HomeMy WebLinkAbout4_06010204 Lower LTN20
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WateRsHeD at a GLanCe
Counties:PoPuLation:2006 LanD CoveR:PeRmitteD FaCiLities:
Cherokee, Graham, Swain 2000: 7,012 Open Water...............2%NPDES
muniCiPaLities:2010: 7,480 Developed.................3% Wastewater Discharge..........9
Robbinsville, Santeetlah aRea 274 mi2 Forested..................93% Wastewater Nondischarge....1
ePa LeveL iv eCoReGions:Agriculture.................2% Stormwater............................3
High Mtns., Southern Metasedimentary Mtns. Trout Farms.............................1
Figure 1-1: NLCD 2006 LaND Cover
Ü
2006 Land Cover
Water
Developed, Open Space
Developed, Low Intensity
Developed, Medium Intensity
Developed, High Intensity
Barren Land
Deciduous Forest
Evergreen Forest
Mixed Forest
Shrub/Scrub
Grassland
Pasture/Hay
Cultivated Agriculture
Woody Wetlands
LoWeR tennessee RiveR
subbasin
HUC 06010204
Includes: Tulula Creek, Snowbird Creek,
Santeetlah Creek & Cheoah River
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Figure 1-2: Lower Tennessee river subbasin Map (HuC 06010204)
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CLAY
CHEROKEE
TENNESSEE
Franklin
Bryson
City
Robbinsville
Santeetlah
Snowbir d C r e e k
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Tulula Creek
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2010 Use Support
Supporting
No Data
Not Rated
Impaired
Municipalities
County Boundaries
Roads
Legend
Lower Little Tennessee River
Subbasin 06010204
!k Aquaculture
d Stormwater
Permits
X Major Discharge
#0 Minor Discharge
Q Non-Discharge
SWA IN
CHER O KEE
GRAH AM
Monitoring Sites
"à)Benthic Macroinvertebrate[¡Fish¢¡Ambient
^_Lake
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WateR QuaLity oveRvieW
The Lower Little Tennessee River
Subbasin, hydrologic unit 06010204,
was represented in previous Basin Plans
as Subbasin 04-04-04. This subbasin
covers 274 sq. miles and is 93% forested;
containing portions of Nantahala National
Forest and Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area.
(Figure 1-1). There are approximately
980 reservoir acres and ~420 classified
stream miles, not including the
numerous unnamed tributaries. Several
tributaries flow into Santeetlah Lake,
an impoundment on the Cheoah River.
The Cheoah River drains into the Little
Tennessee River (Cheoah Lake) just
before the Tennessee / North Carolina
border. A map of the subbasin showing
Impaired streams, monitoring and permit
locations is shown in Figure 1-2.
This subbasin contains high quality waters
and supports numerous trout streams (Figure 1-3). Water quality issues of concern in this subbasin include
agricultural runoff, stream bank erosion, and individual onsite wastewater failures. There are no waterbodies
on the 2010 303(d) list of Impaired waters, although the 2012 303(d) will include a portion of the Cheoah
River because of high turbidity levels. A fish advisory was issued in 2008 for Lake Santeetlah due to the
potential mercury content in walleye. Water quality improvements were made in West Buffalo Creek with the
removal of four trout farms that were contributing nutrients to Santeetlah Lake, in the Cheoah River with the
improved management of water releases from Santeetlah Dam to support aquatic habitat, and in the Tellico
River watershed resulting from the restoration of forest and stream conditions impacted from off-highway
vehicle recreation.
stReam FLoW
Stream flow is monitored at US Geological Survey
gaging stations. Flow, often abbreviated as “Q”,
is measured in terms of volume of water per unit
of time, usually cubic feet per second (cfs). There
is one gaging station in this subbasin. Figure 1-4
provides an example of average stream flow over
a 10 year period and gives an idea of which years
received heavier precipitation. The flow rate in a
stream can impact the measurement of physical
and chemical parameters. For more information
about instream flow see DWR website: http://
www.ncwater.org/About_DWR/Water_Projects_
Section/Instream_Flow/welcome.html.
