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Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53 59
Chapter 4
Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53
Including: Scuppernong River, Kendrick Creek and Phelps Lake
4.1 Subbasin Overview
This subbasin contains the Scuppernong River, Deep
Creek, Kendrick Creek and several tributaries, many of
which are channelized. Most streams are of low relief and
often swampy. Ecologically, the subbasin contains
characteristics of the Chesapeake-Pamlico lowlands and
tidal marshes, as well as nonriverine swamps and peatlands.
Land cover generally consists of evergreen forests, mixed
forests, forested wetlands and marshes, and cultivated crop.
This subbasin contains a diversity of public lands and
Significant Natural Heritage Areas, including Lake Phelps
State Park, Bull Neck Swamp, East Dismal and the
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest.
Western Tyrrell County and most of Washington County
can be found in this subbasin with the highest concentration
of urbanized areas around the small towns of Columbia,
Creswell and Roper. All of these towns have experienced a
net decrease in population since 1990 and Washington
County’s population is expected to decrease by 9.5 percent
by 2020. Additional information regarding population and
land use changes throughout the entire basin can be found
in Chapter 11.
There are eleven minor National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) discharges in this subbasin
with a total permitted flow of 0.75 MGD. Four of these
facilities are water treatment plants (WTP) that are required
by permit to monitor whole effluent toxicity (WET). No
WET violations were reported for the Columbia WTP or
the Creswell WTP. WET results submitted by the Tyrrell
County WTP and the Tyrrell County Bull Bay WTP, however, indicate that both facilities are
consistently failing to meet their 90 percent acute toxicity target effluent concentration. More
information about both of these facilities can be found in Section 4.4.2 and Section 4.4.1,
respectively. A total of five NPDES facilities are permitted to discharge to the Scuppernong
River; of which, Creswell Wastewater Treatment Plant has had significant noncompliance issues
with biochemical oxygen demand. There are two surface irrigation non-discharge permits and
three stormwater discharge permits for this subbasin. For the listing of NPDES permit holders,
refer to Appendix III.
A map including the locations of the NPDES facilities and water quality monitoring stations is
presented in Figure 6. Table 10 contains a summary of assessment unit numbers (AU#) and
Subbasin 03-01-53 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 475 mi2
Land area: 336 mi2
Water area: 139 mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 41%
Cultivated Crop: 30%
Surface Water: 28%
Urban: <1%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: <1%
Counties
Tyrrell and Washington
Municipalities
Columbia, Creswell and Roper
Monitored Waterbody Statistics
Aquatic Life:
Total: 18.0 mi/78,492.6 ac
Supporting: 62,474.2 ac
Impaired: 4.4 mi/80.1 ac
Not Rated: 13.6 mi/15,938.3 ac
Recreation:
Total: 13.6 mi/62,554.2 ac
Supporting: 13.6 mi/62,554.2 ac
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WASHINGTON
TYRRELL
Roper
Creswell
Columbia
US 64
N
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3
2
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Canal B
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Creek
Bonarva Canal
Moccasin Canal
A l be m ar l e S o un d
