CPF Chapter A-3

Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 58
Chapter 3 -
Summary of Water Quality Information for the Cape
Fear River Basin
3.1 General Sources of Pollution
Human activities can negatively impact surface water quality, even when the activity is far
removed from the waterbody. With proper management of wastes and land use activities, these
impacts can be minimized. Pollutants that
enter waters fall into two general
categories: point sources and nonpoint
sources.
Point sources are typically piped
discharges and are controlled through
regulatory programs administered by the
state. All regulated point source
discharges in North Carolina must apply for and obtain a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the state.
Nonpoint sources are from a broad range of land use
activities. Nonpoint source pollutants are typically
carried to waters by rainfall, runoff or snowmelt.
Sediment and nutrients are most often associated with
nonpoint source pollution. Other pollutants associated
with nonpoint source pollution include fecal coliform
bacteria, heavy metals, oil and grease, and any other
substance that may be washed off the ground or
deposited from the atmosphere into surface waters.
Unlike point source pollution, nonpoint pollution sources are diffuse in nature and occur
intermittently, depending on rainfall events and land disturbance. Given the diffuse nature of
nonpoint source pollution, it is difficult and resource intensive to quantify nonpoint source
contributions to water quality degradation in a given watershed. While nonpoint source pollution
control often relies on voluntary actions, the state has many programs designed to reduce
nonpoint source pollution.
Every person living in or visiting a watershed
contributes to impacts on water quality. Therefore,
each individual should be aware of these
contributions and take actions to reduce them.
Point Sources
• Piped discharges from municipal wastewater
treatment plants
• Industrial facilities
• Small package treatment plants
• Large urban and industrial stormwater systems
Nonpoint Sources
• Stormwater runoff
• Forestry
• Agricultural lands
• Rural residential development
• Septic systems
• Mining
While any one activity may not have a
dramatic effect on water quality, the
cumulative effect of land use activities
in a watershed can have a severe and
long-lasting impact.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 59
3.2 Description of Surface Water Classifications and Standards
Program Overview
North Carolina established a water quality classification and standards program early in the
1950s, with classification and water quality standards for all the state’s river basins adopted by
1963. The Water Quality Standards program in North Carolina has evolved over time and has
been modified to be consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act and its amendments. Water
quality classifications and standards have also been modified to promote protection of surface
water supply watersheds, high quality waters, and the protection of unique and special pristine
waters with outstanding resource values. Classifications and standards are applied to provide
protection of the waters’ best uses.
Statewide Classifications
All surface waters in the state are assigned a primary classification that is appropriate to the best
uses of that waterbody. In addition to primary classifications, surface waters may be assigned a
supplemental classification (Table A-22). Most supplemental classifications have been
developed to provide special protection to sensitive or highly valued resource waters. For
example, a stream in the mountains might have a C Tr classification, where C is the primary
classification followed by the Tr (Trout) supplemental classification. A full description of the
state’s primary and supplemental classifications are available in the document titled:
Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface Waters of North Carolina
(derived from 15A NCAC 2B .0200). Information on this subject is also available at DWQ’s
Water Quality Section website: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wqhome.html.
Statewide Water Quality Standards
Each primary and supplemental classification is assigned a set of water quality standards that
establish the level of water quality that must be maintained in the waterbody to support the uses
associated with each classification. Some of the standards, particularly for HQW and ORW
waters, outline protective management strategies aimed at controlling point and nonpoint source
pollution. These strategies are discussed briefly below. The standards for C and SC waters
establish the basic protection level for all state surface waters. With the exception of Sw, all of
the other primary and supplemental classifications have more stringent standards than for C and
SC, and therefore, require higher levels of protection.
Some of North Carolina’s surface waters are relatively unaffected by pollution sources and have
water quality higher than the standards that are applied to the majority of the waters of the state.
In addition, some waters provide habitat for sensitive biota such as trout, juvenile fish, or rare
and endangered aquatic species. These waters may be rated as HQW or ORW.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 60
Table A-22 Primary and Supplemental Surface Water Classifications
(Primary classifications beginning with an "S" are assigned to saltwaters)
PRIMARY FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER CLASSIFICATIONS
Class Best Uses
C and SC Aquatic life propagation/protection and secondary recreation.
B and SB Primary recreation and Class C uses.
SA Waters classified for commercial shellfish harvesting.
WS Water Supply watershed. There are five WS classes ranging from WS-I through WS-V. WS
classifications are assigned to watersheds based on land use characteristics of the area. Each water
supply classification has a set of management strategies to protect the surface water supply. WS-I
provides the highest level of protection and WS-IV provides the least protection. A Critical Area
(CA) designation is also listed for watershed areas within a half-mile and draining to the water
supply intake or reservoir where an intake is located.
SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Class Best Uses
Sw Swamp Waters: Recognizes waters that will naturally be more acidic (have lower pH values) and
have lower levels of dissolved oxygen.
HQW High Quality Waters: Waters possessing special qualities including excellent water quality, Native
or Special Native Trout Waters, Critical Habitat areas, or WS-I and WS-II water supplies.
ORW Outstanding Resource Waters: Unique and special surface waters which are unimpacted by
pollution and have some outstanding resource values.
NSW Nutrient Sensitive Waters: Areas with water quality problems associated with excessive plant
growth resulting from nutrient enrichment.
Tr Trout Waters: Provides protection to freshwaters for natural trout propagation and survival of
stocked trout.
High Quality Waters
Special HQW protection management
strategies are intended to prevent degradation
of water quality below present levels from both
point and nonpoint sources. HQW
requirements for new wastewater discharge
facilities and facilities which expand beyond
their currently permitted loadings address
oxygen-consuming wastes, total suspended
solids, disinfection, emergency requirements,
volume, nutrients (in nutrient sensitive waters)
and toxic substances.
For nonpoint source pollution, development
activities which require a Sedimentation and
Erosion Control Plan in accordance with rules
established by the NC Sedimentation Control
Commission or approved local erosion and
sedimentation control program, and which
Criteria for HQW Classification
• Waters rated as Excellent based on DWQ’s
chemical and biological sampling.
• Streams designated as native and special
native trout waters or primary nursery
areas by the Wildlife Resources
Commission.
• Waters designated as primary nursery
areas by the Division of Marine Fisheries.
• Critical habitat areas designated by the
Wildlife Resources Commission or the
Department of Agriculture.
• Waters classified by DWQ as WS-I, WS-II
and SA are HQW by definition, but these
waters are not specifically assigned the
HQW classification because the standards
for WS-I, WS-II and SA waters are at least
as stringent as those for waters classified
HQW.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 61
drain to and are within one mile of HQWs, are required to control runoff from the development
using either a low density or high density option. In addition, the Division of Land Quality
requires more stringent sedimentation controls for land-disturbing projects within one mile and
draining to HQWs.
Outstanding Resource Waters
A small percentage of North Carolina’s surface waters have excellent water quality (rated based
on biological and chemical sampling as with HQWs) and an associated outstanding resource.