Stream flow conditions were assessed between
2005-2009 and detected drought conditions in
2006, 2007 and 2008 (see page 16 AMS Report).
In particular, droughts can have major effects on
parameters such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and others by reducing stream flow.
Figure 1-3: sTreaM CLassifiCaTions
Santeetlah
Snowbir d C r e e k
Cheoa
h
R
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r
L ittl e Tennessee R.
Tulula Creek Nantahala R i v er
H a z el C re e k
Sa n t e e tlah Cr.
B
B;TrC
C;HQWC;Tr
C;Tr,HQWWS-I;HQW
WS-I;Tr,HQW
WS-IIIWS-III;Tr
Stream Classifications
HQW / ORW Buffer
HQW
WSW I or II
HQW / WSW
Figure 1-4: sTreaM fLow aT usGs 0351706800 CHeoaH
river near TapoCo
(YearLY averaGe based on daiLY Means)
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350
400
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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bioLoGiCaL monitoRinG
Biocriteria have been developed using the
diversity, abundance, and pollution
sensitivity of the organisms that inhabit
flowing waterbodies in NC. One of five
bioclassifications are typically assigned to
each water body sampled: Excellent,
Good, Good-Fair, Fair and Poor. Not
Impaired and Not Rated designations are
reserved for samples that were not
eligible to be assigned one of the five
typical bioclassification categories.
Typically, a “Not Impaired” rating is
equivalent to a Good-Fair or better
bioclassification and a “Not Rated”
designation is equivalent to a Fair or
worse bioclassification. The reasons for
not being able to assign one of these five
typical bioclassifications may be a lack of
appropriate bio-criteria or atypical
sampling conditions (e.g., drought). These
bioclassifications are used to assess the
various impacts of both point source
discharges and nonpoint source runoff. The resulting information is used to document both spatial and
temporal changes in water quality, and to complement water chemistry analyses, ambient toxicity data, and
habitat evaluations. In addition to assessing the effects of water pollution, biological information is also used
to define High Quality or Outstanding Resource Waters, support enforcement of stream standards, and
measure improvements associated with management actions. Biological samples were collected during the
spring and summer months of 2004 and 2009-10 by the DWQ-Environmental Sciences Section as part of
the five-year basinwide sampling cycle. Four benthic macroinvertebrate sites and three fish community sites
were evaluated in 2009-10. Each basinwide biological station monitored during the current cycle is shown in
Figure 1-5 and color coded based on its current rating. As seen
on the map, the majority of benthic macroinvertebrate samples
taken in this watershed received an Excellent or Good ratings.
Two fish community sites rated Good and one resulted in a Not
Rated status, due to the absence of criteria for rating high
gradient mountain trout waters. There were 10 samples taken at
new locations.
Benthos
Among the benthic macroinvertebrate sample sites, one site
improved, and three retained the same bioclassification in
2009-2010 as observed in 2004 (Figure 1-6). There were an
additional eight benthic samples taken to support special
studies.
Fish Among the three fish community sites, one improved
from 2004 while the other two represent new sample locations
(Figure 1-7).
For more information about biological data in this watershed,
see the 2010 Little Tennessee River Basinwide Assessment
Report. Detailed data sheets for each sampling site can be
found in Appendix 1-B.
Figure 1-5: BioLogiCaL SiteS CurreNt ratiNgS
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Robbinsville
Santeetlah
Snowbir d Cre e k
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L.Tenn. R.
Tulula Creek Nantahala R i v e r
H a z el C re e k
S a n t eetlah Cr.
