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Chapter 23
Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23
Including: Northeast Cape Fear River, Burnt Mill Creek, Smith Creek and Burgaw Creek
23.1 Subbasin Overview
Subbasin 03-06-23 is in the coastal plain where many
streams stop flowing during summer months. Most of the
watershed is forested with some agriculture present and
increasing development. Development is occurring north
around Wilmington. Population is expected to grow by
140,000 people in counties with portions or all of their
areas in this subbasin by 2020.
Subbasin 03-06-23 at a Glance
There are seven individual NPDES wastewater discharge
permits in this subbasin with a permitted flow of 3.8
MGD (Figure 26). The largest are Global Nuclear Fuels
(1.9 MGD) and Elementis Chromium (1 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
23.3 for Impaired waters.
There is one registered horse and 52 registered swine
operations in this subbasin.
There were ten benthic community samples (Figure 26
and Table 26) collected during this assessment period.
Data were also collected from eight ambient monitoring
stations including two LCFRP (Appendix V) stations and
two DWQ ambient station and four shared stations. Two
reservoirs were 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.
Land and Water Area
Total area: 795 mi2
Land area: 789 mi2
Water area: 6 mi2
Population Statistics
Pop. Density: 148 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Counties
Municipalities
2000 Est. Pop.: 117,200 people
Forest/Wetland: 82.5%
Surface Water: 0.9%
Urban: 2.1%
Cultivated Crop: 11.2%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 3.2%
Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow
and Pender
Burgaw, Holly Ridge, Saint
Helena, Watha and Wilmington
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 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 210
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-23
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 26
Angola Creek
18-74-33-3
From source to Holly Shelter Creek
6.5 FW MilesC Sw S SBA684 NCE Low DO 44.1
BB141 /2003G
BA684 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Burgaw Creek
18-74-39a
From source to Osgood Branch
2.1 FW MilesC Sw NR NR*BA686 NCE Chlor a 15.2
BA686 NCE Low DO 31.7
BA686 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Chlorophyll a Agriculture
Chlorophyll a Impervious Surface
Chlorophyll a WWTP NPDES
18-74-39b
From Osgood Branch to Northeast Cape Fear River
9.5 FW MilesC Sw S NR*BA687 NCE BA687 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Burnt Mill Creek
18-74-63-2
From source to Smith Creek
4.6 FW MilesC Sw I ND
BB73 /2001P
Toxic Impacts MS4 NPDES
Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES
Cypress Creek
18-74-55-2
From source to Long Creek
8.3 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB140 /2003M
Holly Shelter Creek
18-74-33
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
25.9 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB136 /2003M
Island Creek
18-74-50
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
6.7 FW MilesC Sw NR ND
BB272 /2003NR
Lillington Creek
18-74-42
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
5.0 FW MilesC Sw S SBA691 NCE Low DO 16.7
BA691 NCE Low pH 61.5
BB306 /2003N
BA691 NCE
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-23
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-23
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 26
Long Creek
18-74-55a
From source to Cypress Creek
7.7 FW MilesC Sw I ND
BB139 /2003S
Habitat Degradation Unknown
18-74-55b
From Cypress Creek to Northeast Cape Fear River
21.5 FW MilesC Sw ND ND
Merricks Creek
18-74-49-2
From source to Harrisons Creek
5.3 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB107 /2003N
BB107 /1999N
Northeast Cape Fear River
18-74-(47.5)
From NC Hwy 210 to Princes George Creek
15.6 FW MilesB Sw NR SBA694 NCE Low DO 23.3 BA694 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
18-74-(52.5)
From Prince George Creek to mouth of Ness Creek
12.4 FW MilesC Sw NR SBA699 NCE Low DO 10.4 BA699 NCE Total Suspended Solids WWTP NPDES
Low Dissolved Oxygen WWTP NPDES
18-74-(61)
From mouth of Ness Creek to Cape Fear River
1.0 S acresSC Sw NR SBA703 NCE Low DO 39.3 BA703 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Shelter Swamp Creek
18-74-33-2-2
From source to Sandy Run Swamp
13.3 FW MilesC Sw S ND
BB134 /1999N
Smith Creek
18-74-63
From source to Northeast Cape Fear River
11.1 FW MilesC Sw I ND
BB79 /2003S
Low Dissolved Oxygen WWTP NPDES
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-23
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-23
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 26
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
NR 1.0 S acresm
S 73.8 FW Milesm
NR 36.8 FW Milesm
I 23.4 FW Milesm
NR 8.3 FW Milese
ND 233.2 FW Miles
Recreation Rating Summary
1.0 S acresSm
39.5 FW MilesSm
11.6 FW MilesNR* m
324.5 FW MilesND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
37.1 FW MilesIm
1.0 S acresIe
338.4 FW MilesIe
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-23
23.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-06-23 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 134 stream miles (35.7 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the
aquatic life category. There are 23.4 stream miles (6.2 percent) identified as Impaired in this
same category.
