First Broad River

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Ge n e r a l Wat e r s h e d de s c r i p t i o n
The First Broad River and its tributaries originate in Rutherford County (the First
Broad River headwaters), flow through Cleveland County and join the Broad River
just above the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. Tributaries in the First Broad
River watershed include Knob Creek, Brushy Creek, Beaverdam Creek and Hickory
Creek (Figure 5-2). Land cover is predominantly forested with agriculture, residential
and commercials areas (Figure 5-1). Streams exhibit both mountain and piedmont
characteristics due to their location within the basin; and geology, soils and streamflows
vary.
Wa t e r Qu a l i t y ov e r v i e W
Of the 151 stream miles in the First Broad River watershed, 76.2 were monitored by
DWQ. Of these monitored waters, 78 percent are Impaired, 19 percent are Supporting
and 3 percent are not rated for aquatic life. The majority of impairments and impacts
are associated with fecal coliform bacteria, habitat degradation, turbidity and nutrient
impacts.
Biological monitoring was conducted at nine basinwide sites. Two benthic sites
improved (Brushy and Beaverdam Creeks), and biologists noted that the improvements
are likely the result of higher flows in 2005 versus those measured in 2000 (97 cubic
feet per second (cfs) compared to 49 cfs). In those watersheds primarily influenced
by point source pollution (such as Brushy and Beaverdam Creeks), increased streamflow can dilute point source discharge
and result in short-term improvements to aquatic communities. In
protected watersheds (such as in the First Broad River headwaters),
increased streamflow can improve instream physical conditions
(i.e., increase availability of wet habitat and increased dissolved
oxygen levels), which often results in more favorable conditions
for macroinvertebrate colonization. Two ambient stations are also
located in this watershed.
Even though the aquatic communities are supporting throughout the
watershed, a section of the First Broad River is impaired in the aquatic
life category due to a water quality standard violation for turbidity. In
addition, the First Broad River is Not Rated in the recreation category,
and two streams are identified as streams with noted impacts (Table
5-1).
There are five minor and three major NPDES Discharge Permits within
this watershed. Two of these facilities obtained compliance violations
between 2002 and 2006.
Wat e r s h e d a t a Gl a n c e
co u n t i e s
Cleveland
Municipalities
Belwood, Casar, Fallston,
Lawndale, Polkville, Kingstown,
Lattimore, Shelby, Boiling
Springs, Patterson Springs
pe r Mi t t e d Facilities
NPDES WWTP: 8
NPDES Nondischarge: 1
NPDES Stormwater: 16
Animal Operations: 2
Mo n i t o r e d st r e a M Mi l e s (al)
Total Streams: 76.2 mi
Total Supporting: 59.1 mi
Total Impaired: 14.6 mi
Total Not Rated: 2.5 mi
Fi r s t Br o a d ri v e r
Wat e r s h e d
HUC’s 0305010507 & parts of 0305010506
Includes Knob Creek, Brushy Creek, Hickory Creek & Beaverdam Creek
First Broad River Land Use
15%
43%
1%
41%
0%
Developed
Forest
W et land
Agriculture
Other
Fi g u r e 5-1: Fi r s t Br o a d ri v e r Wat e r s h e d La n d Co v e r
NRI: National Land Cover Data, 2001
5.2
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Fi g u r e 5-2: Fi r s t Br o a d ri v e r Wat e r s h e d , huC’s 0305010507 & p a r t s o F 0305010506
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CLEVELAND
Shelby
Belwood
Casar
Fallston
Boiling
Springs
Polkville
Earl
Mooresboro
Kingstown
Lattimore
Lawndale
PattersonSprings
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FirstBroadRi v e r
BrierCreek
Wards Creek
SugarBranch
B uffaloCreek
AF9
AF11
AF10
AF14
AF13
AB2
AB8
AB20
AB64
AB65
AB51
AB53
AB52AB83
AB19
AB32
A6450000
A6400000
A4800000
A4700000
A4400000
®
0 2 4 6 81
Miles
Planning SectionBasinwidePlanning UnitApril,2008