Bioclassifications
Benthic Community"à)Excellent"à)Good
"à)Not Impaired"à)Good-Fair"à)Fair
"à)Not Rated"à)Poor
Fish Community [¡Excellent[¡Good[¡Good-Fair[¡Fair
[¡Not Rated[¡Poor
Figure 1-6: BeNthiC MaCroiNverteBrate
SaMpLe StatuS
8%
25%
67%
Benthos
Improved
Unchanged
Declined
New Site
Figure 1-7: FiSh CoMMuNity SaMpLe StatuS
33%
67%
Fish
Improved
Unchanged
Declined
New Site
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LonG teRm ambient monitoRinG
The DWQ’s Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream stations strategically located for
the collection of physical and chemical water quality data. There is one AMS station (G9550000) in this
subbasin; data has been collected from this site since 1973. The following discussion of ambient monitoring
parameters includes concentration value graphs for AMS station G9550000 over a 11 year period (2000-
2010). Each major parameter is discussed, even if no current impairment exists. The graphs are not
intended to provide statistically significant trend information, but rather an idea of how changes in land use
or climate conditions can affect parameter readings over the long term. The difference between median and
mean results indicate the presence of outliers in the data set. Box and whisker plots of individual ambient
stations were completed by parameter for data between 2005 and 2009 by DWQ’s Environmental Sciences
Section (ESS) and can be found in the Little Tennessee River Basin Ambient Monitoring Report.
pH
As seen in Figure 1-8, which represents the data window for the 2010 303(d) list, ambient site G9550000
had at least one sample that fell below the pH standard of 6su. Over these 11 years (Figure 1-9) there were
three incidences of pH dropping below the minimal standard of 6 su in the samples collected by DWQ.
Figure 1-9 shows are decline in pH values with a jump in 2010.
Dissolved Oxygen
Over the past 11 years (Figure 1-10), no
samples were collected with dissolved
oxygen levels below 6mg/l standard for
trout waters. As seen in Figure 1-11,
which represents the data window for the
2010 303(d) list, AMS station G9550000
did not have any exceedances of its DO
standards.
Figure 1-8: perCeNtage oF SaMpLeS exCeeDiNg the ph <6 StaNDarD BetweeN 2004-2008
Macon
0%< 7%7% - 10%>10%
Figure 1-9: suMMarized pH daTa aT aMs G9550000 siTe beTween
2000-2010.
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
pH
SU
Median
Figure 1-10: suMMarized do daTa aT aMs G9550000 siTe beTween
2000-2010.
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
DO
m
g
/
L
Median
Mean
Figure 1-11: perCeNtage oF
SaMpLeS exCeeDiNg the Do <6
StaNDarD BetweeN 2004-2008
Macon
0%< 7%
7% - 10%>10%
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Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria occurs in water as
a result of the overflow of domestic
sewage and from other nonpoint sources
of human and animal waste, including
pets, wildlife and farm animals. The fecal
coliform bacteria standard for freshwater
streams is not to exceed the geometric
mean of 200 colonies/100 ml or 400
colonies/100 ml in 20% of the samples
where five samples have been taken in a
span of 30 days (5-in-30). Only results
from a 5-in-30 study are to be used to
indicate whether a stream is Impaired or
Supporting. Waters with a use
classification of B (primary recreational
waters) receive priority for 5-in-30
studies. Other waters are studied as resources permit.
There were several incidences of high bacteria counts as indicated by
several peaks in mean values, shown in Figure 1-12. Over 11 years there
were 10 samples with bacteria colony counts over 400/100ml. As seen in
Figure 1-13, which represents the data window for the 2010 303(d) list,
ambient station G9550000 did have samples that recorded high bacteria
levels.
Turbidity
Over 11 years (Figure 1-14) there were seven samples with that exceeded the 10 NTU standard for water
classified for trout protection. As seen in Figure 1-15, which represents the data window for the 2010 303(d)
list, ambient site G9550000 had at least one sample that was >10NTUs, but did not exceed the standard in
10% or more of the samples.
Figure 1-12: suMMarized feCaL CoLiforM baCTeria
daTa aT aMs G9550000 siTe beTween 2000-2010.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Fe
c
a
l
C
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r
m
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co
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r
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Geomean
Mean
Figure 1-13: perCeNtage oF
SaMpLeS exCeeDiNg the FeCaL
CoLiForM BaCteria >400
StaNDarD BetweeN 2004-2008
Macon
0%< 7%7% - 10%>10%
Figure 1-14: suMMarized TurbidiTY daTa aT aMs G9550000 siTe
beTween 2000-2010.