23.3 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.
23.3.1 Burgaw Creek [AU#18-74-39a]
Current Status
The 2000 basin plan recommended that Burgaw Creek be resampled. Burgaw Creek from
source to Osgood Branch (2.1 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life because chlorophyll a
exceeded the standard in 15 percent of samples collected at site BA686. The chlorophyll a data
were not collected and processed using a certified laboratory, and therefore, cannot be used by
DWQ to make use support determinations. Site BA686 is monitored by the Lower Cape Fear
River Program (Appendix V).
2005 Recommendations
DWQ and LCFRP will continue to monitor the Burgaw Creek watershed. DWQ recommends
that the Burgaw WWTP optimize plant processes to reduce nutrients that may be causing algal
blooms in Burgaw Creek. The LCFRP is in the process of becoming state certified for
chlorophyll a analysis.
Water Quality Initiatives
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy received a $606,000 CWMTF grant to purchase 521
floodplain acres. The overall project included 795 acres along Burgaw Creek near the Northeast
Cape Fear River (Chapter 34).
Chapter 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 215
23.3.2 Burnt Mill Creek [AU#18-74-63-2]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basin plan recommended that Burnt Mill Creek be resampled using the 303(d)
approach.
Current Status
Burnt Mill Creek from source to Smith Creek (4.6 miles) is Impaired for aquatic life because of a
Poor benthic community rating at site BB73. A Collaborative Assessment of Watersheds and
Streams (CAWS) in 2003 indicated that the benthic community in Burnt Mill Creek was
primarily impacted by toxicity and sedimentation, with lack of instream habitat and nutrient
enrichment as chronic stressors to the benthic community. The watershed drains a highly
urbanized portion of Wilmington. A Local Watershed Plan (Chapter 34) was developed by
NCEEP in 2002 that identified similar habitat problems in the watershed. The plan also outlines
restoration strategies and locations for BMPs.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Burnt Mill Creek watershed. DWQ will work with NCEEP
and the watershed stakeholders, including the City of Wilmington, to assist where possible in
implementation of the restoration strategy. Burnt Mill Creek 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
In 2002, Wilmington received a $120,000 Section 319 grant (Chapter 34) to install urban BMP
demonstration projects in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed. The grant projects will be completed
in 2005. UNCW has also increased monitoring efforts in Burnt Mill Creek with funding from
the 319 program.
The NCEEP completed the New Hanover County Local Watershed Plan in 2003. The EEP
currently has two stream restoration projects in design for a total of 3,000 feet of stream
restoration, and has a stormwater wetland that was constructed in 2000 and is in the fourth year
of post-construction monitoring. Additionally, a team headed by Watershed Education for
Communities and Officials at NCSU and including the City of Wilmington, Cape Fear River
Watch, NCSU Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UNC-Wilmington, and the
New Hanover Local Watershed Group obtained an EPA 319 Grant of $608,000. The project
purpose is to construct 6 stormwater BMP retrofits, monitor and analyze the impacts of retrofit
activities on the watershed, involve the community in residential BMP retrofits, and conduct an
educational campaign. The project implements recommendations from the Local Watershed
Plan that was sponsored by EEP, and builds on educational activities conducted by the City of
Wilmington with their previous EPA 319 grant.
Additionally, Watershed Education for Communities and Officials (WECO) received a 319 grant
to fund the construction of two stormwater ponds in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed. NCEEP
has also completed 0.6 acres of riverine restoration and 3,000 linear feet of stream restoration in
the Burnt Mill Creek watershed (Chapter 34). The final report is available for download at:
http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/new%20hanover/newhanover.htm
Chapter 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 216
23.3.3 Northeast Cape Fear River [AU#18-74-(47.5)]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
The Northeast Cape Fear River from Hwy 210 to Prince George Creek (15.6 miles) is Impaired
on a monitored basis in the fish consumption category and will be added to the 303(d) list of
Impaired waters.
23.3.4 Long Creek [AU#18-74-55a and b]
Current Status
Long Creek was Fully Supporting in the 2000 basin plan; however, Long Creek [18-74-55a]
from source to Cypress Creek (7.7 miles) is currently Impaired for aquatic life because of a
Severe benthic community rating at site BB139. Long Creek is channelized and has poor habitat
conditions. The stream is affected by beaver dams. Conductivity was high at the sample site and
the benthic community was dominated by tolerant species.
Long Creek [18-74-55b] from Cypress Creek to (21.5 miles) is Impaired on a monitored basis in
the fish consumption category. No other data were collected in this segment.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Long Creek watershed and evaluate impacts of NPDES
discharges into Long Creek. DWQ will contact DSWC to evaluate if agricultural BMPs can be
implemented to improve water quality.
Both segments 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.
