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Chapter 6
Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06
Including: Little Island Creek, Nutbush Creek and J.H. Kerr Reservoir
6.1 Subbasin Overview
This subbasin contains many small to medium-sized
headwater tributaries of John H. Kerr Reservoir. Granville
County has the highest estimated population growth in the
Roanoke River basin at 29 percent by the year 2020.
Population increases of 22 percent, 16 percent and 17
percent are projected for Person, Vance and Warren
counties, respectively. For more information regarding
population growth and trends, refer to Appendix I.
Three individual NPDES discharge permits are issued in
this subbasin with a total permitted flow of 6 MGD. The
largest is Henderson Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).
Refer to Appendix VI for identification and more
information on individual NPDES permit holders. Two
registered swine operations are located in this subbasin.
Refer to Chapter 16 for more information regarding animal
operations within this basin.
Several water quality improvement programs have been
implemented in this subbasin. The NC Agriculture Cost
Share Program (NCACSP), which helps reduce agricultural
runoff by helping farmers implement best management
practices, is one of these programs. The NCACSP provided
$881,669 towards implementing sediment and nutrient
reduction practices, animal waste management, and
livestock stream access elimination within this subbasin.
For more information on this and other programs, refer to
watershed discussion throughout this chapter as well as in
Chapters 16 and 20.
A map including the locations of NPDES discharges and
water quality monitoring stations is presented in Figure 10.
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 IX for more information about use support ratings.
Subbasin 03-02-06 at a Glance
Land and Water Area
Total area: 329 mi2
Land area: 295 mi2
Water area: 34 mi2
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Pop.: 38,992 people
Pop. Density: 119 persons/mi2
Land Cover (percent)
Forest/Wetland: 75%
Surface Water: 6.4%
Urban: 1.1%
Cultivated Crop: 8.6%
Pasture/
Managed Herbaceous: 9%
Counties
Person, Granville, Vance and
Warren
Municipalities
Stovall and Henderson
Monitored Stream Statistics
Aquatic Life
Total Streams: 61.8 mi/9690.1 ac
Total Supporting: 20.4 mi
Total Impaired: 13.4 mi
Total Not Rated:28.0 mi/9690.1 ac
Recreation
Total Streams: 1.6 mi
Total Supporting: 1.6 mi
Five benthic macroinvertebrate community samples and four fish community samples (Figure 10
and Table 8) were collected during this assessment period. Data were collected from one
ambient monitoring station and one fish tissue site. Refer to the 2005 Roanoke River Basinwide
Chapter 6 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06 61
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Aarons Creek
Johnson Creek
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Newmans Creek
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Moutain Creek
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NA13
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Figure 10 Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06
Division of Water Quality
Basinwide Planning Unit
May 30, 2006
0 3 6 9 121.5
Miles
^
Legend
Subbasin Boundary
Primary Roads
Municipality
County Boundary
Aqutic Life Use Support Rating
Impaired
No Data
Not Rated
Supporting
")Benthic Community
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po Ambient Monitoring Station
Lake Monitoring Station
NPDES Dischargers
XW Major
#*Minor
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-06SubbasinTable 8
Aarons Creek
22-59
From source to North Carolina-Virginia State Line
8.6 FW MilesC S ND
NF31 /2004G
Grassy Creek (Grass Creek)
23-2-(1)
From source to John H. Kerr Reservoir at Granville County
SR 1431
18.3 FW MilesC NR ND
NB86 /2004NR
Island Creek (Island Creek Reservoir)
23-4
From source to North Carolina-Virginia State Line,
including that portion of Island Creek Reservoir in North
Carolina below normal operating elevation
6.4 FW MilesC S ND
NB45 /2004GF
Habitat Degradation Agriculture
Habitat Degradation Land Clearing
Johnson Creek
23-2-7-(1)
From source to Little Johnson Creek
5.3 FW MilesC S ND
NF36 /2004GF
Habitat Degradation Impoundment
Little Island Creek (Vance County)
23-4-3
From source to Island Creek Reservoir, Island Creek
11.8 FW MilesC I ND
NF37 /2004P
Toxic Impacts Land Clearing
Habitat Degradation Impoundment
Mountain Creek
23-2-3
From source to Grassy Creek
8.1 FW MilesC NR ND
NB87 /2004NR
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-06Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:16 AMDRAFT
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-06SubbasinTable 8
Nutbush Creek (Including Nutbush Creek Arm of John H. Kerr Reservoir below normal pool elevation)
23-8-(1)a
From source to NC 39
1.7 FW MilesC NR ND
NB48 /2004NR
23-8-(1)b
From NC 39 to SR 1317
1.6 FW MilesC I SNA13 NCE
NB49 /2004F
NF38 /2004F
NA13 NCE
Nutbush Creek Arm of John H. Kerr Reservoir (below normal pool elevation 300 feet MSL or as this elevation may be adjusted by the Corps of Engineers)
23-8-(2)
From Crooked Run to North Carolina-Virginia State Line
9,690.1 FW AcresB NR NDNL25 ID
NL24 ID
NL23 ID
NL26 ID