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Tu
r
b
i
d
i
t
y
N
T
U
Median
Mean
Figure 1-15: perCeNtage
oF SaMpLeS exCeeDiNg the
>10 turBiDity StaNDarD
BetweeN 2004-2008
Macon
0%
< 7%
7% - 10%>10%
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PRoteCtion anD RestoRation oPPoRtunities
The following section provides more detail about specific streams where special studies have occurred
or stressor sources information is available. Within this document, biological sample site IDs ending in an
“F” denote fish community and a “B” denote macroinvertebrate community. Specific stream information
regarding basinwide biological samples sites are available in Appendix 1B. Use support information on all
monitored streams can be found in Appendix 1A. Detailed maps of each of the watersheds are found in
Appendix 1C or by clicking on the following small maps.
To assist in identifying potential water quality issues citizens, watershed groups and resource agencies can
gather and report information through our Impaired and Impacted Stream/ Watershed survey found here:
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/about/impactedstreamssurvey.
CHeoaH RiveR WateRsHeD (HuC 0601020401)
This watershed encompasses 137,710 acres and has an estimated 2010 population
of 7,332 people. There are six subwatersheds that drain into Santeetlah Lake, which
then flows into Cheoah River and eventually the Little Tennessee River.
Tulula Creek [AU# 2-190-2-(0.5)] (WS-III; Tr) subwatershed drains ~18,300 acres within the southeastern
corner of Graham County. The whole watershed is classified as a WS-III and the headwaters drain
Nantahala National Forest. For much of its length, US 129 and a railroad parallel the creek as it courses
down the valley before flowing through the urban areas in and around Robbinsville. Land use in the
headwater portions are generally forested, but the mainstem valley is mostly agriculture and residential.
Tulula Creek was sampled in 2009 and received a Good benthos (GB22) and fish (GF29) ratings. Biologists
noted bluegreen algal mats with the possibility of upstream straight-piping or nonpoint-source erosion
contributions of nutrients, but also noting the stream supports its supplemental designation as trout waters.
Sweetwater Creek [AU# 2-190-3-(0.5)] (WS-III; Tr) drains ~9,000 acres. The entire subwatershed is
classified as WS-III with headwater portions in Nantahala National Forest and much of the rest of the
drainage is used for hay production. Sweetwater Creek was sampled (GF36) by DWQ fish biologists
for the first time in 2009 resulting in a Good Bioclassification rating. Water quality conditions support its
supplemental designation as trout waters. The Graham County Soil and Water Conservation District is aware
of streambank stability problems and has assisted landowners along the creek with planning and installing
BMPs. The District plans to continue to devote conservation resources to this watershed but will require
landowner participation.
nPDes PeRmits WitHin tHe CHeoaH RiveR WateRsHeD
Permit #Permit Type Outfall location Facility Name
NC0083071 WTP Rock Cr Town of Robbinsville WTP
NC0025879 WWTP Long Cr Town of Robbinsville
NCG180053 Stormwater Long Cr Stanley Furniture Comp.
NCG200437 Stormwater Atoah Cr Graham Co. Recycling Facility
NC0079090 Wastewater Snowbird Cr Coldwater Farms, Inc.
NCG530076 Wastewater Little Snowbird Cr Hemac Inc- Fish Farm
NCG140260 Stormwater Chedah R Southern Concrete Materials
WQ0031396 Non-discharge reuse Santeetlah Lakeside
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Snowbird Creek [AU#s 2-190-9-(0.5) & 2-190-9-(15.5)] (C;Tr) subwatershed is ~29,950 acres. Snowbird
and Little Snowbird Creeks are supplementally classified as trout waters, with the upper portion of Snowbird
Creek, within the boundary of Nantahala National Forest, also being classified as HQW. The 2009 benthos
sample (GB25) in Snowbird Creek resulted in an Excellent Bioclassification. There is one permitted
(NC0079090) trout farm with a discharge into Snowbird Creek.