23.3.5 Smith Creek [AU#18-74-63]
Current Status
Smith Creek was Not Rated in the 2000 basin plan; however, Smith Creek from source to
Northeast Cape River (11.1 miles) is currently Impaired for aquatic life because of a Severe
benthic community rating at site BB79. The Smith Creek WWTP (NC0000817) had significant
violations of dissolved oxygen permit limits during the assessment period that could have
negatively impacted aquatic life. This facility is no longer discharging.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor the Smith Creek watershed. The NPDES compliance process
will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above.
Smith Creek 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 completed the New Hanover County Local Watershed Plan in 2003 that includes
Smith Creek. The plan is discussed under Burnt Mill Creek in this chapter. The plan is available
for download at: http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/new%20hanover/newhanover.htm
Chapter 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 217
23.4 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.
23.4.1 Angola Creek [AU# 18-74-33-3]
Current Status and Water Quality Initiatives
Angola Creek from source to Holly Shelter Creek (6.5 miles) is Supporting aquatic life because a
Good benthic community rating at site BB141. The benthic community suggested inputs of
organic particulate material, and dissolved oxygen was very low at time of sampling (<4 mg/l in
44 percent of samples collected) at site BA684. Angola Creek is classified as C Sw, which
acknowledges natural characteristics of swamps such as low dissolved oxygen. In 2001, The
Nature Conservancy received a $442,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34) grant to purchase conservation
easements on 82 acres along Angola Creek.
23.4.2 Dero Creek [AU# 18-74-32]
Current Status and Water Quality Initiatives
Dero Creek from source to Northeast Cape Fear River (2.8 miles) was not assessed during this
assessment period. In 2003, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust received a $992,000
CWMTF grant to purchase conservation easements on 94 riparian acres. The overall project also
included 775 acres of donated easements in upland areas (Chapter 34).
23.4.3 Holly Shelter Creek [AU# 18-74-33]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Holly Shelter Creek from source to Northeast Cape Fear River (25.9 miles) is Supporting aquatic
life because of a Moderate benthic community rating at site BB136. The creek had a diverse
benthic community and one rare species was found.
Water Quality Initiatives
In 2001, The Nature Conservancy received a $7,900,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34) grant to acquire
14,391 acres along Holly Shelter Creek and several tributaries.
23.4.4 Prince George Creek [AU# 18-74-53]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Prince George Creek from source to Northeast Cape Fear River (8.3 miles) is Not Rated on an
evaluated basis. Hermitage House Rest Home (NC 0051969) had significant violations of
chlorine permit limits that may have adversely impacted aquatic life during the last two years of
the assessment period.
Chapter 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 218
Water Quality Initiatives
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy received a $148,000 CWMTF grant to purchase 160
floodplain acres. The overall project included 421 acres along Shelter Swamp Creek and Sandy
Run Swamp. In 2003, The Nature Conservancy received a $671,000 CWMTF grant to purchase
970 acres along Prince George Creek and the Northeast Cape Fear River (Chapter 34).
23.4.5 Shaken Creek [AU# 18-74-33-4]
Current Status and Water Quality Initiatives
Shelter Swamp Creek from source to Holly Shelter Creek (19.5 miles) was not assessed during
this assessment period, but is in a watershed that has extensive agriculture. In 2003, the North
Carolina Coastal Land Trust received a $366,000 CWMTF grant to purchase conservation
easements on 303 riparian acres. The project also included 862 acres of donated easements in
upland areas. The acquisition completes protection of the entire creek (Chapter 34).
23.4.6 Shelter Swamp Creek [AU# 18-74-33-2-2]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Shelter Swamp Creek from source to Sandy Run Swamp (13.3 miles) is Supporting aquatic life
because of a Natural benthic community rating at site BB134. The creek had a diverse benthic
community and one rare species was found.
Water Quality Initiatives
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy received a $148,000 CWMTF grant to purchase 160
floodplain acres. The overall project included 421 acres along Shelter Swamp Creek and Sandy
Run Swamp (Chapter 34).
23.4.7 Northeast Cape Fear River [AU# 18-74-(47.5) and (52.5)]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
The Northeast Cape Fear River from NC 210 to Ness Creek (28 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic
life because dissolved oxygen was below 4 mg/l in 23 and 10 percent of samples collected at
sites BA694 and BA699. Northeast Cape Fear River is classified as C Sw, which acknowledges
natural characteristics of swamps such as low dissolved oxygen. Walnut Hills WWTP
(NC0039527) had significant violations of total suspended solids permit limits, and New
Hanover County Landfill WWTP (NC0049743) had significant violations of biological oxygen
demand permit limits during the last two years of the assessment period. The NPDES
compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above.
Water Quality Initiatives
In 1998, the NC Wildlife Resource Commission received a $1,070,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34)
grant to acquire 1,076 acres in this watershed near the confluence with Turkey Creek.
Chapter 23 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-23 219