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Chapter 22
Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22
Including: Northeast Cape River, Rockfish Creek, Muddy Creek and Limestone Creek
22.1 Subbasin Overview
Subbasin 03-06-22 is in the coastal plain with many
streams draining wetland areas. Most of the watershed is
forested with extensive agriculture present. Population is
expected to grow by 100,000 people in counties with
portions or all of their areas in this subbasin by 2020.
Subbasin 03-06-22 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 829 mi2
Land area: 828 mi2
Water area: 1 mi2
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Pop.: 54,835people
Pop. Density: 66 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 58.6%
Surface Water: 0.3%
Urban: 1.3%
Cultivated Crop: 30.3%
Pasture/Managed
Herbaceous: 9.6%
Counties
Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow,
Pender, Sampson and Wayne
Municipalities
Beulaville, Calypso, Faison,
Greenevers, Harrells, Kenansville,
Pink Hill, Rose Hill, Teachey and
Wallace
There are 13 individual NPDES wastewater discharge
permits in this subbasin with a permitted flow of 9.9
MGD (Figure 25). The largest is Wallace WWTP#1 (1
MGD), Wallace WWTP#2 (4.4 MGD) and Guilford East
Mill WWTP (1.5 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 22.3 for
Impaired waters.
There are 449 registered swine operation in this subbasin.
There were ten benthic community samples (Figure 25
and Table 25) collected during this assessment period.
Data were also collected from seven ambient monitoring
stations including four LCFRP (Appendix V) stations,
two DWQ ambient stations and one shared station. One
lake 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.
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 22 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22 202
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-22
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 25
Cabin Creek
18-74-23-2
From source to Limestone Creek
4.0 FW MilesB Sw NR NDBL35 NCE Chlor a 33 Chlorophyll a Unknown
Goshen Swamp
18-74-19a
From source to Bear Swamp
16.6 FW MilesC Sw I ND
BB322 /2003S
18-74-19b
From Bear Swamp to Northeast Cape Fear River
13.4 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA656 NCE Low DO 50
BA657 NCE Low DO 28.6
BA656 NCE
BA657 NCE
Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Grove Creek
18-74-21
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
15.4 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB265 /2001M
BB98 /2001N
Limestone Creek
18-74-23
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
16.4 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB319 /2003GF
Habitat Degradation Land Clearing
Little Rock Fish Creek (Boney Mill Pond)
18-74-29-6
From source to Rock Fish Creek
3.0 FW MilesC Sw NR NR*BA681 NCE
BB100 /2003NR
BA681 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Muddy Creek
18-74-25
From source to Mortheast Cape Fear River
14.0 FW MilesC Sw I ND
BB125 /2003F
Northeast Cape Fear River
18-74-(1)c2
From Subbasin 03-06-21 03-06-22 boundary to
Persimmon Branch
11.9 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA658 NCE Low DO 12.5 BA658 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
18-74-(25.5)
From Muddy Creek to Rock Fish Creek
19.5 FW MilesC Sw HQW I ND
BB126 /1998P
18-74-(29.5)
From Rock Fish Creek to NC Hwy 210
35.7 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA683 NCE Low DO 10.9 Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-22
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-22
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 25
Panther Creek
18-74-19-3a
From source to NC 50
2.4 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA651 NCE Low DO 23.2 BA651 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
18-74-19-3b
From NC 50 to Goshen Swamp
1.8 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA651 NCE Low DO 23.2 BA651 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Rock Fish Creek (New Kirk Pond)
18-74-29c
From SR 1165 to Little Rockfish Creek
3.4 FW MilesC Sw S SBA679 NCE
BB254 /2003GF
BA679 NCE
18-74-29d
From Little Rockfish Creek to Northeast Cape Fear River
4.7 FW MilesC Sw S SBA682 NCE
BB81 /2003GF
BB81 /1998F
BA682 NCE
Stockinghead Creek
18-74-24
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
11.2 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB346 /2003GF
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 51.1 FW Milesm
NR 72.1 FW Milesm
I 50.1 FW Milesm
ND 408.8 FW Miles
Recreation Rating Summary
73.2 FW MilesSm
3.0 FW MilesNR* m
505.9 FW MilesND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
582.1 FW MilesIe
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-22
22.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-06-22 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 waters 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 173.3 stream miles (29.8 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the
aquatic life category. There are 50.1 stream miles (8.6 percent) identified as Impaired in this
same category.
22.3 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.
22.3.1 Goshen Swamp [AU#18-74-19a and b]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basinwide plan recommended that Goshen Swamp be resampled to further assess the
Dean Pickle and Specialty Products discharge into Panther Creek (see below) as efforts continue
to reduce chloride levels. Goshen Swamp was Not Rated in the 2000 plan.
Current Status
Goshen Swamp [18-74-19a] from source to Bear Swamp (16.6 miles) is Impaired for aquatic life
because of a Severe benthic community rating at site BB322. Site BB322 is upstream of the
Dean Pickle and Specialty Products discharge. Aquatic habitat was good at the site, suggesting
that the water quality is degraded. There are three registered swine operations in the watershed
above BB322.