The requirements for ORW waters
are more stringent than those for
HQWs. Special protection measures
that apply to North Carolina ORWs
are set forth in 15A NCAC 2B
.0225. At a minimum, no new
discharges or expansions are
permitted, and stormwater controls
for most new developments are
required. In some circumstances, the unique characteristics of the waters and resources that are
to be protected require that a specialized (or customized) ORW management strategy be
developed.
Classifications and Standards in the Cape Fear River Basin
The waters of the Cape Fear River basin have a variety of surface water quality classifications
applied to them. Water Supply watersheds range from WS-II to WS-IV. Maps of water supply
watersheds, Outstanding Resource Waters and High Quality Waters are presented in Figures A-
26 to A-28.
Classification and standards for the entire basin can be found in a separate document titled
Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Cape Fear River
Basin, available by calling the Planning Branch of DWQ at [phone]. They can also be
accessed through DWQ’s Water Quality Section website: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wqhome.html.
Pending and Recent Reclassifications in the Cape Fear River Basin
There is one pending reclassification in the Cape Fear River basin on Mill Creek in Moore
County. The proposed reclassification is from WS-III to WS-III HQW. DWQ will continue to
assess the proposed reclassification.
Recent reclassifications in the basin include Buckhorn Creek (Harris Lake) in Wake and Lee
counties (from C to WS-V) and streams within the proposed Randleman Reservoir Critical Area
to WS-IV CA. These recent reclassifications became effective in April 1999. There were three
reclassifications in 1998.
The ORW rule defines outstanding resource values as:
• outstanding fisheries resource;
• a high level of water-based recreation;
• a special designation such as National Wild and Scenic
River or a National Wildlife Refuge;
• being within a state or national park or forest; or
• having special ecological or scientific significance.

Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 65
3.3 DWQ Water Quality Monitoring Programs in the Cape Fear River
Basin
The Environmental Sciences Branch of DWQ collects a variety of biological, chemical and
physical data. The following discussion contains a brief introduction to each program, followed
by a summary of water quality data in the Cape Fear
River basin for that program. A more complete
discussion on biological and chemical monitoring
within the basin can be found in the Cape Fear River
Basinwide Assessment Report (DENR, June 1999).
3.3.1 Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Benthic macroinvertebrates, or benthos, are
organisms that live in and on the bottom substrates of
rivers and streams. These organisms are primarily
aquatic insect larvae. The use of benthos data has
proven to be a reliable monitoring tool, as benthic
macroinvertebrates are sensitive to subtle changes in
water quality. Since macroinvertebrates have life cycles of six months to over one year, the
effects of short-term pollution (such as a spill) will generally not be overcome until the following
generation appears. The benthic community also integrates the effects of a wide array of
potential pollutant mixtures.
Criteria have been developed to assign a bioclassification rating to each benthic sample based on
the number of different species present in the pollution intolerant groups of Ephemeroptera
(Mayflies), Plecoptera (Stoneflies) and Trichoptera (Caddisflies); or commonly referred to as
EPTs. Different criteria have been developed for different ecoregions (mountains, piedmont and
coastal plain) within North Carolina. The ratings fall into five categories ranging from Poor to
Excellent.
Overview of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Data
Appendix A-II lists all the benthic macroinvertebrate collections in the Cape Fear River basin
between 1983 and 1998, giving site location, collection date, taxa richness, biotic index values
and bioclassifications. Benthic macroinvertebrates have been collected at over 350 freshwater
sites in the Cape Fear River basin since 1983; 131 of these sites were sampled during 1998
basinwide surveys or special studies and could be assigned a rating (Table A-23). For the 1998
collections, bioclassifications were given to sites in the following breakdown: Excellent – 18
(14%), Good – 34 (26%), Good-Fair – 41 (31%), Fair - 23 (18%) and Poor – 15 (11%). The
distribution of water quality ratings is very similar for both the 1998 and 1993 collections,
suggesting little overall change in water quality within the Cape Fear River basin. Individual
sites, however, often show distinct long-term or short-term changes in water quality (see below
and Table A-24).
DWQ monitoring programs for the
Cape Fear River Basin include:
• benthic macroinvertebrates
(Section 3.3.1)
• fish assessments
(Section 3.3.2)
• aquatic toxicity monitoring
(Section 3.3.3)
• lakes assessment
(Section 3.3.4)
• ambient monitoring system
(Section 3.3.5)
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 66
Table A-23 Biological Ratings for Recent Samplings in the Cape Fear River Basin
Subbasin
03-06-01 to 03-06-24
Excellent Good Good-Fair Fair Poor
Piedmont
01: Upper Haw/Troublesome Creek - - 3 2 1
02: Greensboro/Burlington area -2444
03: Alamance Creek - 1 1 - 1
04: Lower Haw River 1251-
05: Durham/Jordan Lake - - - 1 -
06: Chapel Hill area 12142
07: Upper Cape Fear River - 1 2 - 1
08: Deep River #1 - - 2 2 1
09: Deep River #2 3 3 2 - 2
10: Deep River #3 - 4 - 2 1
11: Deep River #4 (Triassic Basin) - - 2 - -
12: Rocky River - 2 4 - -
Coastal
13: Upper Little River 2 2 1 - -
14: (Lower) Little River 6 - 1 - -
15: Rockfish Creek 2 1 - 1 -
16: Middle Cape Fear River - 1 5 - -
17: Lower Cape Fear River 1311-
18: South River - 1 1 1 -
19: Clinton area 1 1 2 - -
20: Black River - 2 - 1 -
21: NE Cape Fear River #1 -----
22: NE Cape Fear River #2 1132-
23: NE Cape Fear River #3 - 5 - 1 2
24: Coastal - - 1 - -
Total (#) 1834412315
Total (%) 14% 26% 31% 18% 11%
Areas of Excellent water quality in the piedmont of the Cape Fear River basin are either small
streams in protected catchments or large rivers that are far enough downstream to have recovered
from point source pollutants. Streams in the first category include Morgan Creek and Cane
Creek (near Chapel Hill), while rivers in the second category include the Cape Fear River in
Harnett County and the Deep River in Moore County. Two streams between Greensboro and
High Point are also worthy of note: the headwaters of Reedy Fork and the West Fork of the
Deep River. Although these streams only received a Good-Fair or Good rating, they have
unusually diverse communities of intolerant stonefly taxa. Slate Belt tributaries of the Haw and
Deep Rivers (Alamance, Chatham and Randolph counties) often receive a Good rating, although
these streams may suffer from low flow effects during droughts.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 67
Areas of highest water quality in the coastal area of the Cape Fear River basin are concentrated in
subbasins 03-06-13 to 03-06-15: Upper Little River, Little River, Rockfish Creek and their
tributaries. This area comprises most of the sandhills area within the Cape Fear River basin and
contained 10 Excellent sites and three Good sites. Portions of the Black and South Rivers
(subbasins 03-06-18 and 03-06-19) have high benthic diversity, although few tributary streams
have the diversity observed at mainstem sites. A similar community also occurs in the middle
section of the Northeast Cape Fear River near Chinquapin (subbasin 03-06-22).
The Division of Water Quality is developing criteria for swamp streams. Many swamp streams
in the lower Cape Fear River basin were sampled for the first time in 1998. Areas of highest
water quality ("natural" conditions) included Town Creek, Hood Creek, Shelter Swamp and
Merricks Creek.