First Broad River Watershed
County Boundaries
Minicipalities
Aquatic Life Rating
Impaired
Not Rated
Supporting
NPDES Discharger
XY Major
#*Minor
Non-Discharger Permits
%2 Major
#0 Minor
[¡Fish Community
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Monitoring Sites
5.3
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ta B L e 5-1: Mo n i t o r e d st r e a M se g M e n t s in th e Fi r s t Br o a d ri v e r Wat e r s h e d
au nu M B e r st r e a M na M e Le n g t h
(M i L e s )CL a s s .2008 ir
Ca t e g o r y *iM p a i r e d iM p a C t e d
po t e n t i a L st r e s s o r s
(po t e n t i a L so u r C e s )
dWQ
su B B a s i n
9-50-(19.5)First Broad River 16.5 WS-IV 2 --03-08-04
9-50-(28)First Broad River 14.6 C 5 X -Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Habitat Degradation
Turbidity
03-08-04
9-50-19-(2.5)Knob Creek
(Big Knob Creek)
8.3 WS-IV 2 --Nutrient Impacts
(Stormwater Runoff)
Habitat Degradation
(Natural Conditions)
03-08-04
9-50-19-(4)Knob Creek
(Big Knob Creek)
0.5 WS-IV;
CA
2 --03-08-04
9-50-29 Brushy Creek 14.7 C 2 --Nutrient Impacts
Habitat Degradation
03-08-04
9-50-30 Hickory Creek 9.6 C 2 --03-08-04
9-50-32 Beaverdam Creek 9.5 C 2 --03-08-04
9-50-32-3 Sugar Branch 2.5 C 3a -X Fecal Coliform Bacteria
(Stormwater Runoff,
Failing Septic Systems)
Low pH
03-08-04
*The 2008 IR Categories definitions can be found on the first page of Appendix 5-A
cu r r e n t st a t u s o F iM p a i r e d a n d iM pa c t e d Wa t e r s
Fi r s t Br o a d ri v e r AU#: 9-50-(19.5) 9-50-(28)
Two benthic sites (AB19 and AB20) and one ambient monitoring station (AA6) are located on the First Broad River in
Cleveland County. Site AB19 received a Good bioclassification. The substrate was slightly embedded with a mix of
bedrock (30 percent), rubble (10 percent), gravel (10 percent), sand (20 percent) and silt (20 percent). Habitat was
good (habitat score 80); however, DWQ biologists noted eroding streambanks within the sampling reach. The site has
How to Read this Document
This document was written to correspond with our new Geographic Online Document Distribution (OGDD)
tool using Google Earth. If you are unable to use Google Earth, this document provides maps and associated
water quality information and a discussion of water quality trends occurring in the watershed. Google Earth is
an independent software program which can be downloaded to a personal, business, and most local and state
government computers; the program allows you to view satellite imagery of the earth’s surface along with location
identifiers. DWQ’s Basinwide Planning Unit created a “transparency” add on layer to Google Earth with basinwide
water quality data, which allows a user to locate their watershed, pinpoint a waterbody and use support ratings,
find a location of a permit and provides links to PDF watershed reports. For more information on how to download
Google Earth and DWQ’s data visit DWQ’s Basinwide Planning’s OGDD website. Please contact Melanie Williams
for more information at [e-mail] or 919-807-6447.
Impaired streams are those streams not meeting their associated water quality standards in more than 10 percent
of the samples taken within the assessment period (January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2006) and impacted
streams are those not meeting water quality standards in 7 to 10 percent of the samples. The Use Support report
provides information on how and why water quality ratings are determined and DWQ’s “Redbook” describes
in detail water quality standards for each waterbody classification. For a general discussion of water quality
parameters, potential issues, and rules please see “Supplemental Guide to North Carolina’s Basinwide Planning:
Support Document for Basinwide Water Quality Plans”.
Appendix 5-A provides descriptions of Use Support ratings for all monitored waterbodies in the subbasin.
Appendix 5-B provides a summary of each ambient data monitoring station.
