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Chapter 7
Cape Fear River River Subbasin 03-06-07
Including: Cape Fear River, Neills Creek and Parkers Creek
7.1 Subbasin Overview
Subbasin 03-06-07 contains streams that drain Triassic
basin soils, the coastal plain and the Piedmont. The Cape
Fear River starts in this subbasin at the confluence of the
Haw and Deep Rivers. Most of the watershed is forested,
with extensive agriculture present. Development is
occurring in the northern portion near Fuquay-Varina.
Population is expected to grow by 435,000 people in
counties with portions or all of their areas in this subbasin
by 2020. Most growth is expected in Wake County.
There are 16 individual NPDES wastewater discharge
permits in this subbasin with a permitted flow of 17.6
MGD (Figure 10). The largest are Progress Energy (10
MGD), Holly Springs WWTP (2.4 MGD), Erwin Mills
(2.5 MGD), Shearon Harris (1.6 MGD) and Kenneth
Creek WWTP (1.2 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 7.3 for
Impaired waters and in Section 7.4 for other waters.
There are two registered swine operations in this
subbasin.
There were 16 benthic community samples and four fish
community samples (Figure 10 and Table 10) collected
during this assessment period. Data were also collected from 15 ambient monitoring stations
including eight MCFRBA (Appendix V) stations, one UCFRBA (Appendix V) station, one
DWQ station, and two shared 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.
Subbasin 03-06-07 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 415 mi2
Land area: 403 mi2
Water area: 12 mi2
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Pop.: 106,866people
Pop. Density: 257 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 69.6%
Surface Water: 2.9%
Urban: 1.6%
Cultivated Crop: 21.4%
Pasture/ Managed
Herbaceous: 4.6%
Counties
Chatham, Harnett, Lee and Wake
Municipalities
Angier, Broadway, Coats, Erwin,
Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs,
Lillington and Sanford
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 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 72
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-07
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 10
Avents Creek
18-13-(2)
From a point 1.3 miles upstream of Harnett County SR
1418 to Cape Fear River
5.5 FW MilesWS-IV HQ S NR*BA399 NCE
BB285 /2000G
BB290 /2003E
BF41 /2003GF
BA399 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Buckhorn Creek
18-7-(2)
From Norfolk Southern Railroad to backwaters of Harris
Lake
2.2 FW MilesB S ND
BB243 /2003G
Buckhorn Creek (Harris Lake)
18-7-(11)
From dam at Harris Lake to Cape Fear River
4.3 FW MilesC S NDBA397 NCE
Buies Creek
18-18
From source to Cape Fear River
8.2 FW MilesWS-IV NR NR*BA411 NCE Low pH 9.1
BF12 /2003NR
BA411 NCE
BA413 NCE
Low pH Unknown
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-07
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-07
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 10
CAPE FEAR RIVER
18-(1)
From junction of Haw River and Deep River to a point
3.2 FW MilesWS-IV I SBA391 NCE High pH 9.59
BA391 CE Chlor a 23.5
BA391 NCE High pH
Chlorophyll a
18-(10.5)
From a point 0.6 mile downstream of mouth of Daniels
Creek to a point 0.2 mile dwonstream of Neils Creek
9.5 FW MilesWS-IV S ND
BB437 /2003GF
BB437 /2002NR
BB437 /2003GF
18-(16.3)
From a point 0.2 mile downstream of Neills Creek to
Lillington water supply
0.5 FW MilesWS-IV CA S ND
BB437 /2003GF
BB437 /2002NR
BB437 /2003GF
18-(16.7)
From Lillington water supply intake to Upper Little River
9.0 FW MilesWS-IV S SBA407 NCE Turbidity 10
BB437 /2003GF
BB437 /2002NR
BB437 /2003GF
BA407 NCE Turbidity Unknown
18-(20.7)a
From Dunn water supply intake to Lower Little River
5.4 FW MilesWS-V S SBA431 NCE BA431 NCE
18-(4.5)a
From a point 0.5 mile upstream of NC Hwy 42 to NC
0.5 FW MilesWS-IV CA I SBA391 NCE High pH 9.59
BA391 CE Chlor a 23.5