Samples taken in 1998 were often collected during a period of very low flow. This may have a
variety of effects on streams, depending on both catchment size and relative contribution of point
source dischargers compared to nonpoint source runoff. The smallest streams may suffer from
very low flow or entirely cease flowing. This causes a lower bioclassification (sometimes
evaluated as "not rated") or makes it impossible to collect samples. This was true for streams in
subbasins 03-06-04 (Dry Creek); 03-06-08 (Muddy Creek/Hickory Creek); Triassic Basin sites in
subbasins 03-06-05, 03-06-10 and 03-06-11; and coastal plain sites in subbasins 03-06-14, 03-
06-15, 03-06-16 and 03-06-17.
Streams affected by point source runoff may have a lower bioclassification during low flow
periods, due to lower dilution of the effluent (Reedy Fork, subbasin 03-06-02). More common,
however, are those streams that improve due to a reduction in nonpoint source runoff during a
low flow year: Haw Creek, Pokeberry Creek and Stinking Quarter Creek.
The most acute problems in the piedmont section of the Cape Fear River basin (Poor
bioclassifications) are usually associated with point source discharges and/or urban runoff. Poor
water quality was found for Little Troublesome Creek (Reidsville, subbasin 03-06-01); North
and South Buffalo Creeks (Greensboro, subbasin 03-06-02); Northeast Creek (Durham, urban
runoff, subbasin 03-06-05); Little Alamance Creek (Burlington, urban runoff, subbasin 03-06-
03); Richland Creek (High Point, subbasin 03-06-08); Cotton Creek (Star, subbasin 03-06-10);
Kenneth Creek (subbasin 03-06-07); Loves Creek (subbasin 03-06-12); and Burgaw Creek
(subbasin 03-06-22). The segments of North and South Buffalo Creeks below Greensboro
constitute one of the worst water quality problems in North Carolina.
Long-term changes in water quality were evaluated at 117 sites in the Cape Fear River basin,
with the majority of sites showing no changes in water quality other than flow-related changes in
bioclassification (Table A-24). The benthos sampling since 1983 may slightly overestimate the
proportion of Fair and Poor sites, as DWQ special study sampling often has the greatest sampling
intensity (number of sites/streams) in areas with severe water quality problems.
Table A-24 does not tabulate flow-related changes as a between-year change in water quality.
For long-term changes in water quality, positive changes outnumber negative changes, usually
reflecting improvements at wastewater treatment plants. Over the last five years, however, there
were more negative changes. The last five years compare 117 sites, while there were only 69
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 68
Table A-24 Long-Term Changes in Bioclassification in the Cape Fear River Basin
Subbasin # Trend 5-year trend Long-term (>5 years) trend
03-06-01 to 03-06-24 Sites None + - None + -
Piedmont
01: Upper Haw/Troublesome Creek 5 4 0 1 2 0 0
02: Greensboro/Burlington area 11 9 1 1 5 1 1
03: Alamance Creek 3 2 0 0 3 0 0
04: Lower Haw River 5 5 0 0 3 2 0
05: Durham/ Jordan Lake* 5 3 0 0 3 1 0
06: Chapel Hill area 10 8 1 1 3 1 1
07: Upper Cape Fear River 4 3 0 1 1 0 0
08: Deep River #1 6 5 0 1 3 3 0
09: Deep River #2 9 8 1 0 3 3 0
10: Deep River #3* 10 10 0 0 2 0 0
11: Deep River #4 (Triassic)* 4 2 0 2 1 0 1
12: Rocky River 5 2 1 0 3 2 0
Coastal
13: Upper Little River 5 5 0 0 4 0 0
14: (Lower) Little River 6 4 2 0 2 1 0
15: Rockfish Creek 3 3 0 0 1 1 0
16: Middle Cape Fear River 5 4 1 1 1 1 1
17: Lower Cape Fear River** 3 2 1 0 0 0 0
18: South River* 1 1 0 0 0 1 1
19: Clinton area 4 2 0 2 1 0 2
20: Black River 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
21: NE Cape Fear River #1* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22: NE Cape Fear River #2 6 3 0 3 0 1 1
23: NE Cape Fear River #3 4 3 1 0 0 1 0
24: Coastal 2 2 0 0 0 0 0
Total 117 91 9 13 42 19 8
* Sampling difficulties due to inability to rate streams (Triassic Basin) or lack of flow in many streams during 1998 collections.
** Many estuarine sites are not included in this tabulation.
sites with long-term data. The latter trend reflects changes in the coastal plain area associated
with a combination of desnagging (after Hurricane Fran) and possible runoff from hog farms. It
is usually not possible to differentiate between the effects of these two problems (see Section A,
Chapter 4, Part 4.11 for discussion of hurricane effects).
Positive changes (either over 5 years or over longer time periods) were primarily related to
improvements in wastewater treatment. Collections from the Haw River (3 sites) and Deep
River (6 sites) showed improvements. New Hope Creek and Morgan Creek were slightly
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 69
improved. Rockfish Creek and the Northeast Cape Fear River at Castle Hayne also showed
improvements. The most striking recent change in water quality was the improvement seen in
the Little River below the Fort Bragg WWTP.
Two sites on the Rocky River improved due to a combination of better flow management
(upstream site) and upgrades at the Siler City WWTP. The lower Cape Fear River in Bladen and
Columbus counties improved in 1998, but some of this change may be due to low nonpoint
source inputs in 1998 as a result of reduced rainfall.
Declines in water quality were also related to expanding urban areas. This was observed for
Horsepen Creek (Greensboro) and Bolin Creek (Chapel Hill). Road construction in Greensboro
caused a decline for the upper portion of South Buffalo Creek. The lower portion of the Deep
River (near Sanford) has declined from Good to Good-Fair, and this change is apparently
unrelated to dischargers in the Sanford area.
3.3.2 Fish Assessments
In 1998, 52 sites representing 19 of the 24 subbasins were sampled and evaluated using the North
Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity (NCIBI). The NCIBI uses a cumulative assessment of 12
metrics. Each metric is designed to contribute unique information to the overall assessment. The
scores for all metrics are then summed to obtain the overall NCIBI score. The NCIBI score is
then used to determine the NCIBI class of the stream (Table A-25).
The NCIBI has been revised since the 1996 Cape Fear River basinwide monitoring was
conducted. Recently, the focus of using and applying the Index has been restricted to wadeable
streams that can be sampled by a crew of 2-4 persons using backpack electrofishers and
following the NCDWQ Standard Operating Procedures (NCDENR, 1997). The fish community
integrity classes have been modified in an effort to simplify and standardize the evaluation of a
stream’s ecological integrity and water quality bioclassification across both fish community and
benthic invertebrate assessments.