Appendix 5-C provides summaries of biological and fish assessment monitoring sites.
5.4
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been sampled twice before (1995 and 2000), resulting in a Good bioclassification each time. The abundant presence of
three pollution intolerant species and long-lived stoneflies suggests stable and favorable water quality conditions in this
section of the river.
Sites AB20 and AA6 are the most downstream sites on the First Broad River; consequently, habitat and water quality is
impacted by upstream water and land use. Site AB20 has been sampled seven times since 1983 resulting in a mix of
Good-Fair and Fair bioclassifications. In 2005, the site received a Good bioclassification and several pollution intolerant
species were collected for the first time. Substrate is mostly sand (80 percent) with some gravel (10 percent) and silt (10
percent). Primary habitat problems include eroding streambanks, frequent breaks in the riparian zone, and inadequate
instream habitat.
Despite the Good bioclassification at site AB20, ambient monitoring at site AA6 shows that the water quality standard
for turbidity (>50 NTU) was exceeded in 15.5 percent of the samples collected from January 2002 through December
2006. Therefore, this section of the First Broad River is impaired for aquatic life due to exceedences in the water quality
standard. This section of the First Broad River is also Not Rated in the recreation category due to high levels of fecal
coliform bacteria. Nearly 26 percent of the samples collected exceeded 400 colonies of fecal coliform bacteria/100
milliliters (ml) of water. Current methodology requires additional bacteriological sampling for streams with a geometric
mean greater than 200 colonies/100 ml or when concentrations exceed 400 colonies/100 ml in more than 20 percent
of the samples. These additional assessments are prioritized such that, as monitoring resources become available, the
highest priority is given to those streams where the likelihood of full-body contact recreation is greatest. No portion of
the First Broad River is classified for primary recreation (Class B); therefore, it was not prioritized for additional sampling
during this assessment period. Potential sources of elevated bacteria levels include failing septic systems, straight pipes
and nonpoint source runoff from pasture and forestlands.
Recommendations: Restoration is needed to stabilize streambanks and reduce erosion. Installation of fencing along this
segment with animal operations will prevent farm animals from eroding streambanks and depositing harmful bacteria
and excess nutrients into the surface water. The Town of Shelby should implement a Sediment and Erosion Control Local
Program to help control construction site sediment from entering surface waters. More information on local programs
can be found on the Division of Land Resources web site.
Kn o B Cr e e K AU#: 9-50-19-(2.5), 9-50-19-(4)
Knob Creek is located in north-central Cleveland County, where land use consists of agriculture, forest and some residential
development. Site AF13 received a Good-Fair bioclassification. In 2005, the number of fish and the percentage of species
with multiple age classes was less than those collected in 2000. The bluehead chub (a nutrient indicator species) was the
dominant species. DWQ biologists noted that the change in the number and percentage of species was likely impacted
by drought (2000) and subsequent high flow conditions experienced during the 2004 hurricane season.
Located approximately 2.5 miles downstream of site AF13, site AB32 received a Good bioclassification. Substrate is
mostly sand (90 percent) with only a small amount of gravel (10 percent). Biologists noted several habitat problems,
including severe streambank erosion, frequent breaks in the riparian zone and inadequate instream habitat (habitat score
50). Even though Knob Creek has received a Good bioclassification in 1995, 2000 and 2005, the most recent sampling in
2005 shows that the diversity of species is declining. Loss of diversity is often an indication of nonpoint source impacts
and changes in habitat.
B r u s h y Cr e e K AU#: 9-50-29
Brushy Creek is located in west-central Cleveland County. Fish (AF14 and AF9) and benthic (AB8) samples were collected
in lower Brushy Creek. Site AF14 received a Good-Fair bioclassification. In 2005, eighteen species were collected with
the bluehead chub (a nutrient indicator species) being the dominant species. DWQ biologists noted that the diversity of
darters, sunfish, bass and trout were lower than expected.