BA391 NCE Chlorophyll a Unknown
High pH Unknown
Coopers Branch
18-15-1
From source to Hector Creek
2.9 FW MilesWS-IV HQ S ND
BB284 /2003G
East Buies Creek
18-18-1-(2)
From a point 0.2 mile downstream of NC Hwy 55 to
Buies Creek
6.2 FW MilesWS-IV I NR*BA412 CE Low DO 21.7
BA412 NCE Low pH 8.7
BA412 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria Unknown
Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Low pH Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-07
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-07
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 10
HAW RIVER
16-(42)
From dam at B. Everett Jordan Lake to Cape Fear River
(junction with Deep River)
4.3 FW MilesWS-IV S SBA256 NCE 25
BA257 NCE 13.6
BA256 NCE
BA257 NCE
Hector Creek
18-15-(0.7)
From a point 1.1 miles upstream of Harnett County SR
1415 to Cape Fear River
8.9 FW MilesWS-IV HQ S ND
BB289 /2003E
BB292 /2003G
BF40 /2003E
Hughes Creek
18-4-7
From source to Lick Creek
3.9 FW MilesWS-IV NR ND
BB213 /2003NR
Kenneth Creek
18-16-1-(1)
From source to Wake-Harnett County Line
4.9 FW MilesC S ND
BB228 /2003G
BB435 /1998NR
18-16-1-(2)
From Wake-Harnett County Line to Neils Creek
3.9 FW MilesWS-IV I SBA404 NCE
BB295 /2003P
BF42 /2003G
BA404 NCE Habitat Degradation WWTP NPDES
Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface
Lick Creek
18-4-(2)
From dam at Olhams Lake to Cape Fear River
10.3 FW MilesWS-IV I NR*BA388 CE Low DO 15.6
BA388 NCE Turbidity 7.8
BA388 NCE Fecal Coliform Bacteria MS4 NPDES
Turbidity MS4 NPDES
Low Dissolved Oxygen MS4 NPDES
Little Branch
18-7-6-1-1
From source to Big Branch
3.4 FW MilesC NR ND
BB253 /2003NR
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-07
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-07
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 10
Neills Creek (Neals Creek)
18-16-(0.3)
From source to a point 0.3 mile upstream of Wake-
Harnett County Line
2.6 FW MilesC I ND
BB294 /2003P
Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface
Habitat Degradation Pasture
Habitat Degradation Agriculture
Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES
18-16-(0.7)a
From a point 0.3 mile upstream of Wake-Harnett County
Line to SR 1441
2.0 FW MilesWS-IV I ND
BB294 /2003P
Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface
Habitat Degradation Pasture
Habitat Degradation Agriculture
Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES
18-16-(0.7)b
From SR 1441 to Kenneth Creek
1.3 FW MilesWS-IV I ND
BB294 /2003P
Habitat Degradation Impervious Surface
Habitat Degradation Pasture
Habitat Degradation Agriculture
Habitat Degradation MS4 NPDES
18-16-(0.7)c1
From Kenneth Creek to 0.4 miles upstream of US 401
6.7 FW MilesWS-IV I ND
BB283 /2003F
18-16-(0.7)c2
From US 401 to the Cape Fear River
1.6 FW MilesWS-IV S SBA401 NCE BA401 NCE
Parkers Creek
18-9
From source to Cape Fear River
6.0 FW MilesC HQW S ND
BB287 /2003NI
BB297 /2003G
Turbidity Unknown
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-07
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
CAPE FEAR 03-06-07
AL Rating REC RatingStationYear/ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
SubbasinTable 10
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 65.1 FW Milesm
NR 15.5 FW Milesm
I 36.7 FW Milesm
S 2.9 FW Milese
NR 16.6 FW Milese
ND 174.2 FW Miles
ND 4,154.2 FW Acres
Recreation Rating Summary
27.9 FW MilesSm
30.2 FW MilesNR* m
252.9 FW MilesND
4,154.2 FW AcresND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
311.0 FW MilesIe
4,154.2 FW AcresIe
CAPE FEAR Subbasin 03-06-07
7.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-06-07 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 (4,4145.7 acres and 199.8 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 117.4 stream miles (37.7 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the
aquatic life category. There are 36.7 stream miles (11.8 percent) Impaired in this same category.
