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Chapter 24
Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24
Including: Masonboro Sound, Topsail Sound and ICWW
24.1 Subbasin Overview
Subbasin 03-06-24 drains entirely to the ICWW and the
Atlantic Ocean. There are large urban areas around
Wilmington and many beach communities. Population is
expected to grow by 110,000 people in counties with
portions or all of their areas in this subbasin by 2020.
Subbasin 03-06-24 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 162 mi2
Land area: 142 mi2
Water area: 20 mi2
Population Statistics
Pop. Density: 361 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Counties
Municipalities
There are three individual NPDES wastewater discharge
permits in this subbasin with a permitted flow of 0.1
MGD (Figure 27). 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 24.3 for Impaired waters and
in Section 24.4 for other waters.
2000 Est. Pop.: 58658people
Forest/Wetland: 63.0%
Surface Water: 17.5% Urban: 8.3% There is one registered swine operation in this subbasin. Cultivated Crop: 6.7% Pasture/ There was one benthic community sample (Figure 27 and
Table 27) collected during this assessment period. Data
were also collected from six DWQ ambient stations.
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.
Managed Herbaceous: 4.5%
New Hanover, Onlsow and Pender
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.
Carolina Beach, Holly Ridge, North
Topsail Beach, Surf City, Topsail,
Wilmington and Wrightsville
Beach
24.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-06-24 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.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 220
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Atlantic Ocean
99-(3)c
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean contiguous to that
portion of the Cape Fear River Basin that extends from
the edge of White Oak River Basin to the subbasin 17/24
boundary
38.3 Coast MilesSB ND S S-22a NCE
S-23 NCE
S-25 NCE
S-28 NCE
S-29 NCE
Banks Channel
18-87-10-1a
From New Topsail Inlet to Topsail Sound excluding
prohibited area at Annamarina
313.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND SAPP
18-87-10-1b
Prohibited area at Annamarina
4.2 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
18-87-24-3
Entire Channel south of the Wrightsville Recreational
Area
111.1 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
Batts Mill Creek
18-87-6
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
40.8 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Beckys Creek (Bi
18-87-8a
From source 0.5 miles inland Intracoastal Waterway
42.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-8b
From 0.5 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal Waterway
66.4 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Bradley Creek
18-87-24-4-(1)
From source to US Hwys 17, 74 & 76 bridge
28.8 S acresSC HQW #ND ND
18-87-24-4-(2)
From US Hwy 17, 74 & 76 bridge to Intracoastal
Waterway
55.9 S acresSC #ND ND
Butler Creek
18-87-18
From Nixon Channel to Intracoastal Waterway
30.9 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
Carolina Beach
18-87-31.2
All waters beginning at a point on the northern side of
Snows Cut and running directly east across the
Intracoastal Waterway to a point on the eastern side,
thence follow
102.8 S acresSB ND NDBA731 NCE
Cedar Snag Cree
18-87-17
From Green Channel to Intracoastal Waterway
3.2 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
County Line Bra
18-87-6-1
From source to Batts Mill Creek
1.0 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICACFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Cypress Branch
18-87-6-2
From source to Batts Mill Creek
1.0 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICACFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Everett Bay
18-87-2
Entire Bay excluding that portion in King Creek
Restricted Area
240.6 S acresSA ORW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria
Everett Creek
18-87-29
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
0.7 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
Futch Creek
18-87-19a
From source to 0.35 miles inland of Intracoastal
Waterway
13.7 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-19b
From 0.35 miles inland of Intracoastal Waterway to
ICWW
14.3 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Green Channel
18-87-16
From Rich Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
111.5 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
Hewletts Creek
18-87-26a
From source to 0.5 miles inland of Intracoastal Waterway
78.3 S acresSA HQW S ND IPRO
BB299 /2003M
Fecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
18-87-26b
From 0.5 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal Waterway
19.9 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
Howard Channel
18-87-13
From Old Topsail Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
38.3 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Howe Creek
18-87-23
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
28.6 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria
Intracaostal Wat
18-87-(5.5)
From Morris Landing to the eastern mouth of Old Topsail
Creek
159.6 S acresSA HQW ND S ICAOS-52 NCE
S-53 NCE
S-54 NCE
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Intracoastal Wat
18-87
From southern edge of White Oak River Basin to Morris
Landing
76.2 S acresSA ORW S S ICAOBA723 NCE BA723 NCE
S-55 NCE
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
18-87-(11.5)
From the eastern mouth of Old Topsail Creek to the
western mouth of Howe Creek
112.9 S acresSA ORW ND S ICAOS-50 NCE
S-51 NCE
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
18-87-(23.5)a
Approved area south of Wrightsville Recreation area and
east of ICWW
52.8 S acresSA HQW ND S SAPPS-48 NCE
18-87-(23.5)b
Prohibited area north of Wrightsville Reacreation area
63.1 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
18-87-(23.5)c
Conditional area south of Wrightsville Recreation area
and west of ICWW.