Fish were also collected at site AF9 in 2004. This site is located 4.1 miles downstream of site AF14 and was selected as
part of a fish community urbanization study by NC State University (unpublished data). Unlike site AF14, site AF9 rated
Excellent. The difference in the ratings was due to the collection of sunfish, bass and trout. Differences were also found
in the trophic structure and more species with multiple age groups were identified. The instream habitat, pools and
canopy were of greater quality than that found upstream, and the bluehead chub constituted only 24 percent of total
number of species downstream compared to 54 percent of the species upstream.
Site AB8 was co-located with site AF9 and received an Excellent bioclassification. Substrate was a mix of slightly embedded
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rubble (10 percent), gravel (10 percent), sand (70 percent) and silt (10 percent). Primary habitat problems included poor
instream habitat and moderate streambank erosion (habitat score 66). Despite the habitat problems, several pollution
intolerant species were collected for the first time in 2005 and conductivity was much lower, suggesting water quality
improvements.
hi C K o r y Cr e e K AU#: 9-50-30
Hickory Creek drains the eastern half of the Town of Shelby in south-central Cleveland County. Previous assessments
describe the creek as “…generally typical of the basin – sandy substrate, shallow runs, infrequent and small side pools,
shallow gravelly riffles.” Despite the marginal instream habitat, the riparian zone is wide and intact. Site AF11 received
a Good bioclassification. Twenty-four species were collected from the site. The bluehead chub (a nutrient indicator
species) and the greenfin shiner were the two dominant species. Trash, including automotive tires and aluminum cans,
continue to be an issue in the stream and BMPs are recommended to control sedimentation.
B e av e r d a M Cr e e K AU#: 9-50-32
Beaverdam Creek drains southwestern Cleveland County. Land use is a mix of forest, agriculture, commercial and
residential properties located along the US 74 corridor. Benthic (AB2) and fish (AF10) samples were collected in lower
Beaverdam Creek. Site AB2 received an Excellent bioclassification for the first time in 2005. Even though the substrate
was an uneven mix of sand (60 percent), gravel (30 percent) and rubble (10 percent), there were several pollution
intolerant species present. Increased streamflows likely diluted impacts from the wastewater and stormwater outfalls
upstream of the sampling site, and two facilities (Crest High School and Middle School) no longer discharge to Beaverdam
Creek.
Site AF10 received a Good fish bioclassification. Twenty-three species were identified; however, the abundance of the
bluehead chub (40 percent) and the elevated percentage of omnivore-herbivore species indicate nutrient enrichment
from nonpoint sources of pollution. The number of intolerant species has also declined over time and instream habitat
did not support predatory fish species.
Site AA7 is located in Sugar Branch, which is a tributary to Beaverdam Creek. Thirty-five percent of the samples collected
exceeded 400 colonies of fecal coliform bacteria/100 milliliters (ml) of water. Current methodology requires additional
bacteriological sampling for streams with a geometric mean greater than 200 colonies/100 ml or when concentrations
exceed 400 colonies/100 ml in more than 20 percent of the samples. These additional assessments are prioritized such
that, as monitoring resource become available, the highest priority is given to those streams where the likelihood of
full-body contact recreation is greatest. No streams in the Beaverdam Creek sub-watershed are classified for primary
recreation (Class B); therefore, Sugar Branch was not prioritized for additional sampling during this assessment period.
Potential sources of elevated bacteria levels include failing septic systems, straight pipes and nonpoint source runoff
from pasture and forestlands. Sugar Branch is Not Rated for recreation. Although not a water quality standard violation,
pH is also a noted concern in Sugar Branch. The pH was below the water quality standard of 6.0 in nearly nine percent
of the samples collected.

Recommendations for this watershed can be found later in the chapter.
siG niFicant no n -co M p l i a n c e is s u e s
There are eight NPDES WWTP permitted in the First Broad River watershed. No significant non-compliance issues were
identified for the majority of facilities; however, monitoring and/or operating violations have been issued to a few. Two
such facilities are located in the Brushy Creek watershed and include PPG Industries (Permit NC0004685) and Ramseur
Washerette (Permit NC0030481). PPG is a major industrial process and commercial wastewater facility with a permitted
flow of 1.3 million gallons per day (MGD). In August 2002, PPG started a pilot project where up to 100 percent of their
discharge was recovered, filtered and used in the non-contact cooling process. As a result, there has been a significant
reduction in the volume of water discharged into Brushy Creek. The facility was last inspected in September 2006 and is
in full compliance with its permit limits.