7.3 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.
7.3.1 Cape Fear River [AU# 18-(1), (4.5a), (10.5), (16.3), (16.7) and (20.7)]
Current Status
The Cape Fear River was Fully Supporting in the 2000 basinwide plan; however, the Cape Fear
River [18-(1) and (4.5a)] from confluence of the Haw and Deep Rivers to NC 42 (3.7 miles) is
Impaired for aquatic life because chlorophyll a exceeded the standard in 24 percent of samples at
site BA391. Algal blooms have been common in this segment of the river upstream of Buckhorn
Dam and pH levels were commonly elevated at site BA391 as well. Discharges in the Haw and
Deep Rivers, as well as nutrient laden runoff from upstream urban and agricultural land uses, are
contributing nutrients into this slow-moving segment. Algal activity was especially high during
the summer of 2002 when flow was extremely low due to drought conditions.
The Cape Fear River [18-(10.5), (16.3) and (16.7)] from downstream of Daniels Creek to the
Upper Little River (19 miles) is Supporting aquatic life because of a Good-Fair benthic
community rating at site BB437; however, turbidity was above the water quality standard in 10
percent of samples collected at site BA407. Runoff from upstream land uses in the Haw and
Deep River watersheds are the likely source of the increased turbidity.
The Cape Fear River [18-(20.7)a)] from Dunn water supply intake to Lower Little River (5.4
miles) is Supporting aquatic life because no criteria were exceeded at site BA431. This segment
of the Cape Fear River is Not Rated on an evaluated basis for recreation because the Erwin
WWTP (NC0064521) had significant violations of fecal coliform bacteria permit limits.
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 79
2005 Recommendations
DWQ and MCFRBA (Appendix V) will continue to monitor water quality in this segment of the
Cape Fear River. The NPDES compliance process will be used to address the significant permit
violations noted above.
Segments 18-(1) and (4.5) 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
In 2000, Erwin received a $300,000 CWMTF (Chapter 34) grant to upgrade the WWTP
including a new inflow channel, clarifier baffles, aeration equipment and sludge digestion
storage equipment.
7.3.2 East Buies Creek [AU#18-18-1-(2)]
Current Status
East Buies Creek was Not Rated in the 2000 basinwide plan; however, East Buies Creek from
NC 55 to Buies Creek (6.2 miles) is currently Impaired for aquatic life because dissolved oxygen
was below the standard in 21.7 percent of samples at site BA412. Samples collected at site
BA412 were also below the pH standard in 8.7 percent of samples. This segment is Not Rated
for recreation because the fecal coliform bacteria screening criteria were exceeded at site BA412.
2005 Recommendations
It is recommended that MCFRBA (Appendix V) continue to monitor water quality in East Buies
Creek and work with DWQ to determine if the low dissolved oxygen levels are natural in this
watershed. Station BA412 has been moved because the previous location ceased flowing during
summer months. DWQ will reassess data at the new station during the next assessment period to
determine if dissolved levels exceed criteria.
East Buies 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.
7.3.3 Gulf Creek [AU#18-18-1-(2)]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basin plan recommended that DWQ would resample Gulf Creek. Gulf Creek was
Partially Supporting and Not Supporting in the 2000 plan. The benthic community ratings on
Gulf Creek have been changed to Not Rated because criteria have not been developed to assign
ratings to Triassic basin streams. This stream will remain on the 303(d) list of Impaired waters.
7.3.4 Kenneth Creek [AU#18-16-1-(1) and (2)]
2000 Recommendations
The 2000 basin plan recommended that local programs work to protect Kenneth Creek and that
DWQ would resample the creek. It was also recommended that any new or expanding
discharges to Kenneth Creek meet permit limits of 5 mg/l BOD5 and 2 mg/l NH3-N.
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 80
Current Status
Kenneth Creek [18-16-1-(1)] from source to Wake-Harnett county line (4.9 miles) is Supporting
aquatic life because of a Good benthic community rating at site BB228. However, Kenneth
Creek WWTP (NC0028118) had significant violations of biological oxygen demand permit
limits, which could have adversely impacted aquatic life in this segment and in the downstream
segments.