West Buffalo Creek [AU# 2-190-12a] (C;Tr) drains ~10,625 acres. The creek is classified as trout waters and
as it flows into Santeetlah Lake it becomes classified for primary recreation also. The last benthic samples
taken in this subwatershed were during the 1990’s and all resulted in Excellent Bioclassifications.
West Buffalo Creek Arm of Santeetlah Lake [AU# 2-190-12b] (B;Tr) is Not Rated due to inconclusive
temperature and DO data. However, it was on the 303(d) list (289 acres) of impaired waters due to nutrient
enrichment (chlorophyll a) based on special studies conducted by the DWQ in 1993 and 1999. Nutrient
concentrations were especially high immediately downstream of trout farms on West Buffalo Creek. The
Clean Water Management Trust Fund awarded $1.25 million dollars to support the buyout of the four trout
farms on the West Buffalo Creek arm responsible for the largest contributions of nutrients to the creek. The
four farms were fully decommissioned by the end of March 2004.
During the spring, summer, and fall of 2005, the Division of Water Quality conducted a special study of West
Buffalo Creek and the West Buffalo Creek arm of Santeetlah Lake. This study was conducted to document
changes or improvements to the water quality of Buffalo Creek following the de-population and dismantling
of the trout farms. The study examined both physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters
on West Buffalo Creek and Santeetlah Lake to determine the degree of nutrient reduction obtained from
the trout farm removal. Results from that study indicate that the nutrient reduction strategy was effective.
Nutrient loading into the West Buffalo Creek arm of the lake was reduced up to 92 percent and algal blooms
were diminished.
Santeetlah Creek [AU# 2-190-19] (B;Tr) drains ~20,900 acres, all of which is in Nantahala National Forest.
Three Significant Natural Heritage Areas are also located in this subwatershed including: Stratton Meadows,
Santeetlah Bluffs and Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area.
Santeetlah Lake subwatershed drains ~22,450 acres. Within the subwatershed, Long Creek [AU# 2-190-
4-(5)] drains from tributaries classified as WS-I, Tr, HQW and flows into the Cheoah River. Downstream of
Robbinsville, DWQ, in 2009, collected a benthos sample in the Cheoah River [AU# 2-190-(3.5)] (C;Tr) at site
GB133 resulting in a Good Bioclassification. Turbidity data collected at AMS G9550000 through 2010 show
exceedances in turbidity levels causing the Cheoah River from the Town of Robbinsville’s proposed water
supply intake to Mountain Creek [AU# 2-190-(3.5)] to be Impaired on the 2012 303(d) list.
The Robbinsville WWTP (NC0025879) discharges into Long Creek and is old and outdated, has limited
capacity and for years has failed to meet compliance criteria. Robbinsville proposed a relocation of the
existing WWTP to a larger 12-acre site on the Cheoah River, approximately 0.2 mile downstream of
the present location on Long Creek. DWQ conducted a water quality study of the Cheoah River Arm of
Santeetlah Lake to assess current water quality conditions near the site of the proposed relocation and
expansion of the Robbinsville WWTP and outfall. DWQ field staff sampled sites located upstream and
downstream of the current Robbinsville WWTP outfall on Long Creek, upstream of the confluence of Long
Creek and the Cheoah River, at the vicinity of the proposed new outfall on the Cheoah River and upstream
of US Hwy 129 on the Cheoah River. Study results indicated that the current discharge does affect nutrient
concentrations in Long Creek, but its effect appears to be negligible downstream in the Cheoah River and in
the lake (Memorandum 20100105). In 2011, the Town of Robbinsville received ~$4.6 million grant to build a
new WWTP facility that will relocate the discharge from Long Creek into the Cheoah River.
