although no minimum flow requirement is attached to Lake Lure dam safety permit, a flow of 6.6 cfs is required at the town’s
wastewater treatment plant located downstream of the dam.
3 Impounds water upstream into NC.
2.10 Physical Impacts to Wetlands and Streams
DWQ has issued approvals for wetland filling activities since the mid-1980s; however, in 1989,
the Environmental Management Commission directed DWQ to begin reviewing wetland fill and
stream alteration activities using a review sequence of (1) avoidance, (2) minimization and (3)
mitigation of wetland impacts. Rules finalized in 1996 require that wetland values, such as
whether or not the wetland is providing significant uses or whether the filling activity would
remove or degrade those uses, be considered. The rules also specify wetland and stream
mitigation ratios and type and location of projects to make the mitigation process more
predictable and manageable for the regulated community. DWQ’s emphasis continues to be on
water quality and the essential role that wetlands play in maintaining water quality. The issuance
Section A: Chapter 2 – Broad River Basin Overview 33
of a 401 Water Quality Certification by DWQ is required before the US Army Corps of
Engineers can issue a Section 404 Permit authorizing the fill or alteration of wetlands and/or
streams in North Carolina.
Despite efforts to protect and restore wetland and stream functions on the part of DWQ and many
other agencies and organizations in North Carolina, there is still an annual net loss of wetlands
and streams statewide. DWQ and Division of Land Resources (DLR) regulate construction
activities near streams and wetlands. These regulatory programs ensure that construction
projects cause minimal damage to these resources and that unavoidable impacts are addressed
through mitigation projects. Restoration projects are also funded through the Wetland
Restoration Program (WRP), Section 319 Program, Clean Water Management Trust Fund and
Division of Water Resources Grant Program that can help offset stream and wetland impacts.
DWQ tracks wetland and stream losses that are authorized through the issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification. In addition to the permitted wetland and stream impacts that are tracked by
DWQ, an unknown amount of permanent wetland and stream losses also occurs. Projects that
affect less than one-third of an acre of wetland or less than 150 linear feet of stream are not
required to receive written confirmation from DWQ, and therefore, might not be reported. The
magnitude of unauthorized impacts to wetlands and streams is not known.