Kenneth Creek [18-16-1-(2)] from Wake-Harnett county line to Neills Creek (3.9 miles) is
Impaired for aquatic life because of a Poor benthic community rating at site BB295. No criteria
were exceeded at site BA404, and there was a Good fish community rating at site BF42. This
segment is Supporting recreation because fecal coliform bacteria screening criteria were not
exceeded at site BA295; however, Senters Rest Home (NC0048101) had significant violations of
fecal coliform bacteria permit limits during the last two years of the assessment period. Senters
is under a special order consent (SOC# S94026) that expires in March 2006.
2005 Recommendations
It is recommended that MCFRBA (Appendix V) continue to monitor water quality in Kenneth
Creek. The NPDES compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations
noted above.
Segment 18-16-1-(1) will be removed from the 303(d) list of Impaired waters because of the
improved biological community. Segment 18-16-1-(2) will remain on the 303(d) list. TMDLs
(Chapter 35) will be developed for identified stressors within 8-13 years of listing.
Water Quality Initiatives
The NCEEP Local Watershed Plan for Harris Lake and Tributaries, completed in 2004, includes
Kenneth Creek. This plan area encompasses three local watersheds that are parallel drainages to
the Cape Fear River and are located within portions of Chatham, Wake, and Harnett Counties in
the North Carolina Piedmont. The total land area is approximately 180 square miles. The
watersheds include parts of the towns of Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina and the
portion of Raven Rock State Park north and east of the Cape Fear River.
This watershed is approximately 46 square miles in size, extending south from the Town of
Fuquay-Varina to Lillington, and east from US 401 to the Town of Angier. It is the most
urbanized of the three watersheds in the study area. Kenneth Creek is a tributary to Neills Creek,
which flows to the Cape Fear River near Lillington. A portion of Kenneth Creek was rated as
impaired on the 2000 303(d) list.
The water resources in the study area exhibit signs of stress with future development likely to
cause additional impacts. Given the vulnerable condition of these natural resources, it is vital to
expedite implementation of the recommended efforts. The Local Watershed Plan for Middle
Cape Fear and Kenneth/Harris Creeks may be viewed at:
http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Harris-Kenneth/Harris-Kenneth.htm
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 81
7.3.5 Lick Creek [AU#18-4-(2)]
Current Status
Lick Creek was Fully Supporting in the 2000 basinwide plan; however, Lick Creek from Olhams
Lake Dam to the Cape Fear River (10.3 miles) is currently Impaired for aquatic life because
dissolved oxygen was below the standard in 16 percent of samples at site BA388. Turbidity was
also above the standard in 8 percent of samples. Lick Creek is Not Rated for recreation because
the fecal coliform bacteria screening criteria were exceeded at site BA388.
2005 Recommendations
It is recommended that MCFRBA (Appendix V) continue to monitor water quality in Lick Creek
and work with DWQ to determine if the low dissolved oxygen levels are natural in this
watershed.
Lick 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.
7.3.6 Neills Creek [AU#18-16-(0.3), (0.7)a, b and c1]
Current Status
Neills Creek was Fully Supporting and Not Rated in the 2000 basin plan; however, Neills Creek
[18-16-(0.3), (0.7)a, b and c1] from source to US 401 (12.6 miles) is Impaired for aquatic life
because of Poor and Fair benthic community ratings at sites BB294 and BB283. Site BB294
declined from Good-Fair to Poor in 2003. This decline was initially thought to be due to the
drought in 2002, but other area streams did not show this decline. The stream may have been
impacted by a toxic spill or other disturbance that prevented recovery of the benthic community.
Neills Creek [18-16-(0.7)c2] from US 401 to the Cape Fear River (1.6 miles) is Supporting
aquatic life and recreation because no criteria were exceeded at site BA401.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor Neills Creek to evaluate recovery and investigate other
disturbances that may have caused the decline in benthic community rating. It is recommended
that MCFRBA (Appendix V) continue to monitor water quality in Neills Creek.
