HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 5
Chapter 5 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54 69
Chapter 5
Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54
Including: Currituck Sound, Coinjock Bay, Dowdys Bay, Sanders Bay and the North River
5.1 Subbasin Overview
This subbasin contains portions of the Currituck Sound and
several tributaries, many of which are channelized. Except
for the barrier islands, most streams are of low relief and
often swampy. Substrate is composed of silt and sand, and
channelized ditches are common. Ecologically, the
subbasin contains characteristics of the Chesapeake-
Pamlico lowlands and tidal marshes, as well as nonriverine
swamps and peatlands, the Virginian Barrier Islands and
coastal marshes. Land cover generally consists of evergreen
forests, mixed forests, forested wetlands, marshes and
cultivated cropland. Land cover in the barrier islands
includes marshes, forested wetlands and evergreen forests.
This subbasin contains multiple public lands and
Significant Natural Heritage Areas including several
National Wildlife Refuges, the Currituck Banks National
Estuarine Research Reserve, Northwest River Marsh Game
Land, North River Game Land and portions of the Great
Marsh.
A portion of this subbasin is located on the Outer Banks
where there is the potential for high population growth and
development. Most of Currituck County and the eastern
portion of Camden County can be found in this subbasin.
Both counties have a projected population growth of over
45 percent by 2020. Additional information regarding
population and land use changes throughout the entire basin
can be found in Chapter 11.
There are two minor National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permitted facilities in this
subbasin with a total permitted flow of 0.6 MGD. Both facilities are water treatment plants
(WTP), one of which is required to monitor whole effluent toxicity (WET). Southern Outer
Banks Water System WTP is a reverse osmosis (RO) facility that discharges filtered backwash or
reject water into saline waters. No acute effluent toxicity violations were reported during the last
two years of the assessment period. There are six non-discharge permits and two 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 7. Table 13 contains a summary of assessment unit numbers (AU#) and
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.
Subbasin 03-01-54 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 503 mi2
Land area: 304 mi2
Water area: 199 mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 39%
Surface Water: 39%
Cultivated Crop: 20%
Urban: <1%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: <1%
Counties
Currituck and Camden
Municipalities
None
Monitored Waterbody Statistics
Aquatic Life:
Total: 1.6 mi
Supporting: 1.6 mi
Recreation:
Total: 75,988.1 ac
Supporting: 75,987.7 ac
Impaired: 0.4 ac
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
¾r
!(à
#*
#*
%L
%L
#I
%L
%L
%L
CURRITUCK
CAMDEN
NC 168
US 158
N
o
rt
h
R
iv
e
r
Northwest River N
o
r
t
h
L
a
n
d
i
n
g
R
i
v
e
r
K
n
o
t
t
s
I
s
l
a
n
d
B
a
y
C
u
r
r
it
u
n
k
S
o
u
n
d
Coinjock
Bay
MB11
Figure 7 Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54
®
04812162
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 03-01-54SubbasinTable 15
SH Rating
Shellfish
Harvesting
GA
Coinjock Bay
30-1-6
Entire Bay
4,670.6 S AcresSC ND S N47 NCE
Cowells Creek
30-1-2-2-5-1-1
From source to Tull Creek
1.6 FW MilesC;Sw S ND
MB11 M 2005
Currituck Sound
30-1a
From source to Wright Memorial Bridge at Albemarle Sound
69,301.2 S AcresSC ND S N46 NCE
N5B NCE
N5C NCE
N6A NCE
N82A NCE
N6 NCE
N82 NCE
30-1b
Currituck Sound off Ocean Bay Blvd.
0.3 S AcresSC ND I N5 CE Enterrococcus Unknown
30-1c
Southern Shores Private Soundside Access
0.1 S AcresSC ND I N89 CE Enterrococcus Unknown
Dowdys Bay (Poplar Branch Bay)
30-1-15
Entire Bay
1,532.3 S AcresSC ND S N44A NCE
Sanders Bay
30-1-11
Entire Bay
483.5 S AcresSC ND S N84A NCE
Pasquotank Subbasin 03-01-54
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
Pasquotank 03-01-54SubbasinTable 15
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 1.6 FW Milesm
ND 123,984.8 S Acres
ND 1,026.4 FW Miles
Recreation Rating Summary
75,987.7 S AcresSm
0.4 S AcresIm
47,996.7 S AcresND
1,028.1 FW MilesND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
123,984.8 S AcresIe
1,028.1 FW MilesIe
Pasquotank Subbasin 03-01-54
Chapter 5 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54 73
One site was sampled for the first time for benthic macroinvertebrates in 2005. Two other creeks
were investigated as potential sampling sites; however, both were too deep for freshwater
sampling methodologies. There are several recreational monitoring stations (RECMON) located
throughout the subbasin, but there are no ambient monitoring stations within this subbasin. The
NC Division of Environmental Health (DEH) evaluates these stations. 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.