Goshen Swamp [18-74-19b] from Bear Swamp to Northeast Cape Fear River (13.4 miles) is Not
Rated for aquatic life because dissolved oxygen was below 4 mg/l in 50 and 29 percent of
samples collected at sites BA656 and BA657. Goshen Swamp is classified as C Sw, which
acknowledges natural characteristics of swamps such as low dissolved oxygen. A study of a
clear cut in Goshen Swamp just upstream of the Northeast Cape Fear River suggested that a 30-
foot buffer was insufficient to protect Goshen Swamp from adverse water quality impacts during
forest harvesting. Higher suspended solids, nutrients and bacteria levels, and lower dissolved
oxygen levels were found downstream of the site (Ensign and Mallin, 2001).
Chapter 22 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22 206
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Goshen Swamp watershed. Dean Pickle and Specialty
Products will be required to continue efforts to reduce the discharge of chlorides and monitor
chloride levels.
22.3.2 Muddy Creek [AU#18-74-25]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basinwide plan recommended that Muddy Creek be resampled using the 303(d)
approach.
Current Status
Muddy Creek from source to Northeast Cape Fear River (14 miles) is Impaired for aquatic life
because of a Fair benthic community rating at site BB125. Aquatic habitat was good at the site,
suggesting that the water quality is degraded. There are 41 animal operations and one NPDES
wastewater discharger in the watershed that may be the sources of the degraded water quality.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Muddy Creek watershed to determine stressors to water
quality. For more information on animal operations and NPDES permits, refer to Chapter 30.
22.3.3 Northeast Cape Fear River [AU#18-74-(1)c2, (25.5) and (29.5)]
Current Status
The Northeast Cape Fear River [18-74-(1)c2] from the subbasin boundary to Persimmon Branch
(11.9 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life because Guilford East Mill WWTP (NC0002305) had
significant violations of biological oxygen demand permit limits and eight whole effluent
toxicity test failures during the last two years of the assessment period.
The Northeast Cape Fear River was Fully Supporting in the 2000 plan; however, the Northeast
Cape Fear River [18-74-(25.5)] from Muddy Creek to Rock Fish Creek (19.5 miles) is currently
Impaired for aquatic life because of a Poor benthic community rating at site BB126. This
segment of the Northeast Cape Fear River is classified as C Sw HQW.
Northeast Cape Fear River [18-74-(29.5)] from Rock Fish Creek to NC 210 (35.7 miles) is Not
Rated for aquatic life because dissolved oxygen was below 4 mg/l in 11 percent of samples
collected at site BA683. Northeast Cape Fear River is classified as C Sw, which acknowledges
natural characteristics of swamps such as low dissolved oxygen.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Northeast Cape Fear River watershed. The NPDES
compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above.
Water Quality Initiatives
In 2003, Wallace received a $1,037,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34) grant to reroute the WWTP to an
upgraded industrial facility. Approximately 1,000 failing septic systems or straight pipes will be
connected to the system along the HQW segment of the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Chapter 22 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22 207
22.3.4 Panther Creek [AU#18-74-19-3a and b]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basinwide plan recommended that Panther Creek be resampled to continue monitoring
the Dean Pickle and Specialty Products discharge as efforts continue to reduce chloride levels.
Panther Creek was Not Rated in the 2000 plan.
Current Status
Panther Creek from source to Goshen Swamp (4.2 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life because
dissolved oxygen was below 4 mg/l in 23 percent of samples collected at site BA651. Panther
Creek is classified as C Sw, which acknowledges natural characteristics of swamps such as low
dissolved oxygen. Conductivity was very high at site BA651, suggesting the Dean Pickle and
Specialty Products discharge is impacting water quality.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Panther Creek watershed. Dean Pickle and Specialty
Products will be required to continue efforts to reduce the discharge of chlorides and monitor
chloride levels.
22.4 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.
22.4.1 Cabin Creek [AU#18-74-23-2]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Cabin Creek from source to Limestone Creek (4 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life because 33
percent of chlorophyll a samples exceeded the water quality standard. However, not enough
samples were collected to assign a use support rating. Nutrient levels in the reservoir were
extremely elevated. DWQ will determine if increased monitoring efforts in this lake are
warranted to better assess water quality.
22.4.2 Little Rockfish Creek [AU#18-74-29-6]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Little Rockfish Creek from source to Rockfish Creek (3 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life
because a benthic community rating could not be assigned at site BB100. There were signs of
degradation in Little Rockfish Creek. The creek is Not Rated for recreation because fecal
coliform bacteria screening criteria were exceeded at site BA681. DWQ will resample Little
Rockfish Creek using Coastal A criteria so that a benthic community rating can be assigned.
DWQ will also determine if more intensive sampling of the creek is warranted to assess the
bacteria standard.
Chapter 22 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22 208
22.4.3 Limestone Creek [AU#18-74-23]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Limestone Creek from source to Northeast Cape Fear River (16.4 miles) is Supporting aquatic
life because of a Good-Fair benthic community rating at site BB319. The creek had been
recently de-snagged. The streambanks were eroding and the bottom was unstable sand. There
were no pools and little riparian vegetation. The stream had an Excellent benthic community
rating in 1993 that fell to Poor after a chicken waste spill in 1995. Limestone Creek has not fully
recovered because of the habitat problems.
Chapter 22 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-22 209