Phelps Lake
Deep C r e e k
Skinners Canal
S c upp e rnong River
MB9
MA9
MA7
MB10
MA13
MA11
MA10
Figure 6 Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53
®
0369121.5
Miles
Planning Section
Basinwide Planning Unit
January 8, 2007
Non-Dischargers
%L Major
#I Minor
NPDES Dischargers
XY Major
#*Minor
Legend
Monitoring Stations¡~Ambient Monitoring Station
!(à Benthic Community
¾r Recreation Locations
Aquatic Life Rating
Impaired
No Data
Not Rated
Supporting
County Boundary
Subbasin Boundary
Municipality
Primary Roads
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Pasquotank 03-01-53SubbasinTable 10
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA
ALBEMARLE SOUND
30d
Portion of Albemarle Sound in subbasin 03-01-53. Waters
of Albemarle Sound (All waters south and east of a line
running in a southerly direction from Horniblow Point
(North end of Norfolk-Southern Railroad Bridge) to a point
of land on the east side of R
62,474.2 S AcresSB S SMA7 NCE Low pH 8.2
MA9 NCE
MA7 NCE
MA9 NCE
N61 NCE
N63 NCE
N65 NCE
Dioxin Industrial Site
Low pH Unknown
Canal B
30-9-4-1
From source to Main Canal
7.4 FW MilesC;Sw ND ND
Kendrick Creek (Mackeys Creek)
30-9-(2)
From U.S. Hwy. 64 at Roper to Albemarle Sound
80.1 S AcresSC I SMA10 CE Low DO 43.9
MA10 CE Low pH 63.2
MA10 NCE Turbidity 8.6
MA10 CE Nickel 45
MA10 NCE Nutrient Impacts Agriculture
Nickel Unknown
Turbidity Unknown
Low pH Unknown
Low Dissolved Oxygen Unknown
Main Canal
30-9-4
From source to Kendrick Creek
4.4 FW MilesC;Sw I ND
MB9 SS 2005
Habitat Degradation Agriculture
Phelps Lake
30-14-4-6-1
Entire Lake
15,938.3 FW AcresB;Sw,ORW NR NDML2 ID
ML3 ID
ML1 ID
Scuppernong River
30-14-4-(1)
From source to mouth of Riders Creek (First Creek)
13.6 FW MilesC;Sw NR+SMA11 NCE
MB10 P 2005
MA11 NCE Low pH WWTP NPDES
Low Dissolved Oxygen WWTP NPDES
Pasquotank Subbasin 03-01-53
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Pasquotank 03-01-53SubbasinTable 10
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA
Use Categories:Monitoring data type: Use Support Ratings 2006:
AL - Aquatic Life MF - Fish Community Survey E - Excellent S - Supporting, I - Impaired
REC - Recreation MB - Benthic Community Survey G - Good NR - Not Rated
SH - Shellfish Harvesting MA - Ambient Monitoring Site GF - Good-Fair NR*- Not Rated for Recreation (screening criteria exceeded)
ML- Lake Monitoring F - Fair ND-No Data Collected to make assessment
N- DEH RECMON P - Poor NR+-Not rated because draft criteria used for rating
NI - Not Impaired
GA - DEH SS Classification and Growing Area S- Severe Stress CE-Criteria Exceeded > 10% and more than 10 samples
APP- Approved M-Moderate Stress NCE-No Criteria Exceeded
CAO- Conditionally Approved-Open N- Natural Miles/Acres
CAC- Conditionally Approved-Closed FW- Fresh Water
PRO- Prohibited S- Salt Water
Results
Results:
Aquatic Life Rating Summary
S 62,474.2 S Acresm
I80.1S Acresm
NR+ 13.6 FW Milesm
I 4.4 FW Milesm
NR 15,938.3 FW Acresm
NR 1,839.4 S Acrese
NR 3.6 FW Milese
ND 1,733.8 S Acres
ND 91.5 FW Miles
Recreation Rating Summary
62,554.2 S AcresSm
13.6 FW MilesSm
3,573.2 S AcresND
99.6 FW MilesND
15,938.3 FW AcresND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
62,474.2 S AcresIm
3,653.3 S AcresIe
113.2 FW MilesIe
15,938.3 FW AcresIe
Pasquotank Subbasin 03-01-53
Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53 63
lengths, streams monitored, monitoring data types, locations and results, along with use support
ratings for waters in the subbasin. Appendix V provides definitions of the terms used throughout
this basin plan.
