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Home My WebLink Aboutchapter 12 subbasin -12 Chapter 12 Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 Including: Rocky River, Loves Creek, Tick Creek and Bear Creek 12.1 Subbasin Overview Subbasin 03-06-12 is in the Carolina Slate belt and is characterized by seasonally low flowing streams. Most of the watershed is forested, with extensive pastureland as well. Development is occurring along the US 64 corridor between Siler City and Pittsboro. Population is expected to grow by 110,000 people in counties with portions or all of their areas in this subbasin by 2020. There are four individual NPDES wastewater discharge permits in this subbasin with a permitted flow of 4.02 MGD (Figure 15). The largest is Siler City WWTP (4 MGD). Refer to Appendix VI and Chapter 30 for more information on NPDES permit holders. Issues related to compliance with NPDES permit conditions are discussed below in Section 12.3 for Impaired waters and in Section 12.4 for other waters. There is one registered dairy, three registered cattle operations and one registered swine operation in this subbasin. Issues related to agricultural activities are discussed below in Section 12.3 for Impaired waters. There were 12 benthic community samples and four fish community samples (Figure 15 and Table 15) collected during this assessment period. Data were also collected from three ambient monitoring stations including two UCFRBA (Appendix V) stations and one DWQ ambient station. One reservoir was also monitored. Refer to the 2003 Cape Fear River Basinwide Assessment Report at http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html and Appendix IV for more information on monitoring. Subbasin 03-06-12 at a Glance Land and Water Area Total area: 244 mi2 Land area: 243 mi2 Water area: 1 mi2 Population Statistics 2000 Est. Pop.: 20,039people Pop. Density: 82 persons/mi2 Land Cover (percent) Forest/Wetland: 68.9% Surface Water: 0.6% Urban: 1.3% Cultivated Crop: 2.5% Pasture/ Managed Herbaceous: 26.8% Counties Alamance, Chatham and Randolph Municipalities Siler City Waters in the following sections are identified by assessment unit number (AU#). This number is used to track defined segments in the water quality assessment database, 303(d) Impaired waters list and the various tables in this basin plan. The assessment unit number is a subset of the DWQ index number (classification identification number). A letter attached to the end of the AU# indicates that the assessment is smaller than the DWQ index segment. No letter indicates that the assessment unit and the DWQ index segment are the same. Chapter 12 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 122 AU Number Description Length/AreaClassification CAPE FEAR 03-06-12 AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc Aquatic Life Assessment ResultStation Recreation Assessment Stressors Sources SubbasinTable 15 Bear Creek 17-43-16b From SR 2189 to SR 2187 2.0 FW MilesC S ND BF56 /1999GF BF56 /1999F BF56 /2003GF 17-43-16c From SR 2187 to Rocky River 7.3 FW MilesC NR ND BB372 /2003NR Habitat Degradation Harlands Creek(Hollands Creek) 17-43-15 From source to Rocky River 10.2 FW MilesC S ND BB166 /2003GF Habitat Degradation Loves Creek 17-43-10a From source to Chatham Avenue 3.3 FW MilesC NR ND BB221 /2003NR BB36 /2003NR Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES 17-43-10b From Chatham Avenue to Siler City WWTP 2.5 FW MilesC I ND BB210 /2003F BB29 /2003F BF58 /2003GF Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES 17-43-10c From Siler City WWTP to Rocky River 0.4 FW MilesC I ND BB174 /2003F Habitat Degradation WWTP NPDES Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES Meadow Creek 17-43-12 From source to Rocky River 5.0 FW MilesC NR ND BB206 /2003NR CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-12 AU Number Description Length/AreaClassification CAPE FEAR 03-06-12 AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc Aquatic Life Assessment ResultStation Recreation Assessment Stressors Sources SubbasinTable 15 Rocky River 17-43-(1)a From source to upper Rocky River Reservoir 10.6 FW MilesWS-III S ND BF33 /2003GF 17-43-(1)b From upper Rocky River Reservoir to a point 0.3 mile downstream of Lacy Creek 3.9 FW MilesWS-III S NDBL24 NCE Chlorophyll a Agriculture Chlorophyll a Pasture 17-43-(8)a From dam at lower supply reservoir for Siler City to Varnal Creek 6.7 FW MilesC NR SBA373 NCE BB442 /2003NR BA373 NCE Turbidity Unknown Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface 17-43-(8)b From Varnal Creek to Deep River 21.6 FW MilesC S SBA374 NCE BA376 NCE BB376 /2003GF BB376 /2002NR BA374 NCE BA376 NCE Habitat Degradation Pasture Habitat Degradation Agriculture Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES Tick Creek 17-43-13a From source to US 421 8.2 FW MilesC I ND BF72 /2003F 17-43-13b From US 421 to Rocky River 4.9 FW MilesC S ND BB360 /2003GF Habitat Degradation Agriculture Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface Habitat Degradation Pasture CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-12 AU Number Description Length/AreaClassification CAPE FEAR 03-06-12 AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc Aquatic Life Assessment ResultStation Recreation Assessment Stressors Sources SubbasinTable 15 AL - Aquatic Life BF - Fish Community Survey E - Excellent S - Supporting, I - Impaired REC - Recreation BB - Benthic Community Survey G - Good NR - Not Rated BA - Ambient Monitoring Site GF - Good-Fair NR*- Not Rated for Recreation (screening criteria exceeded) BL- Lake Monitoring F - Fair ND-No Data Collected to make assessment S- DEH RECMON P - Poor NI - Not Impaired CE-Criteria Exceeded > 10% and more than 10 samples Miles/Acres S- Severe Stress NCE-No Criteria Exceeded FW- Fresh Water M-Moderate Stress S- Salt Water N- Natural Results Aquatic Life Rating Summary S 53.2 FW Milesm NR 22.4 FW Milesm I 11.1 FW Milesm NR 14.9 FW Milese ND 59.6 FW Miles ND FW Acres Recreation Rating Summary 28.3 FW MilesSm 132.9 FW MilesND FW AcresND Fish Consumption Rating Summary 161.2 FW MilesIe FW Acres CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-12 12.2 Use Support Assessment Summary Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-06-12 in the aquatic life, recreation, fish consumption and water supply categories. All waters are Impaired on an evaluated basis in the fish consumption category because of fish consumption advice that applies to the entire basin. In the water supply category, all WS classified waters (42 miles) are Supporting on an evaluated basis based on reports from DEH regional water treatment plant consultants. Refer to Appendix X for a complete list of monitored waters and more information on Supporting monitored waters. There were 86.7 stream miles (51.7 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the aquatic life category. There are 11.1 stream miles (6.6 percent) identified as Impaired in this same category. 12.3 Status and Recommendations of Previously and Newly Impaired Waters The following waters were either identified as Impaired in the previous basin plan (2000) or are newly Impaired based on recent data. If previously identified as Impaired, the water will either remain on the state’s 303(d) list or will be delisted based on recent data showing water quality improvements. If the water is newly Impaired, it will likely be placed on the 2006 303(d) list. The current status and recommendations for addressing these waters are presented below, and each is identified by an assessment unit number (AU#). Refer to the overview for more information on AUs. Information regarding 303(d) listing and reporting methodology is presented in Appendix VII. 12.3.1 Loves Creek [AU#17-43-10a, b and c] 2000 Recommendations These segments of Loves Creek were recommended for resampling using the 303(d) approach. Siler City was encouraged to develop a stormwater program and other watershed initiatives to improve water quality in this creek. Current Status Loves Creek [17-43-10b and c] from Chatham Avenue to the Rocky River (2.9 miles) is Impaired for aquatic life because of Fair benthic community ratings at sites BB29, BB174 and BB210. The upper 3.3 miles are Not Rated because benthic community ratings could not be assigned at sites BB221 and BB36. A stressor study completed in the Loves Creek watershed indicated toxic chemicals in runoff from Siler City are the main stressors to the benthic community. Streambank erosion, sedimentation and excessive algal growth are also stressors. The WWTP was not the main stressor, and agricultural land uses are also a source. The survey noted runoff from animal operations in the upper watershed may be contributing nutrients and bacteria to the creek. Chapter 12 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 127 2005 Recommendations DWQ will continue to monitor the Loves Creek watershed. DWQ will work with DSWC to evaluate if BMPs can be implemented to reduce nutrients from animal operations in the watershed. Refer to Chapter 31 for more information and recommendations for urban streams. All segments will remain on the 303(d) list of Impaired waters. TMDLs (Chapter 35) will be developed for identified stressors within 8-13 years of listing. Water Quality Initiatives The NCEEP initiated a Local Watershed Planning that included Loves Creek. The preliminary findings are discussed under the Rocky River in this chapter. 12.3.2 Rocky River [AU#17-43-(1)a and b and 17-43-(8)a] 2000 Recommendations The 2000 basin plan recommended that the Rocky River be resampled and that agricultural BMPs, including fencing cattle out of streams be implemented. Current Status Rocky River [17-43-(1)a] from source to upper Rocky River Reservoir (10.6 miles) is Supporting aquatic life because of a Good-Fair fish community rating at site BF33. Upper Rocky River Reservoir [17-43-(1)b] from upper Rocky River Reservoir to downstream of Lacy Creek (3.9 miles) is Supporting aquatic life because no criteria were exceeded during lakes monitoring in 2003. The reservoir is hypereutrophic. In August 2003, chlorophyll a levels were elevated and there indications that animal operations (both cattle and horse) may be contributing nutrients to the reservoir and downstream. Rocky River [17-43-(8)a] from dam at Siler City water supply to Varnal Creek (6.7 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life because of numerous reports of nuisance periphyton growth in the river. During summer months algal mats have been observed to cover areas down to the confluence with the Deep River. No criteria were exceeded at site BA373; however, nutrient levels were elevated. The Siler WWTP, as well as agriculture and residential activities, are potential sources of nutrients. The watershed is predominately forested, but development is increasing. Agriculture, as well as the Loves Creek WWTP in Siler City, are likely the main sources of nutrients. 