70.4 S acresSA HQW I S ICAOBA728 CE Low DO 11.4 BA728 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen MS4 NPDES
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Conditional area south of Wrightsville Recreation area
and west of ICWW.
70.4 S acresSA HQW I S ICAOBA728 CE Low DO 11.4 BA728 NCE Low Dissolved Oxygen MS4 NPDES
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
John Creek
18-87-30
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
5.0 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
King Creek Restr
18-87-4
Inside a line beginning at a point on the mainland and
running due south 100 yards to reflector buoy #43 in the
Intracoastal Waterway, thence along the south side of the
165.7 S acresSC Sw HQ ND ND
Long Point Chan
18-87-15
From Old Topsail Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
16.0 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
Masonboro Chan
18-87-27
From Masonboro Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
216.4 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
Masonboro Soun
18-87-25.7a
East of ICWW
285.3 S acresSA ORW ND S SAPPS-47 NCE
18-87-25.7b
Three prohibited areas inland of ICWW
99.5 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
18-87-25.7c
West of ICWW
215.9 S acresSA ORW S S ICAOBA730 NCE BA730 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
18-87-25.7d
Prohibited area at mouth of Whiskey Creek
64.3 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Mill Creek (Betts
18-87-14
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
18.2 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Mullett Run
18-87-9-1
From source to Virginia Creek
7.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Nixon Channel
18-87-20
From Rich Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
181.8 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
Nixons Creek
18-87-11
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
5.8 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
Old Mill Creek
18-87-7
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
0.1 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Old Topsail Cree
18-87-12a
From source to 0.5 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal
Waterway
16.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-12b
From 0.5 miles inland of Intracoastal Waterway to ICWW
12.4 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Pages Creek
18-87-22a
From source to 0.5 miles inland of Intracoastal Waterway
48.4 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria
18-87-22b
From 0.5 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal Waterway
28.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria
Shinn Creek
18-87-25
From Masonboro Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway
87.0 S acresSA HQW ND ND SAPP
Snows Cut
18-87-31.5
From Carolina Beach Yacht Basin to Cape Fear River
60.5 S acresSC ND ND
Stump Sound
18-87-3
Entire Sound excluding that portion in King Creek
Restricted Area
87.3 S acresSA ORW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Stump Sound O
18-87-0.5
All waters between the s edge of the White Oak RB to
the western end of Permuda Is. exclusive of the restricted
area
939.9 S acresSA ORW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Topsail Sound
18-87-10a
Entire Sound south of ICWW
1,190.7 S acresSA HQW ND ND SAPP
18-87-10b
Prohibited areas at Queens Grant and Hwy 210 Bridge
56.2 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-10c
Entire Sound north of ICWW
1,144.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-10d
Conditional areas at mouth of Batts Mill Creek and at
Hwy 210 Bridge
12.7 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICACFecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Topsail Sound an
18-87-11.7a
South of ICWW
444.8 S acresSA ORW ND ND SAPP
18-87-11.7b
Prohibited area north of ICWW
2.1 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria
18-87-11.7c
North of ICWW
272.5 S acresSA ORW S ND ICAOBA727 NCE BA727 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
18-87-11.7d
Prohibited area on northside of ICWW
2.7 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Marina
18-87-11.7e