Fish sites were chosen based upon the use support ratings the streams received during the first
round of basinwide monitoring in 1994. Streams that were specifically targeted in each subbasin
and which had the greatest sampling priority were those rated as either Partially Supporting (25
sites) or Not Supporting (8 sites). As resources permitted, streams which were rated Fully
Supporting but Threatened (8 sites) or Fully Supporting (11 sites) were then sampled. Subbasins
03-06-20, 03-06-21 and 03-06-23 were sampled for the first time in 1998.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 70
Table A-25 Scores, Integrity Classes and Class Attributes for Evaluating a Wadeable Stream
Using the North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity
NCIBI Scores NCIBI Classes Class Attributes
56 - 60 Excellent Comparable to the best situations without human disturbance.
All regionally expected species for the habitat and stream size,
including the most intolerant forms are present, along with a
full array of size classes and a balanced trophic structure.
50 - 54 Good Species richness somewhat below expectation, especially due
to the loss of the most intolerant species; some species are
present with less than optimal abundance or size distributions;
and the trophic structure shows some signs of stress.
44 - 48 Good-Fair Signs of additional deterioration include the loss of intolerant
species, fewer species and a highly skewed trophic structure.
38 - 42 Fair Dominated by omnivores, tolerant species and habitat
generalists; few top carnivores; growth rates and condition
factors commonly depressed; and diseased fish often present.
< 36 Poor Few fish present, mostly introduced or tolerant species; and
disease fin damage and other anomalies are regular.
Overview of Fish Community Assessment Data
The NCIBI classifications at the 52 sites ranged from Good (7 sites) to Poor (20 sites). The
distribution of ratings were: Good (7), Good-Fair (13), Fair (12) and Poor (20) (Figure A-29).
The fish community with the greatest biological integrity score was Whites Creek (Bladen
County); the fish community with the lowest biological integrity score was South Buffalo Creek
(Guilford County).
Of the 52 sites sampled in 1998, 17 of the sites (16 exact sites) were previously sampled in 1992-
1994 (Figure A-30). In 1998, the distribution of the ratings of these 17 sites were: Good-Fair
(4), Fair (3) and Poor (10). In 1992-1994, the distribution of these ratings were: Good (1),
Good-Fair (3), Fair (6) and Poor (7).
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 71
Figure A-29 The North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity for the Cape Fear River Basin (1997)
14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54
Haw R
Haw R
Haw R
Troublesome Cr
Little Troublesome Cr
Little Troublesome Cr
Reedy Fork
Reedy Fork
N Buffalo Cr
S Buffalo Cr
S Buffalo Cr
Big Alamance Cr
Little Alamance Cr
Stinking Quarter Cr
Little Alamance Cr
Co llins Cr
Terrells Cr
Ferrells Cr
New Hope Cr
Bolin Cr
Morgan Cr
Avents Cr
He c t o r C r
Kenneth Cr
Richland Cr
Muddy Cr
Sandy Cr
Bear Cr
Cabin Cr
Falls Cr
McLendon’s Cr
Richland Cr
Ind ian Cr
Big Buffalo Cr
Rocky R
Lo ves Cr
Bear Cr
Crains Cr
Buffalo Cr
Anderson Cr
Big Cross Cr
Puppy Cr
Harris o n C r
Browns Cr
Turnbull Cr
Whites Cr
Colly Cr
White Oak Branch
Mathews Cr
Grove Cr
Duff Cr
Burgaw Cr
NCIBI Sc o re
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 72
Figure A-30 The North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity for the Cape Fear River Basin
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
Troublesome Cr
Reedy Fork
N Buffalo Cr
S Buffalo Cr
S Buffalo Cr
Stinking Quarter Cr
Little Alamance Cr
Terrells Cr
Hector Cr
Kenneth Br
Muddy Cr
Sandy Cr
Richland Cr
Big Buffalo Cr
Harrison Cr
Browns Cr
Grove Cr
NCIBI Score
1992-1994 1998
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 73
Overview of Fish Tissue Sampling
Fish tissue samples were collected at 23 stations within the Cape Fear River basin from 1994 to
1998. Fish tissue surveys were conducted in the basin as part of mercury assessments of fish in
the eastern part of the state and during routine basinwide assessments. Most fish samples
collected during the period contained metal and organic contaminants at undetectable levels or at
levels below FDA and EPA criteria. Elevations in mercury were, however, measured in
largemouth bass and bowfin samples from numerous stations, and in multiple species collected
from the Black and South Rivers. Nearly two thirds of the total samples collected from the
Black and South stations contained mercury above FDA/NC and/or EPA criteria. Mercury
contamination of fish in the Cape Fear River basin was not associated with point sources and is
consistent with levels measured in fish species throughout the North Carolina coastal plain.
A small number of fish samples collected from the Cape Fear River, the Deep River and the Haw
River were analyzed for chlorinated pesticides and PCB arochlors during the 1998 assessment.
Results showed undetectable levels of organic contaminants in fish tissue from these stations.
International Paper Company performs yearly monitoring of fish tissue for dioxins and furans
along the Cape Fear River near the company mill in Reigelwood. Results from 1994 to 1998
show dioxin and furan levels in gamefish and bottom species at undetectable levels or at
concentrations well below the NC limit of 3 parts per trillion (CZR Incorporated, 1998).
Carolina Power and Light (CP&L) conducts annual environmental monitoring of Lake Sutton
near Wilmington. CP&L has measured levels of arsenic, copper, mercury and selenium in the
liver and muscle tissue of two fish species since 1992. Results of a 1996 survey showed a
significant increase in levels of copper and selenium in bluegill and largemouth bass over levels
seen in prior years. Tissue burdens measured in bass and bluegill during 1996 were considered
to be at levels capable of causing ecological effects (CP&L, 1996).
DWQ sampling in 1994 and 1998 noted mercury in fish tissue at levels greater than EPA limits
and FDA/NC limits. Mercury in fish tissue is not exclusive to the Cape Fear River basin. In
recent years, elevated levels of mercury in some fish species have been noted in other coastal
areas. This issue is discussed further in Section A, Chapter 4, Part 4.8.4.
Largemouth bass, bowfin and chain pickerel in the South River and the Black River just below
the South River contain higher than normal levels of mercury. Consumption of bass, bowfin and
chain pickerel should be limited to no more than two meals per person per month. Women of
childbearing age and children should eat no bass, bowfin or chain pickerel taken from this area
until further notice. Swimming, boating and other recreational activities are not affected by this
advisory.
The entire basin is posted for bowfin as part of a statewide mercury advisory on the species.
Consumption of bowfin is limited to no more than 2 meals per month for the general population.
Children and women of childbearing age are advised not to consume bowfin.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 74
Cape Fear River Basin Fish Kills
There have been 52 fish kills in the Cape Fear River basin since 1996. Low dissolved oxygen
(DO) during hot dry weather, sewage and chemical spills, copper sulfate applications, hog farm
spills, Hurricane Bonnie (1998) and many unknowns were listed as potential causes of fish kills.
The Cape Fear River basin has accounted for nearly 33% of reported fish kills in the state over
the past three years. There were 14 fish kills reported basinwide in 1999.
3.3.3 Aquatic Toxicity Monitoring
Acute and/or chronic toxicity tests are used to determine toxicity of discharges to sensitive
aquatic species (usually fathead minnows or the water flea, Ceriodaphnia dubia). Results of
these tests have been shown by several researchers to be predictive of discharge effects on
receiving stream populations. Many facilities are required to monitor whole effluent toxicity by
their NPDES permit or by administrative letter. Other facilities may be tested by DWQ’s
Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory.