Santeetlah Lake [AU# 2-190-(5)] (B;Tr) is owned by the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) and is
used to generate hydroelectric power as well as for recreational purposes. Santeetlah Lake is classified for
the protection of primary recreation and propagation of trout (B; Tr). Santeetlah Lake is a deep lake with
a maximum depth of 213 feet and a mean depth of 56 feet with an average retention time of 161 days.
Santeetlah Lake continues to demonstrate low biological productivity (oligotrophic).
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In September 2008, a fish consumption advisory was announced for Santeetlah Lake due to high levels of
mercury found in walleye fish. Santeetlah Lake is also under the statewide consumption advisory for
largemouth bass – also associated with elevated levels of mercury found in this fish.
In August, 2008, the Asheville Regional Office reported an algal bloom in the Cheoah River arm of
Santeetlah Lake downstream of the US Hwy 129 bridge. An analysis of a phytoplankton sample from the
bloom indicated that the dominant algae were filamentous blue greens Anabaena plantonica, Anabaena
spirodes and/or Anabaena circinalis. Filamentous blue-green algae form significant blooms that discolor the
water and produce taste and odor problems in drinking water. In 2009, no surface blooms of Anabaena sp.
were observed in the Cheoah River by DWQ staff.
Santeetlah Dam is located on the Cheoah River [AU# 2-190-(22)a] (C;Tr) in Graham County. The Santeetlah
Development was completed in 1928, and consists of a dam, pipeline/tunnel, and powerhouse. Santeetlah
Dam creates Santeetlah Reservoir, which has a normal full pool area of approximately 2,881 acres and a
drainage area of 176 square miles. The normal full pool elevation of Santeetlah Reservoir is 1,940.9 feet
(USGS).
The Santeetlah powerhouse is located on the left bank of the Little Tennessee River (Cheoah Reservoir)
about five miles upstream of Cheoah Dam. Water is withdrawn from Santeetlah Reservoir through an intake
in the Santeetlah Dam and is passed through a 5-mile tunnel and pipeline to the powerhouse located on the
Little Tennessee River.
The Santeetlah Development is operated as a storage impoundment in accordance with an annual operating
curve, which establishes target seasonal reservoir levels. The current operating curve was adopted in
2004 as part of the Tapoco Project Relicensing Settlement Agreement. Under the current operating guide,
Santeetlah Reservoir is operated to maintain high recreational elevations during the summer months,
followed by fall drawdown to allow for collection of rainfall and runoff during the late fall, winter, and early
spring. The current operating curve was developed to also provide protection and enhancement for a
variety of other resources and uses, including aquatic species and habitat, water quality, reservoir wetlands,
archaeological sites, and scenic appearance throughout the year. During the period April 1 to November
1, the maximum drawdown at Santeetlah Reservoir is 4-5 feet. The reservoir is filled during the month of
March at such a rate that by April 1 the maximum drawdown is 5 feet. During the period December 1 to
March 1, the maximum drawdown is 10 feet. During the month of November, the reservoir is drawn down
at such a rate that by December 1 the maximum drawdown is 10 feet. Prior to the Relicensing Settlement
Agreement, there were no regular flow releases from Santeetlah Dam into the Cheoah River. Water from
Santeetlah Reservoir was diverted to the powerhouse located on the Little Tennessee River upstream of
Cheoah Dam. The drainage area for the Cheoah River below Santeetlah Dam was made up of leakage from
the dam, tributary inflow and occasional spills from the dam. The lack of flow severely impacted the benthic
community (GB15) in this reach and resulted in Impairment in the aquatic life category from Santeetlah Dam
to Rock Creek (3.4 miles). Beginning September 1, 2005 as part of the Relicensing Settlement Agreement,
Tapoco began releasing minimum flows designed to enhance and protect the biologic community in the
Cheoah River below the dam. The benthic community at site GB15 was resampled in 2008 resulting in a
Good Bioclassification and the river is no longer Impaired.
