HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 3 Subbasin 04-03-03
Chapter 3
French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03
Including the: Davidson River, Boylston Creek, Mills River and North Fork Mills River
3.1 Subbasin Overview
Much of the land in this subbasin lies within the Pisgah
National Forest or Pisgah Game Lands. Much of the
subbasin outside the national forest is agricultural,
consisting primarily of dairy farms and row crops. There
are no large urban areas within this subbasin, although
some development exists along the major highway
corridors (NC 280 and NC 191). By the year 2020,
overall county population is expected to increase by 28.7
and 14.7 percent in Henderson and Transylvania counties,
respectively.
Subbasin 04-03-03 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 141 mi2
Land area: 141 mi2
Water area: 0 mi2
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Pop.: 20,009 people
Pop. Density: 145 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 89%
Surface Water: <1%
Urban: <1%
Cultivated Crop: 2%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 8%
Counties
Henderson and Transylvania
Municipalities
Brevard and Mills River
Since the previous plan, the Town of Mills River has
incorporated several areas and new sewer lines were
installed along sections of Mills River. This extension
will likely spur development throughout the area;
therefore, special care should be given to site design to
minimize the impacts of sedimentation and erosion on
water quality. Managing growth is particularly important
because most of the South Fork Mills River watershed is
classified as outstanding resource waters (ORW), and
most of the Davidson River watershed is classified as
high quality waters (HQW). Refer to Appendix I for
more information regarding population growth and trends
and to Chapter 8 for water classifications and standards.
There are eight NPDES wastewater discharge permits in this subbasin; none are major
dischargers. Refer to Appendix VI for identification and more information on individual NPDES
permit holders. There are two registered animal operations in this subbasin.
A map including the locations of NPDES discharges and water quality monitoring stations is
presented in Figure 7. Table 8 contains a summary of assessment units and lengths, streams
monitored, monitoring data types, locations and results, along with use support ratings for waters
in this subbasin. Refer to Appendix X for a complete listing of monitored waters and more
information about use support ratings.
There were nine benthic macroinvertebrate community samples and two fish community samples
(Figure 7 and Table 8) collected during this assessment period. Data were also collected from
two ambient monitoring stations. Refer to the 2003 French Broad River Basinwide Assessment
Report at http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html and Appendix IV for more information on
monitoring.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 38
DWQ Assessment and Use Support Ratings Summary for Monitored Waters in Subbasin
Assessment
Unit #Name AL Benthic Community Fish Community Ambient DataREC
040303Table 8
Length/Area
5.4 B-1SNDDavidson River6-34-(1)2002Miles E
0.2 B-1SNDDavidson River6-34-(15.5)2002Miles E
A-11 nce3.3 B-1SSDavidson River6-34-(17)2002Miles E
F-16.1 B-2SNDBoylston Creek6-52-(6.5)2002 2002Miles GF G
1.0 B-3SNDMills River6-54-(1)a 2002Miles G
SF-1 A-12 nce1.8 B-3SSMills River6-54-(1)b 2002 1997Miles G E
0.7 SB-1SNDMills River6-54-(4.5)2002Miles GF
1.8 B-5SNDMills River6-54-(5)2002Miles GF
0.7 B-5SNDMills River6-54-(6.5)2002Miles GF
2.9 B-4SNDNorth Fork Mills River6-54-2-(4)2002Miles E
2.5 SB-2SNDNorth Fork Mills River6-54-2-(9)2002Miles G
4.2 SB-3SNDSouth Fork Mills River6-54-3-(17.5)2002Miles G
2.5 SB-4SNDBradley Creek6-54-3-17-(4.5)1997Miles E
Assessment Unit # - Portion of DWQ Classified Index where monitoring is applied to assign a use support rating.
Use Categories:Monitoring data type: Use Support Ratings 2004:
AL - Aquatic Life F - Fish Community Survey E - Excellent S - Supporting nce - no criteria
REC - Recreation B - Benthic Community Survey G - Good I - Impaired ce - criteria exce
SF - Special Fish Community Study GF - Good-Fair NR - Not Rated
SB - Special Benthic Community Study F - Fair ND - No Data
A - Ambient Monitoring Site P - Poor
NI - Not Impaired
Ambient DataBioclassifcations:
Monday, July 25, 2005 040303
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.