Two sites were sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates in 2005. Swamp and draft Coastal B
criteria were used to evaluate the benthic communities resulting in Impaired and Not Rated
stream segments. Data were also collected from four ambient monitoring stations (MA7, MA9,
MA10 and MA11). Ambient monitoring on Kendrick Creek (MA10) showed frequent pH and
dissolved oxygen levels below water quality standards. Frequent elevated levels of nickel were
also recorded. Kendrick Creek drains several swamps in the area. Swamps are naturally low in
pH, and therefore, low pH levels are not unexpected. More benthic data is needed to determine
any significant water quality changes.
In this subbasin, one lake (Phelps Lake) was also sampled. Phelps Lake is the second largest
natural lake in North Carolina. The lake was sampled a total of 12 times between October 2001
and September 2005 at three sampling locations. More information on Phelps Lake can be found
in Section 4.3.4. Refer to the 2006 Pasquotank River Basinwide Assessment Report
http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/esb/Basinwide/PASQUOTANK2006Final.pdf and Appendix I for more
information on monitoring throughout the subbasin.
Waters in the following sections and in Table 10 are identified by an assessment unit number
(AU#). This number is used to track defined segments in the water quality assessment database,
list 303(d) Impaired waters, and to identify waters throughout the basin plan. The AU# 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 AU# and the DWQ index segment are the same.
4.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
All surface waters in the state are assigned a classification appropriate to the best-intended use of
that water. Waters are regularly assessed by DWQ to determine how well they are meeting their
best-intended use. Table 11 provides a summary of use support for waters in subbasin 03-01-53.
In subbasin 03-01-53, use support was assigned for aquatic life, recreation, and fish
consumption. Waters are Supporting, Impaired, Not Rated, and No Data in the aquatic life and
recreation categories on a monitored or evaluated basis. All waters are Impaired in the fish
consumption category on an evaluated basis based on fish consumption advice issued by the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
For more information about use support determinations, refer to Appendix II or the Supplemental
Guide to North Carolina’s Basinwide Planning: Support Document for Basinwide Water Quality
Plans found at DWQ’s website http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/basinwide/SupplementalGuide.htm.
64 Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53
Table 11 Summary of Use Support Ratings by Category in Subbasin 03-01-53
Use Support
Rating Aquatic Life Recreation
Freshwater Saltwater Freshwater Saltwater
Monitored
Supporting 0 62,474.2 ac 13.6 mi 62,554.2 ac
Impaired* 4.4 mi (24.4%) 80.1 ac (0.1%) 0 0
Not Rated 13.6 mi
15,938.3 ac 0 0 0
Total 18.0 mi
15,938.3 ac 62,554.2 ac 13.6 mi 62,554.2 ac
Unmonitored
Not Rated 3.6 mi 1,839.4 ac 0 0
No Data 91.5 mi 1,733.8 ac 99.6 mi
15,938.3 ac 3,573.2 ac
Total 95.1 mi 3,573.2 ac 99.6 mi
15,938.3 ac 3,573.2 ac
Totals
All Waters 113.1 mi
15,938.3 ac 66,127.4 ac 113.1 mi
15,938.3 ac 66,127.4 ac
* The noted percent Impaired is the percent of monitored miles/acres only.
4.3 Status and Recommendations of Previously and Newly Impaired
Waters
The following waters were either identified as Impaired in the previous basin plan (2002) 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 2008 303(d) list.
The current status and recommendations for addressing these waters are presented below, and
each is identified by an AU#. Information regarding 303(d) listing and reporting methodology is
presented in Chapter 15.
4.3.1 Kendrick Creek [AU# 30-9-(1) and 30-9-(2)]
2002 Status
Kendrick Creek, from source to U.S. Hwy 64 in Roper, was first listed on the 1998 303(d) list of
Impaired waters based on a 1998 historic listing for water quality standards violations for
dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. Potential sources were identified as nonirrigated crop
production, off-farm animal holding and/or management areas and municipal point sources.
Benthic sampling in 2000 resulted in a Not Rated bioclassification. Biologists also determined
that the low pH and low DO levels in Kendrick Creek are likely due to natural conditions.
