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Executive Summary
Basinwide water quality planning is a watershed-based approach to restoring and protecting the
quality of North Carolina’s surface waters. The North Carolina Division of Water Quality
(DWQ) prepares Basinwide water quality plans for each of the 17 major river basins in the state.
Each basinwide plan is revised at five-year intervals. While these plans are prepared by DWQ,
their implementation and the protection of water quality entail the coordinated efforts of many
agencies, local governments and stakeholders throughout the state.
The goals of basinwide planning are to:
Identify water quality problems and restore full use to Impaired waters.
Identify and protect high value resource waters.
Protect unimpaired waters while allowing for reasonable economic growth.
DWQ accomplishes these goals through the following objectives:
Collaborate with other agencies to develop appropriate management strategies. This
includes providing agencies information related to financial and funding opportunities.
Assure equitable distribution of waste assimilative capacity.
Evaluate cumulative effects of pollution.
Improve public awareness and involvement.
Regulate point and nonpoint sources of pollution where other approaches are not
successful.
This document is the third five-year update of the Savannah River Basinwide Water Quality
Plan. The first basinwide plan for the Savannah River basin was completed in 1997 and the
second in 2002. The format of this plan was revised in response to comments received during
the first and second planning cycles. DWQ replaced much of the general information in the first
two plans with more detailed information specific to the Savannah River basin. For this plan, a
greater emphasis was placed on identifying water quality concerns on the watershed level in
order to facilitate protection and restoration efforts.
DWQ considered comments from the Western North Carolina Basinwide Planning Conference
held in the region and subsequent discussions with local resource agency staff and citizens
during draft plan development. This input will help guide continuing water quality management
activities throughout the river basin over the next five years.
Basin Overview
The portion of the Savannah River Basin located in North Carolina lies entirely within The
Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains ecoregion (Griffith et al 2002) and occupies 151
square miles (Figure iii and iv). Most of the land is contained within the Nantahala National
Forest and Gorges State Park. The largest towns are Highlands and Cashiers. Additional areas
of commercial, residential, and golf course development can be found scattered throughout the
US 64 corridor between Lake Toxaway and Highlands. Outstanding Resource Waters located in
the Savannah River Basin include the Chattooga River and many of its tributaries, Big Creek,
Executive Summary i
and Overflow Creek. In addition, a portion of the Horsepasture River downstream is included in
the National Wild and Scenic River System.
Information presented in this basinwide water quality plan is based on data collected from
September 1999 to August 2004. Maps of each subbasin are included in each of the subbasin
chapters. Each subbasin has its own characteristics and water quality concerns. These are
discussed in Chapters 1 and 2.
DWQ identifies water quality stressors as specifically as possible depending on the amount of
information available in a watershed. Most often, the source of the stressor is based on the
predominant land use in a watershed. In the Savannah River basin, new
development/construction activities, land clearing, impervious surfaces, and point source
discharges were all identified as possible stressors. However, unknown stressors impact many
streams. Water quality decline can often be attributed to a combination of many stressors that
lead to habitat and water quality degradation. In some way, every person, industry, landowner,
and municipality in the basin impacts water quality. Therefore, every resident of the basin must
play a role in management strategies designed to protect and restore the streams, lakes, and rivers
of the basin.
Subbasin 03-13-01
This mountainous subbasin is divided into two pieces: a small portion of the Tullulah River
headwaters in Clay County and a larger portion of the basin that includes the Chattooga River,
Norton Mill, Big, Clear and Overflow Creeks. The majority of streams in this subbasin flow
generally south toward Georgia. The Chattooga River forms part of the state boundary between
Georgia and South Carolina. The Chattooga and Tullulah Rivers join to form the Tugaloo River
in Georgia. A map of this subbasin including water quality sampling locations is presented as
Figure 3.
This subbasin lies within the level IV ecoregion of the Southern Crystalline Ridges and
Mountains. This ecoregion is characterized by elevations ranging between 1,200 and 4,500 feet,
high rainfall rates, abundant forest cover, and acidic, loamy, well-drained soils (Griffith et al
2002). As would be expected for an area with rugged topography, most of the land within this
subbasin is forested (96.8 percent) and lies within the Nantahala National Forest including the
Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the Ellicott Rock Wilderness areas. Notable exceptions
include the urbanizing areas in and around the Town of Highlands and the Cashiers community.
Residential development is increasing rapidly around these communities and along primary
roadways.
There are five NPDES dischargers in this subbasin; two are required to perform whole effluent
toxicity testing. The Cashiers WWTP (NC0063321, 0.1 MGD) discharges to an unnamed
tributary of the Chattooga River and has had three toxicity violations since 2001. The Mountain
(formerly Highlands Camp and Conference Center) facility (NC0061123, MGD .006) discharges
to Abes Creek and has had seven toxicity violations since 2000.
Subbasin 03-13-02
The Horsepasture and Toxaway Rivers originate in Jackson and Transylvania counties and flow
in a southeastern direction toward South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee. The Horsepasture falls more
than 2,000 feet in the North Carolina portion of the watershed and contains several spectacular
ii Executive Summary
waterfalls. Other tributaries in this subbasin include the Whitewater and Thompson Rivers. A
map of this subbasin including water quality sampling locations is presented as Figure 5.