Use support ratings for all waters in subbasin 04-03-03 are summarized in Section 3.2.
Recommendations, current status and future recommendations for previously or newly Impaired
waters are discussed in Section 3.3. Waters with noted water quality impacts are discussed in
Section 3.4. Water quality issues related to the entire subbasin are discussed in Section 3.5.
Refer to Appendix X for a complete list of monitored waters and more information on use
support ratings.
3.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 04-03-03 in the aquatic life, recreation,
fish consumption and water supply categories. There are no fish consumption advisories in this
subbasin; therefore, all waters are No Data in the fish consumption category. In the water supply
category, all waters are Supporting on an evaluated basis based on reports from DEH regional
water treatment plant consultants.
There were 30.6 stream miles (13.7 percent) monitored during this assessment period in the
aquatic life category; none of which are Impaired. Refer to Table 9 for a summary of use
support ratings by use category for waters in subbasin 04-03-03.
3.3 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#). Information regarding 303(d) listing and
reporting methodology is presented in Appendix VII.
3.3.1 Mills River [AU# 6-54-(1)a and b, 6-54-(4.5), 6-54-(5) and 6-54-(6.5)]
2000 Recommendations
Mills River, from SR 1337 to the French Broad River (4.6 miles), was Impaired due to a noted
impact to benthic macroinvertebrates. The impact was likely associated with agricultural
nonpoint sources of pollution, particularly those associated with pesticides applied on tomato
farms. DWQ will rely on local initiatives to address pesticide and nonpoint source pollution.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 41
Table 9 Summary of Use Support Ratings by Category in Subbasin 04-03-03
Use Support
Rating
Aquatic
Life
Fish
Consumption Recreation Water
Supply
Monitored Waters
Supporting 30.6 mi 0.0 5.1 mi 0.0
Impaired 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Not Rated 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total 30.6 mi
0.0 ac 0.0 5.1 mi
0.0 ac 0.0
Unmonitored Waters
Supporting 172.3 mi 0.0 0.0 160.4 mi
Impaired 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Not Rated 1.8 mi 0.0 0.0 0.0
No Data 18.4 mi 223.1 mi 218.0 mi 0.0
Total 192.5 mi
0.0 ac
223.1 mi
0.0 ac
218.0 mi
0.0 ac
160.4 mi
0.0 ac
Totals
All Waters* 223.1 mi
0.0 ac
223.1 mi
0.0 ac
223.1 mi
0.0 ac
160.4 mi
0.0 ac
* Total Monitored + Total Unmonitored = Total All Waters.
Current Status
The entire Mills River (6.0 miles) is currently Supporting for its designated uses due to Good and
Good-Fair bioclassification ratings at sites B-3, SB-1 and B-5. Site SF-1 received an Excellent
bioclassification. Despite the overall Good and Good-Fair bioclassification, however, DWQ
noted an increase in sedimentation during a special study in 2002. Increases in sediment can
lead to degraded instream habitats. Probable sources for this sediment increase include
development and agricultural activities along NC 280 and NC 191 (NCDENR-DWQ, April
2003).
In addition to DWQ data, a ten-year report by VWIN concludes that the Mills River watershed
exhibits the most consistent water quality (Good bioclassification and VWIN monitored sites)
(Section 3.3.2). VWIN notes, however, that past biological monitoring by DWQ has shown
significant degradation in the lower section and that this degradation was most likely associated
with pesticide use (Maas et al., April 2003). One agrichemical handling facility was constructed
in a central location along the river through a Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF)
grant. The use of these buildings can reduce the amount of pesticides reaching the river, and this
may account for the observed water quality improvements in Mills River during 2002. Refer to
Water Quality Initiatives below for more information.
Due to the current bioclassification and continual efforts by local initiatives to improve water
quality in the Mills River watershed, DWQ will recommend to the U.S. Environmental
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 42
Protection Agency (EPA) that the Mills River be removed from the next 303(d) Impaired waters
list for 2006.