Current Status
Kendrick Creek, from U.S. Hwy 64 in Roper to the Albemarle Sound (80.1 saltwater acres), is
Impaired in the aquatic life category due to standards violations at ambient monitoring station
MA10. Site MA10 was sampled 57 times for dissolved oxygen and pH over the course of the
five-year assessment period. Nearly 44 percent of the samples were below the water quality
standard of 5.0 mg/l for DO and 63 percent were below the water quality standard of 6.8 s.u. for
pH. Metals were sampled a total of 20 times over the course of the five year period. Nickel
Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53 65
exceeded the water quality standard of 8.3 μg/l in 45 percent of the samples collected. Turbidity
was also elevated in 8.6 percent of the samples and is likely associated with road construction
activities along US 64.
Fish tissue samples were also collected from Kendrick Creek in order to evaluate mercury levels
in the Pasquotank River basin. Results are included in Section 4.5.1.
2007 Recommendations
Kendrick Creek continues to be impacted from agricultural activity, primarily corn, bean and
cotton crop production. Duckweed growth has become a noticeable problem in waterways. The
expansion of US Hwy 64 during the 5-year data assessment period and/or the presence of an auto
salvage yard could be contributing metals to the creek. Kendrick Creek will remain on the 2008
303(d) list. DWQ will further assess if low DO and pH are natural conditions. DWQ will work
with local resource agencies to address agricultural impacts and further assess sources of metals.
4.3.2 Main Canal [AU# 30-9-4]
2002 Status
Main Canal was first listed on the 1998 303(d) list of Impaired waters for biological integrity.
Potential sources were identified as off-farm animal holding and/or management areas, intensive
animal feeding operations and nonirrigated crop production.
Current Status
Main Canal, from source to Kendrick Creek (4.4 miles), is Impaired in the aquatic life category
due to a Severe swamp benthic bioclassification at site MB9. Substrate was composed entirely of
silt and muck, consequently, making sampling very difficult. Sticks and aquatic macrophytes
were present, but rare and provided the only habitat for macroinvertebrate colonization at the
site. Water flow was slow, pools and riffles were absent. Erosion was observed on both
streambanks with the left streambank riparian zone consisting of trees and the right streambank
consisting of mostly grass. These minimal riparian vegetated areas make the streambanks
susceptible to failure during high flow events. No permitted NPDES facilities are located above
site MB9.
2007 Recommendations
Main Canal [AU# 30-9-4] will remain on the 2008 303(d) list. DWQ will work with local
resource agencies to address agricultural impacts.
4.3.3 Scuppernong River [AU# 30-14-4-(1)]
Growing Area I-3 consists of all waters within the Scuppernong River watershed. According to
the Sanitary Survey of Albemarle and Currituck Sounds, Areas I-1, I-3 through I-16 (DEH
Shellfish Sanitation & Recreational Water Quality Section, December 2005), there has been little
change in water quality since the last survey. The only shellfish found in this area is Rangia
clams and no commercial shellfish harvesting occurs. Freshwater runoff is the most significant
factor affecting water quality in this region, and can be associated with agricultural runoff or
natural runoff from swampwaters following heavy rains. The area is mainly rural with the
exception of Columbia, which has 825 residents, although several new subdivisions were
recently established. Columbia treats its waste with an oxidation ditch treatment system. A
motel and restaurant rely on a package plant for sewage disposal with treated effluent discharged
66 Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53
into the Scuppernong River. Hog farming was an important industry in this area; ten hog farms
and associated lagoons are located in this area, but most are currently not operational. Much of
the area is covered with row crop farms including corn, potatoes and cotton.
2002 Status
The upper portion of the Scuppernong River was first listed on the 1998 303(d) list of Impaired
waters for water quality standards violations for dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. Potential
sources were identified as nonirrigated crop production, off-farm animal holding and/or
management areas, municipal point sources, and specialty crop production. Benthic sampling in
2000 resulted in a Not Rated bioclassification. Biologists also determined that the low pH and
low DO levels in the Scuppernong River are likely due to natural conditions.