Segments 18-16-(0.3), (0.7)a, b and c1 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 Local Watershed Plan for Harris Lake and Tributaries, completed in 2004, includes
Neills Creek. The plan findings are discussed under Kenneth Creek. The Final Local Watershed
Plan for Middle Cape Fear and Kenneth/Harris Creeks may be viewed at:
http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Harris-Kenneth/Harris-Kenneth.htm
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 82
7.4 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.
7.4.1 Avents Creek [AU# 18-13-(2)]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Avents Creek from upstream of SR 1418 to the Cape Fear River (5.5 miles) is Not Rated for
recreation because the fecal coliform bacteria screening criteria were exceeded at site BA399.
DWQ will determine if intensive sampling is needed to assess the fecal coliform bacteria
standard in this creek (Appendix X).
Water Quality Initiatives
The NCEEP Local Watershed Plan for Harris Lake and Tributaries includes Avents Creek,
Parkers Creek and Hector Creek. This watershed is approximately 54 square miles in size, and is
located almost entirely within Harnett County. Raven Rock State Park is located along the Cape
Fear River on the southern boundary of the watershed. There are no municipalities within the
watershed. Most of the land area is part of the water supply watershed for the Town of
Lillington, located farther downstream along the Cape Fear River. The three mainstem streams
in this watershed, Parkers Creek, Avents Creek and Hector Creek, all have High Quality Waters
designations. The Final Local Watershed Plan for Middle Cape Fear and Kenneth/Harris Creeks
may be viewed at: http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Harris-Kenneth/Harris-Kenneth.htm
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
7.4.2 Daniels Creek [AU# 18-10-(2)]
Daniels Creek from the source to the Cape Fear River (8.5 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life on
an evaluated basis because Broadway WWTP (NC0059242) had significant violations of
dissolved oxygen permit limits, which could have adversely impacted aquatic life in the creek.
The NPDES compliance process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted
above.
7.4.3 Haw River [AU# 16-(42)]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
The Haw River from the Jordan Dam to the Cape Fear River (4.3 miles) is Supporting aquatic
life because no criteria were exceeded at sites BA256 or BA257. However, Moncure Plywood
(NC0023442) had significant violations of dissolved oxygen permit limits, which could have
adversely impacted aquatic life in this segment. The NPDES compliance process will be used to
address the significant permit violations noted above.
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 83
7.4.4 Shaddox Creek [AU# 16-43]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Shaddox Creek from source to Haw River (8.1 miles) is Not Rated for aquatic life on an
evaluated basis because Sierrapine Limited (NC0040701) had significant violations of total
suspended solids permit limits, which could have adversely impacted aquatic life in this stream.
The facility installed screens that have solved the TSS violations. The NPDES compliance
process will be used to address the significant permit violations noted above.
7.4.5 Utley Creek [AU# 18-7-5.5]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Utley Creek from source to Harris Lake (4.6 miles) was Not Rated in the 2000 plan, and no data
were collected to assign a use support rating during this assessment period. Earlier studies
indicated the Holly Springs WWTP was a significant contributor of nutrients to the creek that
could cause algal blooms and subsequent fish kills downstream. Because of the water quality
problems noted above, the 2000 basin plan recommended that Holly Springs pursue other
alternatives to a discharge into Utley Creek. It was also recommended that land use planning be
used to prevent further increases in nutrient loading from the developing watershed. DWQ
continues to recommend that Holly Springs find another wastewater disposal alternative. Further
recommendations to protect streams in urbanizing areas and to restore streams in existing urban
areas are discussed in Chapter 31.
Water Quality Initiatives
The NCEEP Local Watershed Plan for Harris Lake and Tributaries includes Utley Creek. This
watershed is approximately 80 square miles in size, extending south from the Town of Apex to
the Cape Fear River and east from the Chatham/Wake County line to the Town of Holly Springs.
Both Apex and Holly Springs span the ridgeline that separates the Neuse and Cape Fear River
basins. The watershed contains Harris Lake, an impoundment of Buckhorn Creek, which is used
by Progress Energy’s Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant for cooling. The Local Watershed Plan for
Middle Cape Fear and Kenneth/Harris Creeks may be viewed at:
http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Harris-Kenneth/Harris-Kenneth.htm
Chapter 7 – Cape Fear River Subbasin 03-06-07 84