Ramseur Washerette is a minor industrial process and commercial wastewater facility with a permitted flow of 0.0056
MGD. The facility mostly treats wash water from washing machines and two one-stall bathrooms. Ramseur Washerette
was last inspected in May 2005 when several violations were noted and included problems related to operations and
maintenance, disinfection, lagoons and record keeping. Based on the most recent inspection, the owners were hoping
to tie into sewer lines that were being laid throughout the area; however, the line was never laid to the facility. The
5.6
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facility is identified as non-compliant and the owners are considering closing the facility. If the facility is closed, it is
recommended that the permit be rescinded provided that the bathroom facilities are hooked onto a different treatment
system (i.e., septic system).
lo c a l initiatives
nC ag r i C u L t u r e Co a s t sh a r e pr o g r a M
The NC Agriculture Cost Share Program (NCACSP) was
established in 1984 to help reduce agricultural nonpoint
runoff into waters of the state. The program helps
owners and renters of established agricultural operations
improve their on-farm management by using approved
agricultural BMPs. BMPs include vegetative, structural
or management systems that can improve the efficiency
of farming operations while reducing the potential for
surface and groundwater contamination. The NCACSP is
implemented by the Division of Soil and Water (DSWC),
which divides the approved BMPs into five main purposes
or categories:
Erosion Reduction/Nutrient Loss Reduction in Fields•
Sediment/Nutrient Delivery Reduction from Fields•
Stream Protection from Animals•
Proper Animal Waste Management•
Agricultural Chemical (agrichemical) Pollution •
Prevention
The NCACSP is a voluntary program that reimburses farmers up to 75 percent of the cost of installing an approved
BMP. The cost share funds are paid to the farmer once the planned BMP is completed, inspected and certified to be in
accordance with NCACSP standards. The annual statewide budget for BMP cost sharing is approximately $6.9 million.
During this assessment period, $170,702 was allocated for BMPs in the First Broad River watershed. Table 5-2 summaries
the cost and total BMPs implemented.
re c o M M e n d a t i o n s
Habitat Degradation
In most cases habitat is degraded be the cumulative effect of several stressors acting in concert. These stressors often
originate in the upland portions of the watershed and may include impervious surfaces, sedimentation and erosion from
construction, general agriculter, and other land disturbing activities.
Many tools are available to address habitat degradation including:
urban stormwater BMPs; agricultural BMPs; ordinance and/or
rule changes at the local, state, and federal level; volunteer
activism; and education programs. Figure 5-2 illustrates the
general process for developing watershed restoration
plans. This process can and should be applied to
streams impaired or impacted by habitat degradation.
Interested parties should contact the Basinwide
Planning Program to discuss opportunities to begin
the planning and restoration process in their chosen
watershed.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness in water and is often
accompanied with excessive sediment deposits in the streambed.
Excessive sediments deposited on stream and lake bottoms can choke
spawning beds (reducing fish survival and growth rates), impair fish food
sources, fill in pools (reducing cover from prey and high temperature refuges),
ta B L e 5-2: BMps in s ta L L e d t h r o u g h nCaCsp
pu r p o s e o F BMp to t a L iM p L e M e n t e d Co s t
Erosion Reduction/Nutrient
Loss Reduction in Fields
264.7 ac.