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor water quality in the Mills River watershed and work with the
Mills River Partnership Planning Committee and Land-of-Sky Regional Council of Governments
to implement the following recommendations and achieve the water quality goals listed below.
It is recommended that an Integrated Pollution Source Index (IPSI) be developed through the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for this watershed. This watershed assessment tool is a
geographical information database that utilizes a number of physical factors to aid in identifying
and prioritizing issues affecting water quality. An IPSI will help prioritize the following
recommendations, which are included in the Mills River Watershed Management Strategy
(2002).
(1) Land Conversion: Implement appropriate measures to encourage and assist landowners to
retain forestland, farmland, riparian areas, wetlands, and other open spaces in the watershed.
Strengthen Henderson County’s Farmland Preservation Program.
Enhance state and federal forest management programs to help retain private
forestland.
Market available farmland and forestland to farmers and foresters.
Find new markets or tourism niches for farmers.
Allow and encourage agricultural uses within all zoning districts.
Coordinate planning efforts to redirect activities to outside of the water supply
watershed.
Adopt sustainable development policies.
Identify targeted areas for land conversion and focus protection efforts on these
areas.
Encourage conservation easements through a coordinated conservation plan.
Limit impervious surface to 10% of the watershed (4,695 acres).
Recommendations to protect water quality should be part of the development
design and approval process.
(2) Hazardous Material Spill Control: Enhance programs to prevent and/or respond effectively
to hazardous material incidents and prevent the shutdown of water supplies and services to
thousands of customers.
Develop a detailed inventory of hazardous materials in the watershed.
Use the inventory to update the county’s emergency response plan. Provide
necessary training and equipment.
Ask NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to consider constructing an
effective spill containment catch basins along NC 191/280.
Ask Duke Power Company to consider alternatives for controlling vegetation
within transmission line right-of-ways.
Educate landowners and business operators about hazardous materials, spill
prevention, and proper application and disposal techniques.
Establish programs for the collection of hazardous materials.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 43
Develop educational material and brochures for homeowners on the proper
handling and containment of hazardous household materials (i.e., propane,
gasoline, heating oil tanks, etc.).
(3) Erosion and Sedimentation Control: Implement a variety of programs to reduce sediment
loading to watershed streams from all sources.
Develop a joint project with NCDOT to pave eroding dirt and gravel roads,
stabilize eroding road banks and drainage ditches, and install sediment catch
basins at the end of drainage ditches.
Provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to address erosion
problems on their land.
Use a checklist for permitting development projects to enhance compliance with
state regulations and distribute educational materials.
Educate homeowners about their responsibilities under the sediment control rules
and develop educational materials.
Host Clear Water Contractor trainings in Henderson County.
Conduct an environmental education training for elected officials.
Work with Henderson County to consider hiring a full-time sedimentation
control specialist.
Complete all necessary erosion control projects on US Forest Service lands.
Conduct sediment monitoring.
Develop a countywide sediment and erosion control plan.
(4) Stormwater Quality and Quantity Control: Implement appropriate measures to prevent or
mitigate the water quantity and quality impacts of stormwater runoff in the watershed.
Conduct training sessions for developers, design professionals, and local
government officials on stormwater management principles and practices.
Work with NCDOT to improve stormwater management on existing and new
roads. Fund demonstration projects and encourage additional training for staff
and contractors.
Use calcium chloride for road and driveway de-icing.
Secure funding for stormwater BMP demonstration projects.
Educate landowners and residents regarding stormwater impacts and BMPs.
(5) Riparian Buffer Preservation and Restoration: Work with willing landowners to restore and
preserve effective riparian buffers along all waterbodies in the watershed.
Buffers should be at least 50 feet wide on the mainstem of the Mills River and
North/South Forks and should be 20 to 50 feet in width on the tributaries.
Continue landowner outreach program.
Offer free or low cost trees and recruit volunteers to plant them.
(6) Agricultural Nonpoint Source Control: Expand existing programs to address
agricultural NPS pollution, especially programs to eliminate problems associated with
pesticide use.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 44
(7) Wastewater Management: Manage existing and future wastewaters to prevent or
mitigate impacts on water quality and public health.