2005 Recommendations DWQ will continue to monitor the Rocky River watershed. DWQ will work with DSWC staff to further implement BMPs to reduce the impacts of development and agriculture in this watershed. DWQ will work with Siler City to evaluate nutrient reduction strategies from urban areas as well as from the WWTP. Segment 17-43-(1)a will be removed from the 303(d) list of Impaired waters because of the improved fish community rating. Chapter 12 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 128 Water Quality Initiatives In 2002, Liberty received a $203,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34) grant to rehabilitate 7,556 linear feet of the wastewater collection system and rehabilitate or replace 43 manholes. The NCEEP initiated a Local Watershed Planning project focusing on three local watersheds comprising the upper and middle Rocky River drainage system. The study area is located primarily in northwestern Chatham County, including Siler City and portions of Randolph and Alamance counties. The planning area addresses the Rocky River mainstem and tributary watersheds, including N. Prong Rocky River, Greenbriar Creek, Varnal Creek, Loves Creek, Tick Creek, Bear Creek and others. A technical advisory team consisting of local resource professionals and municipal staff from the counties and towns in the planning area was formed to help guide the watershed assessment and plan development work. This team will also help identify optimal watershed project sites with cooperative landowners for the establishment of long-term conservation easements. Watershed projects to be identified include traditional stream and stream buffer restoration/enhancement sites, wetlands and buffer preservation sites, and sites for the implementation of urban stormwater or agricultural best management practices (BMPs). The Preliminary Findings Report was completed in February 2005. The Phase II assessment & modeling of watershed conditions, and subsequent development of watershed restoration and protection strategies, are slated for completion by summer of 2005. To date, over 60 potential stream restoration sites and dozens of high-quality preservation tracts have been identified. 12.3.3 Tick Creek [AU#17-43-13a] Current Status This segment of Tick Creek was Fully Supporting in the 2000 plan; however, Tick Creek from source to US 421 (8.2 miles) is currently Impaired for aquatic life because of a Fair fish community rating at site BF72. Cattle have unrestricted access to the stream and under story vegetation has been heavily damaged by hoof traffic. Bare dirt and severely eroded banks were also noted at the sample site. Bonlee Elementary School (NC0039331) had significant violations of ammonia permit limits during the last two years of the assessment period. 2005 Recommendations DWQ will continue to monitor the Tick Creek watershed. DWQ will also contact DSWC staff to prioritize BMP implementation in this watershed to limit cattle access to the stream. The NPDES compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above. This segment will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters. TMDLs (Chapter 35) will be developed for identified stressors within 8-13 years of listing. Water Quality Initiatives The NCEEP initiated a Local Watershed Planning that included Tick Creek. The preliminary findings are discussed under the Rocky River in this chapter. Chapter 12 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 129 12.4 Status and Recommendations for Waters with Noted Impacts The surface waters discussed in this section are not Impaired. However, notable water quality problems and concerns have been documented for some waters based on this assessment. While these waters are not Impaired, attention and resources should be focused on these waters to prevent additional degradation or facilitate water quality improvement. Waters in the following section are identified by assessment unit number (AU#). See overview for more information on AU#s. 12.4.1 Bear Creek [AU#17-43-16a] Current Status and 2005 Recommendations Bear Creek [17-43-16a] from source to SR 2189 (14.9 miles) is Not Rated on an evaluated basis for aquatic life because Hill Forest Rest Home (NC0038849) had significant violations of ammonia permit limits in the last two years of the assessment period that could have negatively impacted aquatic life. The NPDES compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above. Water Quality Initiatives The NCEEP initiated a Local Watershed Planning that included Bear Creek. The preliminary findings are discussed under the Rocky River in this chapter. Chapter 12 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-12 130