Prohibited area at mouth of Mill Creek
2.7 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria
18-87-11.7f
Prohibited area at Figure Eight Island Marina
6.8 S acresSA ORW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria
Turkey Creek
18-87-1a
From source to 0.25 miles inland of Intracoastal
Waterway to ICWW
79.5 S acresSA ORW ND ND ICACFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
18-87-1b
From 0.25 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal
Waterway
59.6 S acresSA ORW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
Virginia Creek
18-87-9a
From source to 0.75 miles inland of Intracoastal
Waterway
23.5 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
18-87-9b
From 0.75 miles inland of ICWW to Intracoastal
Waterway
73.6 S acresSA HQW ND ND ICAOFecal Coliform Bacteria Impervious Surface
Whiskey Creek (
18-87-28
From source to Intracoastal Waterway
13.0 S acresSA HQW ND ND IPROFecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
Wrightsville Recr
18-87-24
In any waters within a line beginning at a point on the
mainland along the Intracoastal Waterway 1400 feet
north of the U.S. Hwy. 74-76 bridge extending directly
across t
478.7 S acresSB #S NDBA729 NCE BA729 NCE
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-24
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Subbasin
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA Status
Table 27
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 GA Status- DEH SS Growing Area Status
Results
Aquatic Life Rating Summary
S 1,121.6 S acresm
I 70.4 S acresm
ND 7,116.8 S acres
ND 38.3 Coast Mile
Recreation Rating Summary
973.1 S acresSm
38.3 Coast MileSm
7,335.7 S acresND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
8,308.8 S acresIe
38.3 Coast MileIe
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-24
There were 1,192 estuarine acres (14.3 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the
aquatic life category with 70.4 acres (<1 percent) Impaired. There were 973.1 estuarine acres
(11.7 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the recreation category with no
Impaired acreage. There were 7,416.3 estuarine acres (100 percent) monitored during this
assessment period in the shellfish harvesting category with 4,439.1 acres (59.8 percent)
Impaired.
24.3 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.
For Impaired Class SA waters presented below, refer to Chapter 27 for more information and
recommendations on shellfish harvesting use support and DEH SS growing area classifications.
All waters identified as Impaired in the shellfish harvesting category 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.
24.3.1 Banks Channel [AU# 18-87-10-1b and 18-87-24-3]
Current Status
Banks Channel [18-87-10-1b] Prohibited area at Annamarina (4.2 acres) is Impaired for shellfish
harvesting because this segment is classified by DEH SS as prohibited in growing area B-7.
Banks Channel [18-87-24.3] south of Wrightsville Beach Recreational area (111.1 acres) is
Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally
approved-open in growing area B-8. These segments of Banks Channel will be added to the
303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.2 Batts Mill Creek [AU# 18-87-6], County Line Branch [AU# 18-87-6-1] and
Cypress Branch [AU# 18-87-6-2]
Current Status
Batts Mill Creek from source to the ICWW (40.8 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting
because this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-
9. County Line Branch from source to Batts Mill Creek (1 acres) and Cypress Branch from
source to Batts Mill Creek (1 acre) are Impaired for shellfish harvesting because these segments
are classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-closed in growing area B-9. These
segments of Batts Mill Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 234
24.3.3 Beckys Creek [AU# 18-87-8a and b]
Current Status
Beckys Creek [18-87-8a and b] from source to the ICWW (108.9 acres) is Impaired for shellfish
harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally
approved-open in growing area B-8. Beckys Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired
waters.