The Aquatic Toxicology Unit maintains a compliance summary for all facilities required to
perform tests and provides a monthly update of this information to regional offices and DWQ
administration. Ambient toxicity tests can be used to evaluate stream water quality relative to
other stream sites and/or a point source discharge. A summary of compliance for the Cape Fear
River basin from 1985 through 1998 is presented in Table A-26.
Table A-26 Summary of Compliance with Aquatic Toxicity Tests in the Cape Fear River
Basin
Year Number of
Facilities
Number of
Tests
% Meeting
Permit Limit*
1985 9 91 45.0
1986 15 145 49.6
1987 27 233 42.1
1988 42 383 53.0
1989 49 538 69.7
1990 57 625 71.8
1991 63 685 83.1
1992 67 799 80.2
1993 71 845 85.7
1994 79 908 83.7
1995 80 964 85.3
1996 82 963 87.5
1997 85 994 89.3
1998 87 1018 90.9
* This number was calculated by determining whether a facility was meeting its ultimate permit limit
during the given time period, regardless of any SOCs in force.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 75
3.3.4 Lakes Assessment Program
There were 32 lakes in the Cape Fear River basin sampled as part of the Lakes Assessment
Program. Each lake is individually discussed in the appropriate subbasin section with a focus on
the most recent available data. Figure A-31 shows the most recent NCTSI scores for the thirty-
two sampled lakes of the Cape Fear River basin. The August NCTSI scores were not calculated
for the lakes monitored by DWQ in 1998 due to unacceptable laboratory results for chlorophyll a.
Figure A-31 Cape Fear River Basin NCTSI Score
(All NCTSI Scores Reflect July 1998 Except for Oak Hollow Lake)
3.3.5 Ambient Monitoring System Program
The Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake and estuarine sample
stations strategically located for the collection of physical and chemical water quality data.
North Carolina has 59 stations in the Cape Fear River basin (Table A-27). For the purpose of
this report, those stations are divided into seven drainages: the Haw River, the Deep River, Cape
Fear River mainstem, Cape Fear River tributaries, Black River, Northeast Cape Fear River and
Coastal Areas.
-6-5-4-3-2-10123456
Bay Tree Lake (D)
Boiling Springs Lake (D)
Bonnie Doon Lake
Burlington Reservoir
Cane Creek Reservoir
Carthage City Lake
Glenville Lake
Graham-Mebane Reservoir
Greenfield Lake
Harris Lake
High Point Lake
Hope Mills Lake
Oak Hollow Lake †
Jones Lake (D)
Jordan Lake
Kornbow Lake
Lake Brandt
Lake Burlington
Lake Higgins
Lake Hunt
Lake Mackintosh
Lake Townsend
Mintz Pond
Old Town Reservoir
Pittsboro Lake
Reidsville Lake
Rocky River Reservoir
Salters Lake (D)
Sandy Creek Reservoir
Singletary Lake (D)
University Lake
White Lake
Lak
e

N
a
m
e
EutrophicMesotrophicOligotrophic Hypereutrophic
NCTSI Scores -7-8
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 76
Table A-27 Locations of the Ambient Monitoring Stations
STORET Number Subbasin County Location
Haw River Mainstem
B0040000 03-06-01 Guilford SR 2109 near Oak Ridge
B0050000 03-06-01 Rockingham NC Hwy 29A near Benja
B0210000 03-06-01 Alamance SR 1561 near Altamahaw
B1140000 03-06-02 Alamance NC Hwy 49N at Haw River
B2000000 03-06-02 Alamance SR 1005 near Saxapahaw
B2100000 03-06-04 Chatham US Hwy 15-501 near Bynum
B4050000 03-06-04 Chatham Below Jordan Dam near Moncure
Haw River Tributaries
B0160000 03-06-01 Rockingham Little Troublesome Creek at SR 2600 near Reidsville
B0540000 03-06-02 Guilford North Buffalo Creek at SR 2832 near Greensboro
B0750000 03-06-02 Guilford South Buffalo Creek at SR 2821 at McLeansville
B0840000 03-06-02 Alamance Reedy Fork at NC Hwy 87 at Ossipee
B1095000 03-06-02 Alamance Jordan Creek at SR 1754 near Union Ridge
B1260000 03-06-02 Alamance Town Branch at SR 2109 near Graham
B1960000 03-06-02 Alamance Alamance Creek at SR 2116 at Swepsonville
B1670000 03-06-03 Guilford Little Alamance Creek at NC Highway 61 near Whitsett -- See Footnote
B2450000 03-06-04 Chatham Robeson Creek at SR 1939 near Seaforth
B3040000 03-06-05 Durham New Hope Creek at SR 1107 near Blands
B3660000 03-06-05 Durham Northeast Creek at SR 1100 near Nelson
B3900000 03-06-06 Chatham Morgan Creek at SR 1726 near Farrington
Deep River Mainstem
B4240000 03-06-08 Guilford East Fork Deep River at SR 1541 near High Point
B4615000 03-06-08 Randolph SR 1921 near Randleman
B4800000 03-06-09 Randolph SR 2122 at Worthville
B5070000 03-06-09 Randolph Main Street at Ramseur
B5190000 03-06-09 Moore SR 1456 near High Falls
B5520000 03-06-10 Moore NC Hwy 22 at High Falls
B5575000 03-06-11 Chatham NC Hwy 42 at Carbonton
B5820000 03-06-11 Lee US Hwy 15-501 near Sanford
B6050000 03-06-11 Chatham CSX Railroad Bridge at Moncure
Deep River Tributaries
B4410000 03-06-08 Guilford Richland Creek at SR 1145 near High Point
B4890000 03-06-09 Randolph Hasketts Creek at SR 2128 near Central Falls
B5480000 03-06-10 Moore Bear Creek at NC Hwy 705 at Robbins
B6010000 03-06-12 Chatham Rocky River at US Highway 15-501
Cape Fear Mainstem
B6160000 03-06-07 Chatham NC Hwy 42 near Corinth
B6370000 03-06-07 Harnett US Hwy 401 at Lillington
B6840000 03-06-13 Harnett NC Hwy 217 near Erwin
B7600000 03-06-15 Cumberland NC Hwy 24 at Fayetteville
B8300000 03-06-16 Bladen Huske Lock near Tar Heel
B8305000 03-06-16 Bladen SR 1316 near Tar Heel
B8340000 03-06-16 Bladen Lock And Dam #2 near Elizabethtown
B8350000 03-06-16 Bladen Lock #1 near Kelly
B8360000 03-06-16 Bladen NC Hwy 11 near Kelly
B8450000 03-06-17 Columbus Above Neils Eddy Landing near Acme
B9020000 03-06-17 Brunswick Below Hale Point Landing near Phoenix
B9050000 03-06-17 Brunswick Navassa
B9800000 03-06-17 New Hanover Channel Marker #55 at Wilmington
B9820000 03-06-17 New Hanover Channel Marker #50 near Wilmington
Cape Fear Tributaries
B6830000 03-06-13 Harnett Upper Little River at SR 2021 near Erwin
B7280000 03-06-14 Cumberland Little River (Lower) at SR 1451 at Manchester
B7245000 03-06-14 Moore Lower Little River at SR 2023 near Lobelia
B7700000 03-06-15 Hoke Rockfish Creek at SR 1432 near Raeford
B8220000 03-06-15 Cumberland Rockfish Creek at US Highway 301 near Hope Mills
B8445000 03-06-17 Columbus Livingston Creek at mouth near Riegelwood
Black River Mainstem and Tributaries
B8750000 03-06-19 Sampson NC Highway 411 near Tomahawk
B9013000 03-06-20 Pender Below Raccoon Island near Huggins
B8919000 03-06-18 Bladen South River at SR 1503 near Parkersburg
B8545000 03-06-19 Sampson Little Coharie Creek at SR 1240 near Roseboro
B8725000 03-06-19 Sampson Six Runs Creek at SR 1960 near Taylors Bridge
Northeast Cape Fear River Mainstem and Tributaries
B9080000 03-06-21 Wayne SR 1937 near Mount Olive
B9290000 03-06-22 Duplin NC Highway 41 near Chinquapin