Current Status
The upper portion of the Scuppernong River, from source to Riders Creek (First Creek) (13.6
miles), is Not Rated+ in the aquatic life category. The Scuppernong River was sampled using
draft criteria for Coastal B rivers and is labeled as NR+. Coastal B rivers are defined as waters in
the coastal plain that are deep (nonwadeable), freshwater systems with little or no visible current
under normal or low flow conditions. Other characteristics may include an open canopy, low pH
and low DO. Boat sampling is required for these waters. Site MB10 received a Poor
bioclassification using draft criteria for Coastal B rivers. Any bioclassifications derived from
sampling data should be considered draft and not used for use support decisions; therefore this
section of the Scuppernong River is Not Rated (BAU, March 2006). Samples taken in 2005,
however, indicated a more pollution intolerant benthic community.
Data was also collected from one ambient monitoring station at site MA11. Site MA11
coincides with site MB10. No water quality standards were exceeded during this assessment
period, and monthly measurements showed salinity concentrations to be less that 0.10 parts per
thousand (ppt) for 2004 and early 2005. During drought conditions, however, the water often
becomes brackish. The highest salinity concentration since 2000 was recorded in August 2002
with a measurement of 5.1 ppt. This concentration is higher than most freshwater invertebrates
can survive. Three of the abundant taxa collected at the site were indicative of low DO.
Ambient monitoring data for the past five years show DO levels typically fall below 1.0 mg/l
each summer, limiting the benthic macroinvertebrate community at this site.
Hydrologically, the sampling site is located in a deep-water run with very little sinuosity.
Duckweed and alligator weed were abundant. The riparian zones on both sides of the river were
wide and intact, but undercut banks were abundant. Sticks, snags, logs, root mats and aquatic
macrophytes (i.e., alligator weed) were also abundant.
A total of five NPDES facilities are permitted to discharge to the Scuppernong River. Two of
these facilities are located approximately two miles upstream of the sampling site. The Creswell
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (Permit NC0027600) is required by permit to perform whole
effluent toxicity (WET) testing. No WET violations were reported during the last two years of
the assessment period. The Creswell Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) (Permit
NC0048861), however, reported significant noncompliance issues with biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD), which can lead to lower than normal DO levels in the receiving stream.
Significant noncompliance issues with pH were also identified. During the most recent
inspection (January 2007), the facility received Civil Penalty assessments for BOD violations in
February and March 2006 and a Notice of Violation (NOV) for BOD violations in April 2006.
Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53 67
In 2002, a Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant was awarded to Tyrrell Water and Sewer
District for construction of a regional low-pressure sewer system to eliminate 191 septic systems
and straight pipes.
Fish tissue samples were collected from the Scuppernong River in order to evaluate mercury
levels in the Pasquotank River basin. Results are included in Section 4.5.1.
2007 Recommendations
The Scuppernong River [AU# 30-14-4-(1)] will remain on the 2008 303(d) list to further assess
natural conditions for low DO and pH. The Scuppernong River will be rated when Coastal B
benthic criteria are finalized. DWQ will continue to work with local resource agencies to
monitor water quality and work with the Town of Creswell to ensure that the WWTP is in
compliance during the next review period.
4.3.4 Phelps Lake [AU# 30-14-4-6-1]
Phelps Lake is the second largest natural lake in North Carolina and is located within a vast
peninsula between the Albemarle Sound to the north and the Pamlico River to the south. The
peninsula contains numerous low-lying swampy areas underlain by thick organic muck and
relatively well-drained areas with fertile mineral and organic soils. Much of the area has been
cleared of vegetation, drained and put into large-scale agricultural use. Phelps Lake was
reclassified from C Sw to B Sw ORW in August 2000.