24.3.4 Everett Bay [AU# 18-87-2]
Current Status
Everett Bay (240.6 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this segment is classified
by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-9. Everett Bay will be added to
the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.5 Everett Creek [AU# 18-87-29]
Current Status
Everett Creek from source to ICWW (0.7 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this
segment is classified by DEH SS as prohibited in growing area B-5. Everett Creek will be added
to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.6 Futch Creek [AU# 18-87-19a and b]
Current Status
Futch Creek [18-87-19a and b] from source to the ICWW (28 acres) is Impaired for shellfish
harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally
approved-open in growing area B-8. These segments of Futch Creek will be added to the 303(d)
list of Impaired waters.
24.3.7 Hewletts Creek [AU# 18-87-26a and b]
Current Status
Hewletts Creek [18-87-26a and b] from source to the ICWW (98.2 acres) is Impaired for
shellfish harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and
conditionally approved-open in growing area B-6. Segment 18-87-26a (78.3 acres) is Supporting
aquatic life because of a Moderate benthic community rating at site BB299. This upper portion
of Hewletts Creek had good snag and root mat habitats, and some intolerant species were noted
at the site. These segments of Hewletts Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired
waters.
24.3.8 Howe Creek [AU# 18-87-23]
Current Status
Howe Creek from source to ICWW (28.6 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this
segment is classified by DEH SS as prohibited in growing area B-7. Howe Creek will be added
to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 235
24.3.9 Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW) [AU# 18-87, 18-87-(5.5), (11.5), (23.5)a, b and c]
Current Status
The ICWW [18-87] in DEH growing area B-9 (76.2 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting
because this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-
9. This segment is supporting aquatic life and recreation because no criteria were exceeded at
sites BA 723 and S-55. This segment will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
The ICWW [18-87-(5.5)] in DEH growing area B-8 (159.6 acres) is Impaired for shellfish
harvesting because this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in
growing area B-8. This segment is supporting recreation because no criteria were exceeded at
sites S-52, S-53 and S-54. This segment will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
The ICWW [18-87-(11.5) and (23.5)b] in DEH growing area B-7 (176 acres) is Impaired for
shellfish harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and
conditionally approved-open in growing area B-7. Segment 18-87-(11.5) is supporting
recreation because no criteria were exceeded at sites S-50 and S-51. These segments will be
added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
The ICWW [18-87-(23.5)a] in DEH growing area B-7 (52.8 acres) is Supporting recreation and
shellfish harvesting because this segment is classified by DEH SS as approved and because no
criteria were exceeded at site S-48.
The ICWW [18-87-(23.5)c] in DEH growing area B-7 (70.4 acres) is Impaired for aquatic life
and shellfish harvesting because dissolved oxygen violated water quality standards in 11 percent
of samples at site BA728, and this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-
open. Site BA728 is at the mouth of Howe Creek in the ICWW. There is extensive development
occurring in the headwaters of Howe Creek in and around Wilmington. This segment will be
added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters. DWQ will work with Wilmington and New Hanover
County to identify potential sources of bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials.
24.3.10 Masonboro Sound ORW Area (ICWW) [AU# 18-87-25.7a, b, c and d]
Current Status
Masonboro Sound [18-87-25.7a] in DEH growing area B-5 and B-6 (285.3 acres) is Supporting
recreation and shellfish harvesting because this segment is classified by DEH SS as approved
and because no criteria were exceeded at site S-47.
Masonboro Sound [18-87-25.7b, c and d] in DEH growing area B-5 and B-6 (379.7 acres) is
Impaired for shellfish harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited
and conditionally approved-open. Segment 18-87-25.7c is Supporting aquatic life because no
criteria were exceeded at sites BA730. These segments will be added to the 303(d) list of
Impaired waters.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 236
24.3.11 Mill Creek [AU# 18-87-14]
Current Status
Mill Creek from source to ICWW (18.2 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this
segment is classified by DEH SS as prohibited in growing area B-8. Mill Creek will be added to
the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.12 Virginia Creek [18-87-9a and b] and Mullett Run [AU# 18-87-9-1]
Current Status
Virginia Creek and Mullett Run from source to ICWW (104.6 acres) are Impaired for shellfish
harvesting because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally
approved-open in growing area B-8. Both creeks will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired
waters.