B9580000 03-06-23 New Hanover US Highway 117 at Castle Hayne
B9740000 03-06-17 New Hanover US Highway 421 at Wilmington
B9470000 03-06-22 Duplin Rockfish Creek at I-40 near Wallace
Coastal Area
B9879000 03-06-24 New Hanover Carolina Beach Harbor near Channel Marker R6 & G7
B9874000 03-06-24 New Hanover ICW @ US Hwys 74 & 76 @ Wrightsville Beach
B9860000 03-06-24 Onslow ICW at NC Highway 210 at Goose Bay
B9876000 03-06-24 New Hanover ICW at Channel Marker G151 near Everett Creek
B9872500 03-06-24 New Hanover ICW at Channel Marker G123 near Howe Point
B9872000 03-06-24 Pender ICW near Long Point
B9865000 03-06-24 Onslow ICW near Morris Landing
Note: Station 15 - B1670000 was included in the previous basin assessment report. It is now part of Lake Mackintosh; therefore, this
station is discussed as a lake station.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 77
Haw River and Tributaries
The Haw River mainstem stations generally show an increase in pH, dissolved oxygen,
conductivity and some nutrients from Oak Ridge to Haw River, after which concentrations are
fairly constant or decrease. Lower levels of dissolved oxygen and high conductivity and nutrient
levels show the influence of two Greensboro wastewater treatment plants discharging into North
and South Buffalo Creeks.
Deep River and Tributaries
Field measurements for pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity show no discernable patterns
among the mainstem stations for the Deep River. However, high concentrations for some
nutrients begin at Randleman and decrease downstream. Also, noteworthy are high conductivity
and nutrient levels in Richland and Hasketts Creeks, below the High Point and Asheboro
wastewater treatment plants.
Cape Fear Mainstem and Tributaries
There are no major differences for pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity among the mainstem
stations of the Cape Fear River until the river becomes influenced by salinity near Wilmington.
Higher conductivity levels resulting from higher ocean salinities begin near Phoenix. Slightly
lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen also begin near Phoenix. Concentrations of
phosphorus increase slightly from Corinth (most upstream station) to Tar Heel (between lock and
dams one and two), and then begin to decrease.
Livingston Creek shows a higher pH and conductivity and lower concentrations of dissolved
oxygen. However, the Little River at Manchester, Rockfish Creek at Raeford, and Livingston
Creek show elevated concentrations for some nutrients.
Black River and Tributaries
A decrease in median dissolved oxygen occurs between the upstream and downstream stations
along the Black River. The station on the South River has the lowest pH, with a median less than
6.0.
Northeast Cape Fear River
Conductivity was very high at the Northeast Cape Fear station near Mount Olive, resulting from
the discharge associated with a pickle manufacturer. In addition to the high conductivity were
low concentrations of dissolved oxygen and high nutrients. However, time series plots show
improvements in these parameters associated with improvements in the pickle companies’
wastewater discharges.
High conductivities and high nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphorus, occur in Rockfish
Creek below the Wallace wastewater treatment plant.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 78
Coastal Stations
Dissolved oxygen concentrations and pH are relatively similar among the coastal stations. The
station at Carolina Beach shows higher concentrations of total nitrogen and slightly higher
concentrations of phosphorus.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria are widely used as an indicator of the potential presence of pathogens
typically associated with the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. The water quality
standard for fecal coliform bacteria is based on a geometric mean of 200 colonies/100ml of five
samples taken within 30 days. Sites with 10 or more fecal coliform samples within the last 5
years that exceed 200 colonies/100ml are presented in Table A-28. Fecal coliform bacteria are
listed as a problem parameter for use support if the geometric mean of five years of sample data
is greater than 200 colonies/100ml. Fecal coliform bacteria are listed as a cause of impairment
on the 303(d) list only if a geometric mean of 200 colonies/100ml has been found for five
samples collected within 30 days.
There are sampling stations with high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Cape Fear River
basin. Eleven stations reported geometric means above 200 colonies/100ml (Table A-28 in bold)
for this assessment period. Most of these are in urban areas of the Haw River near Greensboro,
Reidsville and Burlington, and in streams draining Chapel Hill and Durham.
Table A-28 Fecal Coliform Summary Data for the Cape Fear River Basin - 1993 to 1997
Site Total Geometric Samples Percent First Last
Samples Mean >200/100ml >200/100ml Sample Sample
B0160000 52 262 30 57.7 9/27/93 8/27/98
B0540000 49 599 36 73.5 9/16/93 8/11/98
B0750000 50 203 27 54 9/16/93 8/11/98
B0840000 50 434 37 74 9/16/93 8/11/98
B1140000 48 286 25 52.1 9/23/93 8/24/98
B1260000 49 439 34 69.4 9/23/93 8/24/98
B1960000 49 249 24 49 9/23/93 8/24/98
B3040000 46 228 26 56.5 9/20/93 7/29/98
B3660000 47 360 32 68.1 9/20/93 7/29/98
B4240000 49 204 25 51 9/28/93 8/18/98
B4800000 49 218 24 49 9/28/93 8/20/98
B0040000 51 117 15 29.4 9/15/93 8/26/98
B0210000 50 153 17 34 9/16/93 8/11/98
B1095000 34 167 13 38.2 12/7/94 8/11/98
B1670000 50 33 11 22 9/23/93 8/24/98
B2000000 50 150 15 30 9/23/93 8/24/98
B3900000 48 131 14 29.2 9/20/93 7/29/98
B4410000 54 104 17 31.5 9/22/93 8/18/98
B4615000 54 177 18 33.3 9/22/93 8/18/98
B4890000 49 141 18 36.7 9/28/93 8/20/98
B5070000 49 59 12 24.5 9/28/93 8/20/98
B5190000 47 103 15 31.9 9/1/93 8/25/98
B5520000 47 72 12 25.5 9/1/93 8/25/98
B5575000 48 69 10 20.8 9/16/93 7/29/98
B6370000 49 89 10 20.4 9/16/93 8/11/98
B8300000 47 86 14 29.8 9/23/93 8/17/98
B8340000 42 158 20 47.6 9/23/93 8/17/98
B9470000 48 116 15 31.3 9/13/93 8/4/98
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 79
3.4 Other Water Quality Research
There are many other water quality sampling programs being conducted throughout the Cape
Fear River basin. Any data submitted to DWQ from other water sampling programs conducted
in the Cape Fear River basin have been reviewed. Data that meet data quality and accessibility
requirements were considered for use support assessments and the 303(d) list. These research
efforts are also used by DWQ to adjust the location of biological and chemical monitoring sites.