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-06Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:16 AMDRAFT
AU Number
Description
Length/AreaClassification
AL Rating REC RatingStation
Year/
ParameterResult % Exc
Aquatic Life Assessment
ResultStation
Recreation Assessment
Stressors Sources
ROANOKE 03-02-06SubbasinTable 8
Use Categories:Monitoring data type: Use Support Ratings 2005:
AL - Aquatic Life NF - Fish Community Survey E - Excellent S - Supporting, I - Impaired
REC - Recreation NB - Benthic Community Survey G - Good NR - Not Rated
NA - Ambient Monitoring Site GF - Good-Fair NR*- Not Rated for Recreation (screening criteria exceeded)
NL- Lake Monitoring F - Fair ND-No Data Collected to make assessment
P - Poor
NI - Not Impaired
Miles/Acres m- Monitored N- Natural
FW- Fresh Water e- Evaluated M - Moderate CE-Criteria Exceeded > 10% and more than 10 samples
S-Severe NCE-No Criteria Exceeded
ID- Insufficeint Data Available
Results:
Results
Aquatic Life Rating Summary
S 20.4 FW Milesm
NR 28.0 FW Milesm
I 13.4 FW Milesm
NR 9,690.1 FW Acresm
ND 121.6 FW Miles
ND 731.0 FW Acres
Recreation Rating Summary
1.6 FW MilesSm
181.8 FW MilesND
10,421.1 FW AcresND
Fish Consumption Rating Summary
183.4 FW MilesIe
10,421.1 FW AcresIe
ROANOKE Subbasin 03-02-06Friday, April 07, 2006 10:48:16 AMDRAFT
Assessment Report at http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html and Appendix IV for more information on
monitoring.
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.
6.2 Use Support Assessment Summary
Use support ratings were assigned for waters in subbasin 03-02-06 in the aquatic life, recreation,
fish consumption and water supply categories. All waters are Impaired on an evaluated basis in
the fish consumption category because of fish consumption advice that applies to the entire
basin. In the water supply category, all waters are Supporting on an evaluated basis based on
reports from DEH regional water treatment plant consultants.
There were 61.8 stream miles (33.7 percent) and 9,690 freshwater acres (93 percent) monitored
during this assessment period in the aquatic life category. Of these, 13.4 stream miles (7.3
percent) are Impaired. In the recreation category 1.6 stream miles (0.9 percent) were monitored,
these are classified as Supporting. Refer to Table 8 for a summary of use support ratings by
category for waters in the subbasin 03-02-06.
6.3 Status and Recommendations of Previously and Newly Impaired
Waters
The following waters were either identified as Impaired in the previous basin plan (2001) 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 assessment unit number (AU#). Information regarding 303(d) listing and
reporting methodology is presented in Appendix VII.
6.3.1 Nutbush Creek (AU#23-8-(1)a & b)
2001 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to work with the Town of Henderson’s WWTP to correct remaining
problems from their discharge and collection system. However, it is likely that aquatic life will
remain impaired because of habitat degradation in the stream. Urban stormwater issues need to
be addressed by the Town of Henderson. Best management practices to prevent further
degradation by runoff from urban areas and construction sites should be installed. DWQ will
continue to monitor the stream and work with local agencies to restore water quality.
66 Chapter 6– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06
Current Status
Nutbush Creek [AU#23-8-(1)a], from source to NC39 (1.7 miles), is Not Rated for aquatic life
due to a Not Rated benthic community bioclassification at site NB48. The stream could not be
rated because it is too small and does not fit the criteria to assign a bioclassification. The benthic
community is degraded however, and urban influences are of concern since the stream’s origin is
in Henderson making it difficult to sustain colonization of benthic communities. A lack of flow
and low dissolved oxygen were also observed.
Nutbush Creek [AU#23-8-(1)b], from NC 39 to SR1317 (1.6 miles), is Impaired for aquatic life
based on a fair fish and benthic community bioclassifications at concurrent sites NF38 and
NB49. It is Supporting recreation because the fecal coliform bacteria screening criteria was not
exceeded at site NA13 (also concurrent with sites NF38 and NB49). Sites NB49 and NF38 were
sampled approximately 1.3 miles below the Henderson WRF. The specific conductance at NF38
was elevated at 467 µmhos/cm in April 2004, and was the highest of any fish community sites in
the basin. During the benthic community sampling at NB49 in June 2004, the conductivity was
501 μmhos/cm; in the summer of 1999 the conductivity was 601 μmhos/cm. Likewise, the 50th
percentile of specific conductance at site NA13 was 423 μmhos/cm. Heavy filamentous algal
growths were present on the bedrock in the lower reaches. The habitat reflected an abundance of
sand, few riffles (the single riffle was bedrock), few pools, modest instream habitat (roots were
abundant, however), and severely eroding, sparsely vegetated banks. The flow was moderate
and the water was slightly turbid at the time of sampling. An elevated pH of 8.0 s.u. could also
be traced to the WWTP, as the addition of lime is a component of the treatment process. Unlike
other streams in this subbasin that may have reduced flow during dry periods, this stream keeps
flowing because of the upstream discharge.