Waters in the following sections and in Table 13 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.
5.2 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 14 provides a summary of use support for waters in subbasin 03-01-54.
In subbasin 03-01-54, 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.
Table 14 Summary of Use Support Ratings by Category in Subbasin 03-01-54
Use Support Rating Aquatic Life Recreation
Freshwater Saltwater Freshwater Saltwater
Monitored
Supporting 1.6 mi 0 0 75,987.7 ac
Impaired* 0 0 0 0.4 ac
Total 1.6 mi 0 0 75,988.1 ac
Unmonitored
No Data 1,026.4 mi 123,984.8 ac 1,028.1 mi 47,996.7 ac
Total 1,026.4 mi 123,984.8 ac 1,028.1 mi 47,996.7 ac
Totals
All Waters 1,028.0 mi 123,984.8 ac 1,028.1 mi 123,984.8 ac
* The noted percent Impaired is the percent of monitored miles/acres only.
74 Chapter 5 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54
5.3 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.
Information regarding 303(d) listing and reporting methodology is presented in Chapter 15.
5.3.1 Currituck Sound [AU# 30-1b and 30-1c]
Currituck Sound (Ocean Bay Blvd.) (0.3 acres) at site N5 is Impaired in the recreation category
because recreational monitoring (RECMON) bacteriological standards for safe bodily contact
were exceeded. However, this sampling site has been relocated to more accurately reflect where
primary recreation occurs and is now 750 yards off of Ocean Bay Blvd. The site is currently
(July 2007) open for recreation.
Southern Shores Private Soundside Access Site N89 (AU# 30-1c) (0.1 acres) is Impaired in the
recreation category based on recreational monitoring (RECMON) exceedances. This site is near
the mouth of Jean Guite Creek. The site is known to have stagnant freshwater because of poor
flushing and little tidal influences. Abundant wildlife populations are also found in this area and
may be contributing to water quality conditions.
5.4 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. 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.
5.4.1 Unnamed Tributary to Cowells Creek [AU# 30-1-2-2-5-1-1]
Because Cowells Creek was not suitable for basinwide sampling, an unnamed tributary was
sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates. The unnamed tributary is Supporting in the aquatic life
category due to a Moderate swamp benthic bioclassification at site MB11. The tributary was
sampled for the first time in 2005 and will be added to the list of basinwide sites for the
Pasquotank River basin. To date, it is the only accessible freshwater site found in the subbasin.
The substrate consisted of sand with a layer of detritus. Sticks, snags and logs were present
along with root mats. Leaf packs were present, but rare. There was little evidence of stream
modification; however, streambanks were undercut even though the riparian areas on both sides
Chapter 5 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54 75
of the stream were wide and intact. Two of the abundant taxa collected are indicators of organic
enrichment and/or low DO. No permitted NPDES facilities are located above site MB11.
2007 Recommendations
Cowells and Tulls Creek receive drainage from 12,000 acres of cropland. Erosion and
sedimentation control continue to be a priority need in this drainage. Agricultural BMPs, such as
grassed swales, conservation tillage and cover crops are encouraged. DWQ will work with local
resource agencies to promote installation of BMPs in the watershed.
5.5 Additional Water Quality Issues within Subbasin 03-01-54
The previous sections discussed water quality concerns for specific stream segments. The
following section discusses issues that may threaten water quality in the subbasin that are not
specific to particular streams, lakes, or reservoirs. The issues discussed may be related to waters
near certain land use activities or within proximity to different pollution sources.
Subbasin 03-01-54 is experiencing rapid growth, where approximately 500 acres of farmland is
being converted to residential development per year. This change in land use also changes the
source of water quality stressors from primarily agriculture to increased impervious surface
runoff and associated pollutants, ineffective sewage systems, and lawn runoff. Local
government and agencies are encouraged to proactively plan, provide public education programs
and implement conservation strategies to prevent water quality degradation.
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
are Rangia clams and no commercial shellfish harvesting occurs. Runoff is the most significant
factor affecting water quality in this region, and can be associated with agricultural runoff or
natural runoff from swamp waters following heavy rains. Heavy development has occurred in
the outer banks portion of growing area I-16 within Currituck Sound, while a significant amount
of agriculture (e. g., turf grass farms, fruit orchards, horse farms, row crops and logging) occurs
on the mainland portion.
Area I-1 consists of the North River shoreline, as well as a small portion of the Albemarle
Sound. This area is predominantly rural, with scattered residential housing. Land use was
historically agriculture and is being replaced with commercial and residential development.
Remaining agriculture includes one hog farm near the head of the North River, turf grass farms,
fruit orchards, row crops, and small horse farms. Four golf courses are located in area I-1. There
are also four sewage application sites, all treated with lime.
76 Chapter 5 – Pasquotank River Subbasin 03-01-54