Some of the programs or research that developed these data are presented in Section C.
3.5 Use Support Summary
3.5.1 Introduction to Use Support
Waters are classified according to their best intended uses. Determining how well a waterbody
supports its designated uses is an important method of interpreting water quality data and
assessing water quality. Use support assessments for the Cape Fear River basin are summarized
in this section and presented in the appropriate subbasin chapters in Section B.
The use support ratings refer to whether the classified uses
of the water (such as water supply, aquatic life protection
and swimming) are fully supported (FS), partially
supported (PS) or not supported (NS). For instance, waters
classified for fishing and water contact recreation (Class C)
are rated as fully supporting if data used to determine use
support (such as chemical/physical data collected at
ambient sites or benthic macroinvertebrate
bioclassifications) did not exceed specific criteria. However, if these criteria were exceeded, then
the waters would be rated as PS or NS, depending on the degree of exceedence. Streams rated as
either partially supporting or not supporting are considered impaired. Impaired waters are
discussed in the separate subbasin chapter in Section B.
An additional use support category, fully supporting but
threatened (ST), was used in previous basinwide plans. In
the past, ST was used to identify a water that was fully
supporting but had some notable water quality problems. ST
could represent constant, degrading or improving conditions.
North Carolina’s use of ST was very different from that of
the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which uses it to identify waters that are
characterized by declining water quality. In addition, the US EPA requires the inclusion of ST
waters on the 303(d) list in its proposed revision to the 303(d) list rules (Appendix IV). Due to
the difference between US EPA’s and North Carolina’s definitions of ST, North Carolina no
longer uses this term. Because North Carolina has used fully supporting but threatened as a
subset of fully supporting (FS) waters, those waters formerly called ST are now rated FS. Waters
that are fully supporting but have some notable water quality problems are discussed individually
in the subbasin chapters (Section B).
Use support ratings for
streams and lakes:
• fully supporting (FS)
• partially supporting (PS)
• not supporting (NS)
• not rated (NR)
Impaired waters categories:
• Partially Supporting
• Not Supporting
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 80
Streams which had no data to determine their use support were listed as not rated (NR). For a
more complete description of use support methodology, refer to Appendix III.
3.5.2 Revisions to Methodology Since 1992-1993 305(b) Report
Methodology for determining use support has been revised. As mentioned above, fully
supporting but threatened (ST) is no longer used as a use support category. In the 1992-1993
305(b) Report, evaluated information (subjective information not based on actual monitoring)
from older reports and workshops was included in the use support process. Streams rated using
this information were considered to be rated on an evaluated basis. In the current use support
process, this older, evaluated information has been discarded, and streams are now rated using
only information from biological or physical/chemical monitoring (including current and older
monitoring data). Streams are rated on a monitored basis if the data are less than five years old.
Streams are rated on an evaluated basis under the following conditions:
• If the only existing data for a stream are more than five years old.
• If a stream is a tributary to a monitored segment of a stream rated fully supporting (FS) and it
has land use similar to that of the monitored stream, the tributary will receive the same rating
on an evaluated basis. If a stream is a tributary to a monitored segment rated partially
supporting (PS) or not supporting (NS), the stream is considered not rated (NR).
These changes resulted in a reduction in streams rated on an evaluated basis.
3.5.3 Comparison of Use Support Ratings to Streams on the 303(d) List
For the next several years, addressing water quality impairment in waters that are on the state’s
303(d) list will be a priority. The waters in the Cape Fear River basin that are on this list are
presented in the individual subbasin chapters in Section B. The waters presented in this
basinwide plan represent those that will be submitted to EPA for approval in 2000. These waters
are on the state’s 303(d) list based on recent monitoring data. The actual 303(d) list for the Cape
Fear River basin may be somewhat different than presented in this plan, depending on EPA
approval.
Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states develop a 303(d) list of waters not
meeting water quality standards or which have impaired uses. EPA must then provide review
and approval of the listed waters. A list of waters not meeting standards is submitted to EPA
biennially. States are also required to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or
management strategies for 303(d) listed waters to address impairment. In the last few years, the
TMDL program has received a great deal of attention as the result of a number of lawsuits filed
across the country against EPA. These lawsuits argue that TMDLs have not adequately been
developed for specific impaired waters. As a result of these lawsuits, EPA issued a guidance
memorandum in August 1997 that called for states to develop schedules for developing TMDLs
for all waters on the 303(d) list. The schedules for TMDL development, according to this EPA
memo, are to span 8-13 years.
Waters are placed on North Carolina’s 303(d) list primarily due to a partially or not supporting
use support rating. These use support ratings are based on biological and chemical data. When
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 81
the state water quality criterion is exceeded, then this constituent is listed as the problem
parameter. TMDLs must be developed for problem parameters on the 303(d) list. Other
strategies may be implemented to restore water quality; however, the waterbody must remain on
the 303(d) list until improvement has been realized based on either biological ratings or water
quality standards.
The 303(d) list and accompanying data are updated as the basinwide plans are revised. In some
cases, the new data will demonstrate water quality improvement and waters may receive a better
use support rating. These waters may be removed from the 303(d) list since water quality
improvement has been attained. In other cases, the new data will show a stable or decreasing
trend in overall water quality resulting in the same, or lower, use support rating. Attention
remains focused on these waters until water quality has improved.
In some cases, a waterbody appears on the 303(d) list, but has a fully supporting rating. There
are two major reasons for this: 1) biological data show full use support, but chemical impairment
continues; or 2) fish consumption advisories exist on the water. These waters will remain on the
303(d) list until the problem pollutant meets water quality standards or a TMDL is developed.
3.5.4 Use Support Ratings for the Cape Fear River Basin
A summary of use support ratings for the Cape Fear River basin is presented in Table A-29.
Approximately 34% of freshwater streams in the basin are monitored. For further information
and definition of monitored and evaluated streams, refer to Appendix III.
Table A-30 shows the total number of stream miles in each use support category for each
subbasin. This table presents use support for both the monitored and evaluated streams in the
basin. Table A-31 shows use support ratings for monitored lakes in the basin. Table A-32 shows
use support for estuarine waters in acres. More detailed information on the monitored stream
segments can be found in Appendix III. Color maps showing use support ratings for the basin
are presented in Figures A-32 to A-34.