2006 Recommendations
DWQ will continue to monitor Nutbush Creek. DWQ is working to develop biocriteria for
assigning bioclassifications to streams with watersheds that are less than 3 square miles.
Nutbush Creek [AU#23-8-(1)b], will remain on the 303(d) list.
6.3.2 Little Island Creek [AU# 23-4-3]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Little Island Creek, from source to Island Creek, Island Creek Reservoir (11.8 miles), is Impaired
for aquatic life based on a Poor fish community bioclassification at site NF37. The fish
community species diversity was low and habitat score was also low. This site and the lower
part of the adjacent Island Creek watershed encompass the defunct Tungsten Queen Mine, an
inactive hazardous site (NCDENR’s Division of Waste Management, NCD082362989). The
mine ceased operations in 1971 but at one time was one of the largest tungsten mines in the
country. The tailings (sands) in Little Island Creek appeared to be similar to those at the
tungsten mine and may have similar contaminant metals of concern including lead, arsenic,
antimony, cadmium and zinc. Currently, the area including the tailings (sands) is under a
remedial action by the Inactive Hazardous Site Branch of Superfund (Keith Snavley, DWM,
pers. com., February 14, 2005). Like other streams in this subbasin, it is probable that the flow
in this stream becomes very reduced during dry periods. Recolonization of the fish community
from downstream sources is hindered by the barrier of the backwaters of Island Creek Reservoir.
Chapter 6 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06 67
These three factors -- flow, recolonization sources, and potential impacts from the abandoned
tailings – may all play a role in the fish community.
It was recommended that this creek be resampled to verify the 2004 results and to identify, if
possible, the factors causing the low fish community rating. However, due to drought conditions
in 2005 and 2006 a re-evaluation could not be done. DWQ will reassess this watershed during
the next basinwide assessment period. Little Island Creek will be added to the 303(d) list of
Impaired waters.
6.4 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.
6.4.1 Island Creek [AU# 23-4]
Current Status and 2006 Recommendations
Island Creek, from source to North Carolina-Virginia State Line, including that portion of Island
Creek Reservoir in North Carolina below normal operating elevation (6.4 miles), is Supporting
aquatic life based on a Good-Fair benthic community bioclassification at site NB45. Riparian
areas were intact (though narrow on the right bank), instream habitat included a variety of types,
and the substrate was a good mix of gravel, cobble, and boulders. However, riffles were
infrequent and moderately embedded and pools were infrequent. Banks were severely eroded
with sparse vegetation, the channel appeared filled in with sediment in places, and the stream
was only partially shaded. The land use is predominantly agriculture and it is recommended that
local agencies work with landowners to install BMPs to improve riparian zones and the overall
water quality in Island Creek.
6.4.2 Nutbush Creek Arm of J.H. Kerr Reservoir (below normal pool elevation 300 feet
MSL or as this elevation may be adjusted by the Corps of Engineers)
[AU# 23-8-(2)]
Current Status
Arm of J.H. Kerr Reservoir (Nutbush Creek), from Crooked Run to North Carolina-Virginia
State Line (9,690.1 acres), is Not Rated due to insufficient samples taken from sites NL23,
NL24, NL25 and NL26. DWQ monitored Nutbush Arm of Kerr Reservoir in June, July, and
August of 2004. Moderate nutrient and chlorophyll a levels were found. Assessment of
parameters related to biological productivity indicated moderate biological productivity and
mesotrophic status. The reservoir has historically rated either mesotrophic or slightly eutrophic
(biologically productive) in historical water quality sampling. Some high dissolved oxygen
68 Chapter 6– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06
saturation values were found in 2004 indicating algal activity, although no visible algal blooms
or chlorophyll a water quality standards violations were found.
One largemouth bass and two golden redhorse sucker samples were collected from the Nutbush
Creek arm of Kerr Lake during 2003 and analyzed for pesticide and PCB contaminants. The
samples were collected as part of an ongoing statewide organics assessment. All samples
contained trace amounts of DDE, a DDT metabolite, but concentrations were well below US
EPA, US FDA, and State of North Carolina criteria. The golden redhorse sucker samples also
contained trace amounts of chlordane and tetrabromodiphenyl ether (a PCB-like contaminant)
however, the concentrations were below any level of concern.
6.5 Additional Water Quality Issues within Subbasin 03-02-06
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.
6.5.1 Significant Ecological Indicator
Aarons Creek (AU# 22-59)
Aarons Creek, from source to North Carolina-Virginia State Line is Supporting aquatic life due
to a Good fish community bioclassification at site NF31. From the confluence of Crooked Fork
(just upstream of NC 96) to the NC/VA state line, is considered to be an Aquatic Habitat Site of
regional significance because of the presence of four species of rare freshwater mussels in the
creek (Sarah McRae, Natural Heritage Program, pers. com. February 15, 2005). At this crossing,
the instream, riparian, and watershed characteristics are of high quality and qualified the site as a
new fish community regional reference site. It is possible that the flow in this stream becomes
very reduced during dry periods and this may have caused the lower than expected fish
community score and bioclassification.
Chapter 6 – Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06 69
70 Chapter 6– Roanoke River Subbasin 03-02-06