As an additional enhancement, Tapoco established a fund intended to improve resource management in
the river. The fund provides monetary support to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, US Forest Service, Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians, and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These agencies may use the fund to monitor biology and
habitat in the river, add large woody debris (habitat), manage gravel and vegetation (bank stabilization),
and other natural resource stewardship activities including threatened and endangered species recovery
efforts, exotic species control, and environmental outreach and education directly related to segments of the
Cheoah River and Little Tennessee River affected by dam operation. The complete consensus agreement
can be found in the Tapoco (FERC #2169), Final License Application filed with FERC. These and other
associated documents can be obtained at: http://www.ferc.gov.
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Yellow Creek [AU# 2-190-29] (C;Tr) was sampled for the first time in 2009 at site GF37 and was given a
Not Rated status. No reproducing populations of trout were detected in this trout classified stream, however
there was no evidence of water quality impairments.
teLLiCo RiveR WateRsHeD (HuC 0601020403)
This watershed encompasses 20,771 acres and has an estimated 2010 population
of 12 people. Land use in this general area is composed of large tracts of relatively
undisturbed forest associated with the Nantahala National Forest. Streams here are
high gradient with heterogeneous rocky substrates and well-developed riffle-pool
sequences.
The US Forest Service (USFS) manages a large Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)
recreation area located within the upper Tellico River watershed in northern
Cherokee County. According to the USFS, the use of the OHV area has resulted
in water quality issues to nearby waterbodies. In an effort to determine possible impacts from the OHV
system DWQ sampled 12 streams for benthic macroinvertebrates in 2009. The data generated from
these collections suggest adverse impacts to many of the streams in the OHV despite the Excellent
bioclassification ratings. The smallest of the streams sampled for this study showed the most noteworthy
impacts to the benthic communities relative to reference sites. Adverse sediment-mediated effects on the
benthos communities in Jenks Branch, and the two lower reaches of Tipton Creek were noted. The specifics
of this study are available in requesting BAU memorandum 20090817, from DWQ.
Tellico River [AU# 2-195] (C;Tr) samples at sites GB181, GB183 & GB182 resulted in Excellent benthos
bioclassifications
Peckerwood Creek [AU# 2-195-4] (C;Tr) sample at site GB180 resulted in an Excellent benthos
bioclassification
Tipton Creek [AU# 2-195-5] (C;Tr) samples at sites GB177, GB178 & GB179 resulted in Excellent benthos
bioclassifications
Jenks Branch [AU# 2-195-5-2] (C;Tr) sample at site GB185 resulted in an Excellent benthos bioclassification
In October 2009, the USFS closed the Upper Tellico OHV trail system due to sediment loading to the Tellico
River and its tributaries. Many of the trails were located adjacent to streams, on steep slopes and were
highly eroding. The USFS was violating its own standards of preventing visible sediment from reaching
perennial and intermittent stream channels and state water quality turbidity standards of 10 NTUs. Field
surveys sited 1,889 sources of visible sediment along the 34 miles of trails, which was negatively impacting
brook trout habitat. In 2010, the USFS Tusquitee Ranger District obliterated ~26 miles of degraded trails and
completed restoration activities to allow natural forest regeneration to occur. DWQ surveyed the area in 2011
and noted that water quality issues have been resolved and stream banks are stable.
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uPPeR teLLiCo Lake WateRsHeD (HuC 0601020404)
This watershed encompasses 65,629 acres and has an estimated 2010 population of
72 people.
Little Tennessee River (Cheoah Lake/Calderwood Lake) [AU# 2-(167)a]
(C;Tr) is a narrow, deep impoundment of the Little Tennessee River on
the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Inflow to this Lake is dominated
by the hypolimnetic discharge from Fontana Lake, located directly
upstream. The upstream portion of the Lake flows swiftly in response to
this discharge and temperatures in the Lake are generally low. The Lake
was monitored by DWQ field staff monthly from June through August
2009. Surface water temperatures were cool in this Lake, ranging from
7.8 C to 21.1 C. Surface dissolved oxygen ranged from 8.4 mg/L to 9.9
mg/L and were elevated to the low water temperatures which allowed
more oxygen to dissolve into the water. Surface pH values ranged from
6.6 s.u to 7.5 s.u. Secchi depths, which ranged from 1.8 meters on an overcast day following a rain event
to 7.6 meters, indicated that the water clarity was very good. Lake Cheoah continues to have very low
biological productivity (oligotrophic) since 1988.