50 linear feet $46,320
Sediment/Nutrient Delivery
Reduction from Fields
3 ac.; 1 unit $23,379725 linear feet
Stream Protection from Animals 54 units $93,32315,156 linear feet
Proper Animal Waste
Management 1 unit $7,680
Agricultural Chemical Pollution
Prevention -- --
Total Costs $170,702
Be n e F i t s 0305010507
Total Soil Saved (tons)2,719
Total Nitrogen (N) Saved (lb.)2,853
Total Phosphorus (P) Saved (lb.)430
Total Waste-N Saved (lb.)36,885
Total Waste-P Saved (lb.)15,750
Build
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Fi g u r e 5-2
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and reduce habitat complexity in stream channels. Excessive suspended sediments can make it more difficult for fish
to find prey and at high levels can cause direct physical harm, such as clogged gills. Sediments can cause taste and
odor problems, block water supply intakes, foul water treatment systems, and fill reservoirs (USEPA, 1999 and Waters,
1995).
Soil erosion is the most common source of turbidity and sedimentation and while some erosion is a natural phenomenon,
human land use practices accelerate the process to unhealthy levels. Construction sites, mining operations, agricultural
operations, logging operations, excessive stormwater flow off impervious surfaces are all potential sources. The distribution
of turbidity violations and sample locations make it difficult to isolate a single source of erosion in this watershed. It
appears, however, violations are highest near agricultural areas, and transitional suburban areas. Violations are lowest
in the upper watershed where land cover is predominantly forest. This trend demonstrates the importance of protecting
and conserving stream buffers and natural areas. Information about starting a Sediment and Erosion Control Local
Program can be found on the Division of Land Quality’s web page.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
The fecal coliform standard for freshwater is 200 colonies per 100 milliliters (ml) of water based on at least five consecutive
samples taken during a 30-day period, not to exceed 400 colonies per 100 ml in more than 20 percent of the samples
during the same period. There are no waters Impaired for fecal coliform bacteria in the First Broad River watershed.
However, fecal coliform bacteria concentrations were above the 400 colonies/100 milliliter (mL) water quality guideline
in more than 20 % of at least one ambient monitoring stations in this watershed.
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in the aquatic environment indicates that the water has been contaminated from
the fecal material of humans or other warm-blooded animals. Elevated fecal coliform bacteria numbers can indicate
contamination by harmful pathogens or disease causing bacteria or viruses that also exists in fecal material. Livestock
and family pets are large contributors to this problem. As seen in Table 2-1, the Agriculture Cost Share Program has
installed over 700 linear feet of fencing along streams to help keep livestock out of the streams. This will significantly
decrease the amount of fecal coliform bacteria contaminating the streams. Many municipalities have been placing pet
waste bag and trash bins in public parks and along green ways to encourage and educate the public on the importance of
keeping the waste out of the streams.
Nutrient Impact
Nutrients refer to phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), which are common components of fertilizers, animal and human
waste, vegetation, aquaculture and some industrial processes. Nutrients in surface waters come from both point and
nonpoint sources including agriculture and urban runoff, wastewater treatment plants, forestry activities and atmospheric
deposition. While nutrients are beneficial to aquatic life in small amounts, excessive levels can stimulate algal blooms
and plant growth, depleting dissolved oxygen in the water column.
Nutrient impacts in this watershed are mainly from agriculture, commercial and residential property stormwater runoff.
Riparian buffers are needed along streams to filter excess nutrients and other contaminates before the runoff reaches
the stream. Excessive fertilizing of residential lawns and golf courses also significantly impacts water quality. Education,
along with encouraging the use of riparian buffers, can reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering surface
waters.
re F e r e n c e s & su p p o r t i n G do c u M e n t a t i o n
NCDENR Division of Water Quality. April 2006. Basinwide Assessment Report – Broad River Basin. http://h2o.enr.state.
nc.us/esb/Basinwide/Broad2006FinalAll.pdf.
NCDENR Division of Water Quality. February 2003. Broad River Basinwide Water Quality Plan. http://h2o.enr.state.
nc.us/basinwide/Broad/2002/plan.htm.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 1999. Protocol for Developing Sediment TMDLs. First Edition. EPA 841-B-
99-044. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, Washington D.C.
Waters, T.F. 1995. Sediment in streams—Sources, biological effects, and control. American Fisheries Society Monograph
7. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.