Table A-29 Use Support Summary Information for All Monitored and Evaluated Streams in
the Cape Fear River Basin (1999)
Monitored and
Evaluated Streams
Monitored
Streams Only
Miles % Miles %
Fully Supporting 4295.6 71 1647.3 81
Impaired 403.2 7 389.8 19
Partially Supporting 285.8 5 276.2 13
Not Supporting 117.4 2 113.6 6
Not Rated 1349.3 22
Total Miles 6048.1 2037.1
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 82
Table A-30 Cape Fear River Basin Use Support Ratings in Miles for Freshwater Streams
(1999)
Subbasin Fully
Supporting
Partially
Supporting
Not
Supporting
Not
Rated Total
03-06-01 49.1 46.6 5.0 5.0 105.7
03-06-02 225.0 55.9 24.1 86.4 391.4
03-06-03 176.0 0 12.3 5.2 193.5
03-06-04 207.1 15.9 0 18.3 241.3
03-06-05 52.5 32.3 0 129.9 214.7
03-06-06 46.7 12.4 6.8 9.0 74.9
03-06-07 239.4 2.9 10.2 44.8 297.3
03-06-08 28.3 22.6 9.0 41.4 101.3
03-06-09 266.2 0 7.2 37.1 310.5
03-06-10 205.9 6.2 2.2 133.1 347.4
03-06-11 74.0 0 0 55.4 129.4
03-06-12 99.6 13.4 0.5 52.3 165.8
03-06-13 151.8 0 0 27.8 179.6
03-06-14 274.3 28.3 0 100.2 402.8
03-06-15 283.8 7.8 13.0 84.0 388.6
03-06-16 240.8 0 8.5 11.8 261.1
03-06-17 251.5 3.8 0 65.5 320.8
03-06-18 165.9 0 0 113.7 279.6
03-06-19 452.1 15.0 0 40.2 507.3
03-06-20 142.4 0 0 35.7 178.1
03-06-21 69.3 0 4.3 6.8 80.4
03-06-22 283.3 22.7 0 208.2 514.2
03-06-23 310.6 0 14.3 37.5 362.4
03-06-2400000
TOTAL 4295.6 285.8 117.4 1349.3 6048.1
% 71% 5% 2% 22% 100%
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 83
Table A-31 Use Support Ratings for Lakes and Reservoirs in the Cape Fear River Basin
Lake Subbasin County Classification
Use
Support
Rating
Surface
Area
(Acres)
Watershed
(sq. mi.)
Mean
Depth
(ft)
Algal
Bloom
Reported
Lake Hunt 03-06-01 Rockingham WS-III B NSW FS 180 5 33 no
Reidsville Lake 03-06-01 Rockingham WS-III CA NSW FS 750 53 20 no
Lake Higgins 03-06-02 Guilford WS-III NSW CA FS 287 11 4 no
Lake Brandt 03-06-02 Guilford WS-III NSW CA FS 710 40 7 yes*
Lake Townsend 03-06-02 Guilford WS-III NSW CA FS 1610 105 10 yes*
Burlington Reservoir 03-06-02 Alamance WS-III NSW CA FS 750 28 12 no
Lake Burlington 03-06-02 Alamance WS-II NSW CA FS 137 110 7 yes
Graham-Mebane Reservoir 03-06-02 Alamance WS-II NSW CA FS 650 66 10 yes*
Lake Mackintosh 03-06-03 Guilford/
Alamance
WS-IV NSW CA FS 1150 129 33 yes*
Cane Creek Reservoir 03-06-04 Orange WS-II NSW CA FS 500 32 8 yes*
Pittsboro Lake 03-06-04 Chatham WS-IV NSW NS 38 8 3 no
B. Everett Jordan Reservoir 03-06-05 Chatham WS-III IV B NSW CA FS 14300 1700 16
University Lake 03-06-06 Orange WS-II NSW CA FS 205 29 5 yes
Harris Lake 03-06-07 Chatham WS-V FS 4150 70 20 No
High Point Lake 03-06-08 Guilford WS-IV CA FS 300 60 16 yes*
Oak Hollow Lake 03-06-08 Guilford WS-IV FS 720 55 23 yes*
Sandy Creek Reservoir 03-06-09 Randolph WS-III CA FS 125 55 19 yes*
Carthage City Lake 03-06-10 Moore WS-III CA FS 8 27 3 no
Rocky River Reservoir 03-06-12 Chatham WS-III CA FS 185 23 33 no
Old Town Reservoir 03-06-14 Moore WS-III CA FS 60 0.4 13 no
Bonnie Doone Lake 03-06-15 Cumberland WS-IV FS 27 3 2 no
Glenville Lake 03-06-15 Cumberland WS-IV CA FS 26 10 10 yes*
Hope Mills Lake 03-06-15 Cumberland B FS 110 26 10 no
Kornbow Lake 03-06-15 Cumberland WS-IV FS 57 5 7 no
Mintz Pond 03-06-15 Cumberland WS-IV FS 15 6 2 yes
Jones Lake 03-06-16 Bladen B FS 225 2 3 no
Salters Lake 03-06-16 Bladen C FS 450 27 7 no
White Lake 03-06-16 Bladen B FS 1050 Unknown 7 no
Boiling Springs Lake 03-06-17 Brunswick B Sw FS 1120 10 7 no
Greenfield Lake 03-06-17 New Hanover C Sw NR 115 4 7 no
Bay Tree Lake 03-06-18 Bladen C Sw PS 1400 4 3
Singletary Lake 03-06-20 Bladen B Sw FS 572 2 7 no
* Indicates that algal blooms were confirmed by samples.
Section A: Chapter 3 – Summary of Water Quality Information for the Entire Cape Fear River Basin 84
Table A-32 Use Support Ratings for Estuarine Waters in the Cape Fear River Basin (1994-
1998)
Overall Use Support (Acres) Major CausesArea
Name
DEH
Area1
Total
Acres S PS NS NR Fecal DO
Major
Sources
Possible
Sources
Southport B-1 1,325 0 1,125 0 200 1,125 0 P, NP Southport WWTP,
marinas, urban
runoff
Buzzard Bay B-2 2,850 2,735 115 0 0 115 0 NP wildlife
The BasinB-327527410010NPseptic systems?
Cape Fear B-4
B-10
20,000 13,305 5970 0 725 970 5,0002 P, NP package WWTP,
industry, Kure Beach
WWTP, urban runoff
Myrtle Sound B-5 2,300 2,187 113 0 0 113 0 NP marinas, urban
runoff
Masonboro
Sound
B-6 1,600 1,318 282 0 0 282 0 NP marinas, urban
runoff, ag
Wrightsville
Beach
B-7 2,150 1,975 175 0 0 175 0 NP septic systems,
sewage lines, sewage
pump station,
marinas, urban
runoff
Topsail
Sound
B-8 5,700 5,024 676 0 0 676 0 NP septic systems, urban
runoff, construction,
marinas, wildlife
Stump Sound B-9 3,000 2,855 145 0 0 145 0 P, NP septic systems, Holly
Ridge WWTP
Totals 39,200 29,673 8,602 0 925 3,602 5,000
% of Total Acres 100% 76% 22% 0% 2% 9% 13%
1 Denotes Division of Environmental Health Shellfish Growing Area
2 In DEH Area B-10