24.3.13 Nixons Creek [AU# 18-87-11]
Current Status
Nixons Creek from source to ICWW (5.8 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this
segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-8. Nixons
Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.14 Old Mill Creek [AU# 18-87-7]
Current Status
Old Mill Creek from source to ICWW (0.1 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because
this segment is classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-9. Old
Mill Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.15 Old Topsail Creek [AU# 18-87-12a and b]
Current Status
Old Topsail Creek from source to the ICWW (28.9 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting
because these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally approved-open
in growing area B-8. These segments of Old Topsail Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of
Impaired waters.
24.3.16 Pages Creek [AU# 18-87-22a and b]
Current Status
Pages Creek from source to the ICWW (76.9 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because
these segments are classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally approved-open in
growing area B-7. These segments of Pages Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of Impaired
waters.
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24.3.17 Stump Sound [18-87-3] and Stump Sound ORW Area [AU# 18-87-0.5]
Current Status
Stump Sound and Stump Sound ORW Area from the White Oak River Basin to Permuda Island
(1,027.2 acres) are Impaired for shellfish harvesting because these segments are classified by
DEH SS as conditionally approved-open in growing area B-8. Both segments will be added to
the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.18 Topsail Sound [AU# 18-87-10a, b, c and d]
Current Status
Topsail Sound [18-87-10b, c, and d] areas north of the ICWW and around Queens Grant and the
Hwy 210 bridge (1,213.4 acres) are Impaired for shellfish harvesting because these segments are
classified by DEH SS as prohibited, conditionally approved-open and conditionally approved-
closed in growing areas B-8 and B-9. These segments will be added to the 303(d) list of
Impaired waters. Segment 18-87-10a (1,190.7 acres) south of the ICWW is Supporting shellfish
harvesting because this area is classified by DEH SS as approved.
24.3.19 Topsail Sound and Middle Sound ORW Area [AU# 18-87-11.7a, b, c, d, e and f]
Current Status
Topsail Sound [18-87-11.7b, d, e and f] areas north of the ICWW and around the Figure Eight
Island Marina (14.3 acres) are Impaired for shellfish harvesting because these segments are
classified by DEH SS as prohibited and conditionally approved-open in growing areas B-7 and
B-8.
Segment 18-87-11.7c (272.5 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this segment is
classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open. This segment will be added to the 303(d)
list of Impaired waters. This segment is Supporting aquatic life because no criteria were
exceeded at site BA727.
Segment 18-87-11.7a (444.8 acres) south of the ICWW is Supporting shellfish harvesting
because this area is classified by DEH SS as approved.
24.3.20 Turkey Creek [AU# 18-87-1a and b]
Current Status
Turkey Creek from source to the ICWW (139.1 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting
because these segments are classified by DEH SS as conditionally approved-open and
conditionally approved-closed in growing area B-9. These segments of Turkey Creek will be
added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
24.3.21 Whiskey Creek [AU# 18-87-28]
Current Status
Whiskey Creek from source to ICWW (13 acres) is Impaired for shellfish harvesting because this
segment is classified by DEH SS as prohibited in growing area B-6. Whiskey Creek will be
added to the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 238
24.4 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#). Refer to the overview for more
information on AUs.
24.4.1 Kings Creek Restricted Area [AU# 18-87-4]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Kings Creek Restricted Area from source to ICWW (165.7 acres) is Not Rated on an evaluated
basis for recreation because Holly Ridge WWTP (NC0025859) had significant violations of fecal
coliform bacteria permit limits. This creek is Not Rated for aquatic life because the WWTP also
had five whole effluent toxicity test failures that may have adversely impacted aquatic life during
the last two years of the assessment period. The NPDES compliance process will be used to
address the significant permit violations noted above.
Chapter 24 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-24 239