Phelps Lake (15,938.3 freshwater acres) is Not Rated in the aquatic life category because sample
size criteria (10 sample minimum) were not met. The lake was sampled four times from May
2005 to August 2005 at sites ML1, ML2 and ML3. Physical water quality values for chlorophyll
a, pH, DO and temperature were similar to those collected in previous assessments. Nutrient
concentrations, which were generally low to moderate, were also similar to previous
assessments.
Phelps Lake was also sampled as part of the North Carolina Mercury Study Extension between
2004-2006. Samples were collected on a quarterly basis. No samples exceeded the state
mercury standard. Fish tissue samples were also collected from Phelps Lake in order to evaluate
mercury levels in the Pasquotank River basin. Results are included in Section 4.5.1.
4.4 Status and Recommendations for Waters with Noted Impacts
The surface waters discussed in this section are not Impaired. Attention and resources should be
focused on these issues to prevent water quality degradation. The current status and
recommendations for addressing these waters are presented below, and each is identified by an
AU#. Nonpoint source program agency contacts are listed in Appendix IV.
4.4.1 Bull Bay [AU# 30-14]
Bull Bay (1,839.4 saltwater acres) is Not Rated on an evaluated basis in the aquatic life category
due to WET failures associated with the Tyrrell County (Bull Bay) Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water
Treatment Plant (Permit NC0086924). Between October 2003 and December 2005, the facility
failed to meet its 90 percent acute toxicity target effluent concentrations on three occasions. No
other violations have been reported at this facility. DWQ will continue to work with Tyrrell
County to assure permit limits are met.
68 Chapter 4 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-53
4.4.2 Riders Creek (First Creek) [AU# 30-14-4-10]
Riders Creek (First Creek), from source to the Scuppernong River (3.6 freshwater miles) is Not
Rated on an evaluated basis in the aquatic life category due to WET failures associated with the
Tyrrell County Ionic Exchange Water Treatment Plant (Permit NC0087092). Between July 2004
and December 2005, the facility failed to meet its 90 percent acute toxicity target effluent
concentrations on five occasions. No other violations have been reported at this facility.
This WTP should be replaced with a new Reverse Osmosis WTP with discharge to the
Albemarle Sound. Removing the WTP discharge to Riders Creek should reduce toxicity
exceedances in the river.
4.5 Additional Water Quality Issues within Subbasin 03-01-53
4.5.1 Mercury Contamination – Fish Tissue Assessment
Between 2003 and 2004, 89 fish tissue samples were collected from three stations in the
Pasquotank River basin to determine the level of mercury contamination. The samples included
largemouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish and catfish. Results from the period show 48 of the 89
samples collected contained mercury concentrations exceeding the state criteria of 0.4 ppm.
Table 12 provides a list of the sampling locations, number of samples collected and mercury
results for the Pasquotank River basin.
Currently, there are no site-specific consumption advisories for mercury-contaminated fish in the
Pasquotank River basin. However, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
issued statewide advice for the consumption of bowfin, catfish, warmouth and chain pickerel
south and east of I-85 and statewide for largemouth bass.
Table 12 Fish Tissue Results for Mercury Contamination in Subbasin 03-01-53
Stream Name (Location) Years
Sampled Species Number of
Samples
Samples Exceeding
Mercury Standard
Kendrick Creek 2003 Bass, Sunfish, Catfish,
Pickerel, Yellow Perch 23 7
Lake Phelps 2003 &
2004
Bass, Sunfish, Catfish,
Yellow Perch 59 39
Scuppernong River 2004 Bass, Sunfish 7 2
4.5.2 Dioxin Contamination- Fish Consumption Advisory
In 2001, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued dioxin advisory for the
consumption of catfish and carp in the Albemarle Sound from Bull Bay to Harvey Point; West to
the mouth of the Roanoke River and to the mouth of the Chowan River to the U.S. Highway 17
Bridge (Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, Washington, and Tyrrell Counties). For more information
on this advisory, please visit DHHS website http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/fish/.