(8) Groundwater: Expand the current level of knowledge of groundwater resources and
contamination in the watershed and take appropriate protective measures.
(9) Landowner Education and Participation: Inform landowners of watershed protection
issues, best management practices and seek their assistance in protecting water
quality.
For more detailed information regarding the above recommendations, refer to the Mills River
Watershed Management Strategy (Mills River Partnership Planning Committee and Land-of-Sky
Regional Council of Governments, 2002).
Water Quality Initiatives
The mission of the Mills River Watershed Protection Project is to improve the water quality in
the Mills River in a way that also benefits landowners. The project began with two grants that
were approved by the CWMTF in 1999 to protect land adjacent to the mainstem and two forks of
the Mills River. The first grant, awarded to the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, covered
the acquisition of conservation easements. The second grant was for buffer plantings,
streambank stabilization, and agrichemical handling facilities. In this project, over 13,000 feet of
stream were protected with buffers and easements; five streambank reaches were stabilized, and
one agrochemical handling facility was built. The agrochemical facility is located in a central
location for easy access and old “spray” areas are no longer in use. Additional money not used
for the agrichemical handling facilities was used to stabilize over 10 miles of logging roads, as
well as build two feed-waste barns, four watering tanks, two stock trails, and 4,000 feet of
fencing for cattle. Representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
and the Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) continually provide
additional agricultural cost share assistance to landowners in the Mills River watershed.
During the end of 2002, an EPA Source Water Protection grant was acquired by the Land-of-Sky
Regional Council of Governments to implement workshops, meetings and inventories related to
the following issues: land conversion, hazardous spills, erosion, stormwater and general
watershed education in the Mills River area. In 2003, a Section 319 grant was approved for
Henderson County to do additional work in the watershed. A stormwater monitoring program
was implemented with 16 suspended sediment sampling stations. Two are located on Brandy
Branch and four on Foster Creek with the remaining stations strategically placed in Mills River.
In addition, two stormwater wetlands have been built and four riparian buffers have been
planted.
Many other best management practices (BMPs) are in various stages of development including
additional wetlands, a rain garden, water supply road signs, streambank stabilization, and
stormwater brochures. For more information on the Mills River Watershed Protection Project,
visit http://www.hendersoncountync.org/soil/millsriverweb1.html.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 45
3.3.2 Brandy Branch [AU # 6-54-6]
2000 Recommendations
Brandy Branch was listed as Impaired due to nonpoint sources of pollution likely associated with
agricultural and residential land use. DWQ will notify local agencies of water quality concerns
for this creek and work with these various agencies to conduct further monitoring and assist
agency personnel with locating sources of water quality protection funding. A more in-depth
water quality study is needed to identify land use activities or streambank problems causing
degradation.
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Brandy Branch was included in the Mills River TMDL study but could not be monitored due to
lack of flow due to drought conditions during the time of sampling. DWQ will monitor this
stream during the next basinwide cycle. Brandy Branch will remain on the 303(d) of Impaired
waters.
Water Quality Initiatives
Brandy Branch is part of the Mills River watershed and is being addressed through the Mills
River Partnership. Refer to Mills River 2005 Recommendations and Water Quality Initiatives
listed above.
3.4 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 were documented for these waters during this assessment. Attention and
resources should be focused on these waters to prevent additional degradation and facilitate
water quality improvements. DWQ will notify local agencies of these water quality concerns
and work with them to conduct further assessments and to locate sources of water quality
protection funding. Additionally, education on local water quality issues and voluntary actions
are useful tools to prevent water quality problems and to promote restoration efforts. Nonpoint
source program agency contacts are listed in Appendix VIII.
3.4.1 Davidson River [AU # 6-34-(1), 6-34-(15.5), 6-34-(17), 6-34-(21)]
2000 Recommendations
Processing from the lower Davidson River, RFS Ecusta, a division of P.H. Glatfelter Inc., was
withdrawing 20.5 MGD. The river, under 7Q10 conditions, could be impacted from this
withdrawal. Ecusta initiated a recycling effort to significantly reduce water withdrawals during
the last planning cycle. DWQ will continue to monitor the Davidson River for improvements.