Twentymile Creek [AU# 2-178-(4)] (C;Tr,HQW) was sampled in 2010 at site GB2 resulting in an Excellent
benthos bioclassification. Twenty Mile Creek lies within and drains North Carolina’s western portion of Great
Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) and ultimately joins the Little Tennessee River (Cheoah Lake)
downstream of Fontana Dam. It has an undeveloped (hiking trails aside) and forested catchment. The
habitat of this picturesque stream is as expected for a stream in a natural setting and consists of a series of
cascades, riffles, and plunge pools. Typical of undisturbed mountain streams, the specific conductance was
very low.
nPDes PeRmits WitHin tHe uPPeR teLLiCo Lake WateRsHeD
Permit #Permit Type Outfall location Facility Name
NC0027341 Wastewater Little Tenn. R TVA Fontana Hydro Plant
NCG500050 Wastewater Little Tenn. R Alcoa Santeelah Powerhouse
NCG500049 Wastewater Little Tenn. R Alcoa Cheoah Powerhouse
NC0023086 WWTP Little Tenn. R Fontana Village Resort
NC0023281 WWTP Little Tenn. R Tapoco Lodge Inc.
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notabLe WateRs
Table 1-1 lists waterbodies identified as needing additional protection and potential restoration actions. The
fourth and fifth columns of this table list potential stressors and sources that may be impacting a stream
based on in-field observations, monitoring data, historical evidence, permit or other violations, and other staff
and public input. In many cases, additional study is needed to determine exact source(s) of the impact. The
last column includes a list of recommended actions.
Stream Name AU#Class.Stressor Source Status Actions
Needed
Little Tenn. River
(Cheoah Lake)
2-(167)b C;Tr turbidity unknown IM P, BMPs
Tulula Creek 2-190-2-
(0.5)
WS-III; Tr nutrients non-point source runoff, straight
pipes
S P, BMPs
West Buffalo
Creek Arm of
Santeetlah Lake
2-190-12b B;Tr temperature,
DO, nutrients
trout farms IP P
AU # = Assessment Unit # or stream segment/reach
Class. = Classification (e.g., C, S, B, WS-I, WS-II, WS-III, WS-IV, WS-V, Tr, HQW, ORW, SW, UWL)
Stressor = chemical parameters or physical conditions that at certain levels prevent waterbodies from meeting the
standards for their designated use.(e.g., low/high DO, nutrients, toxicity, habitat degradation, etc. )
Status = I=Impaired, IM= Impacted, S=Supporting, IP= Improving,
Actions Needed = R= restoration, P= protection, SC= stormwater controls, SS= stressor study, E= education, LO=
local ordinance, BMPs, SSP= species protection plan, F= forestry BMPs, Ag= Agriculture BMPs, NMC= nutrient mgnt
controls, S&E= sediment and erosion controls
ReFeRenCes & useFuL Websites
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower.asp
NC Department Health and Human Services
Fish Advisory- http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/fish/current.html
NC Division of Water Quality
Biological Assessment- http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=de0dbb2d-3417-
44c4-9736-1710d2e18d43&groupId=38364
Ambient Report- http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=ac3b7afe-e2f1-4d1e-93df-
c2ba9d897888&groupId=38364
Lakes & Reservoir Assessment- http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=0b586b2a-
6851-4783-a4e1-a7f58b2549f4&groupId=38364
303(d) List- http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/mtu/assessment
Impaired & Impacted Survey- http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/about/impactedstreamssurvey
NC Division of Water Resources
Flow- http://www.ncwater.org/Permits_and_Registration/Instream_Flow/