Current Status
The Davidson River, from source to the Olin Corporation Water Supply Dam (11.5 miles),
received a bioclassification of Excellent at site B-1. The lower segment, from the Water Supply
Dam to the French Broad River (1.4 miles), was not monitored. The river has historically
received Excellent bioclassification ratings; however, there was a slight decline in the aquatic
community during the last sampling period due to reduced flow likely associated with drought
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 46
conditions during the time of sampling. Davidson River drains Pisgah National Forest, as well
as areas known for their heavy recreational use.
During this planning cycle, the Ecusta paper mill closed (2002), and the property was sold to
New Tech Environmental Incorporated (2003). There was a concern over the continuance of
environmental systems (i.e., wastewater and landfill leachate treatment) during the ownership
lapse, but all systems are in good condition and running. The facility is now operated by the
Ecusta Development Business Corporation (EDBC) and includes an industrial park. EDBC
produces raw pulp material, and the company is in the process of securing permits for operation
and sludge disposal. During operation, EDBC withdraws approximately 3 to 7 MGD from the
Davidson River, and they do not anticipate the need to significantly increase water use at this
time. EDBC will have a minimal impact on the Davidson River, as their wastewater is
discharged to the French Broad River.
VWIN data collected along Davidson River corroborates DWQ ratings with an upstream rating
of Excellent and a downstream rating of Good. Conductivity levels were higher downstream and
the highest of all sampling sites in Transylvania County, but levels did not exceed the regional
average (Maas et al., June 2003).
2005 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor water quality in the Davidson River watershed and work with
EDBC to ensure that they are operating according to their permit. It is recommended that local
planning efforts be undertaken to manage growth and protect water quality in this watershed,
particularly adjacent to the national forest. It is recommended that Transylvania County and/or
Brevard develop local stormwater and sediment and erosion control programs to address
concerns generated due to changing land use. It is recommended that a public request be made
so DWQ can pursue a reclassification of the Davidson River [AU# 6-34-(17)] to HQW based on
the Excellent bioclassification.
3.4.2 Boylston Creek [AU#6-52-(6.5)]
Current Status and 2005 Recommendations
Boylston Creek, from 0.3 miles upstream of Murray Branch to the French Broad River (6.1
miles), received a bioclassification of Good-Fair at site B-2 and a Good at site F-1. Land use in
the surrounding watershed is predominantly agricultural and includes row crops and feedlots.
This site has historically received a Good-Fair bioclassification (1992, 1997 and 2002) and
impacts are likely associated with nonpoint source runoff. Drought conditions during the time of
sampling likely reduced the effects of nonpoint source pollution, but severely eroded
streambanks were observed and the substrate consists mostly of sand and gravel (both of which
affect aquatic habitats). It is recommended that local agencies work with landowners to assess
the need for and prioritize the installation of BMPs to improve the riparian zones and restore the
streambanks along Boylston Creek.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 47
3.5 Additional Water Quality Issues within Subbasin 04-03-03
This section identifies those surface waters given an Excellent bioclassification, and therefore,
may be eligible for reclassification to a High Quality Water (HQW) or an Outstanding Resource
Water (ORW). It should be noted that these are streams that were sampled by DWQ during this
basinwide cycle. There may be other tributaries eligible for reclassification in addition to the
ones listed below. For more information regarding water quality standards and classifications,
refer to Chapter 8.
3.5.1 Surface Waters Identified for Potential Reclassification
Davidson River [AU# 6-34-(15.5) and 6-34-(17)]
The current DWQ classification for AU# 6-34-(15.5) and 6-34-(17) is WS-V, B Tr. This is a
2.7-mile stretch from Avery Creek to the Olin Corporation water supply dam. The headwaters of
the Davison River flow through the Pisgah National Forest and sampling in 1997 and 2002
indicate excellent water quality. The upstream segment [AU # 6-34-(1)] is classified as WS-V,
B Tr HQW. Refer to section 3.41 for more information.
Chapter 3 – French Broad River Subbasin 04-03-03 48