Most of the land within this subbasin is forested (95.6 percent). The Whitewater River
watershed lies within the Nantahala National Forest. The Gorges State Park and Toxaway Game
Lands encompass 10,000 acres in this subbasin (mostly the Toxaway River watershed). There
are no municipalities; however, several residential and resort communities exist near Sapphire
and Lake Toxaway.
Water quality in this subbasin is generally good to excellent. Nearly all waters are classified
trout waters. Several streams including Bearwallow Creek and a portion of the Whitewater
River are High Quality Waters. Additionally, 4.5 miles of the Horsepasture River are both a
State Natural and Scenic River and a National Wild and Scenic River.
Use Support Summary
Use support assessments based on surface water classifications form the foundation of this
basinwide plan. Surface waters are classified according to their best-intended use. Determining
how well a waterbody supports its use (use support rating) is an important method of interpreting
water quality data and assessing water quality.
Biological, chemical, and physical monitoring data collected between September 1999 and
August 2004 were used to assign use support ratings in the Savannah River basin. No streams in
the Savannah River basin were rated as Impaired (Table i).
Use support methodology has changed significantly since the 2002 revision of the Savannah
River Basinwide Water Quality Plan. In the previous plan, surface waters were rated fully
supporting (FS), partially supporting (PS), not supporting (NS) and not rated (NR). FS was used
to identify waters that were meeting their designated use. Impaired waters were rated PS and
NS, depending on the degree of degradation. NR was used to identify waters with no data or
those that had inconclusive data.
The 2002 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report Guidance issued by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requests that states no longer subdivide the Impaired
category. In agreement with this guidance, North Carolina no longer subdivides the Impaired
category and rates waters as Supporting (S), Impaired (I), Not Rated (NR), or No Data (ND).
These ratings refer to whether the classified uses of the water (such as water supply, aquatic life,
primary/secondary recreation) are being met. Detailed information on use support methodology
is provided in Appendix VIII.
Executive Summary iii
Table i Summary of Use Support Ratings by Category and Subbasin in the
Savannah River Basin
Subbasin 03-13-01 Subbasin 03-13-02
Use Support
Rating
Aquatic
Life Recreation Use Support
Rating Aquatic Life Recreation
Monitored Waters
Supporting 18.1 mi 0 Supporting 28.7 mi 3.9 mi
Impaired* 0 0 Impaired* 0 0
Not Rated 0.6 mi
23.7 ac
0 Not Rated 524.9 ac 0
Total 18.7 mi
23.7 ac
0 Total 28.7 mi
524.9 ac
3.9 mi
Unmonitored Waters
No Data 68.7 mi
17.0 ac
87.4 mi
40.7 ac No Data 77.9 mi
125.6 ac
102.8 mi
650.5 ac
Total 68.7 mi
17.0 ac
87.4 mi
40.7 ac Total 77.9 mi
125.6 ac
102.8 mi
650.5 ac
Totals
All Waters 87.4 mi
40.7 ac
87.4 mi
40.7 ac All Waters** 106.6 mi
650.5 ac
106.7 mi
650.5 ac
* The noted percent Impaired is the percent of monitored miles/acres only.
** The noted percent Impaired is the percent of monitored miles/acres only.
Use support methods were developed to assess ecosystem health and human health risk through
the development of use support ratings for five categories: aquatic life, fish consumption,
recreation, shellfish harvesting, and water supply. These categories are tied to the uses
associated with the primary classifications applied to North Carolina rivers, streams, and lakes.
A full description of the classifications is available in the DWQ document titled Classifications
and Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface Waters of North Carolina. This document is
available on-line at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/csu/.
Challenges Related to Achieving Water Quality Protection
Thankfully, no streams in the Savannah River basin
appear on the 303(d) list of impaired waters.
However, as urbanization continues the risk of
impairment increases. Balancing economic growth
and water quality protection will be a tremendous
challenge. Point source impacts on surface waters
can be measured and addressed through the basinwide
planning process and do not represent the greatest
threat to water quality in the basin.
Cumulative Effects
While any one activity may not
have a dramatic effect on water
quality, the cumulative effect of
land use activities in a watershed
can have a severe and long-lasting
impact.
The cumulative effects of nonpoint source pollution are the primary threat to water quality and
aquatic habitat in the Savannah River basin. Nonpoint source pollution issues can be identified
through the basinwide plan, but actions to address these impacts must be taken at the local level.
Such actions should include:
• Develop and enforce local erosion control ordinances
• Require stormwater best management practices for existing and new development
• Develop and enforce buffer ordinances
iv Executive Summary
• Conduct comprehensive land use planning that assesses and reduces the impact of
development on natural resources.
This basinwide plan presents many water quality initiatives and accomplishments that are
underway within the basin. These actions provide a foundation on which future initiatives can be
built. Individual homeowners can participate in resource protection by doing the following on
their own properties.
• To decrease polluted runoff from paved surfaces, households can develop
alternatives to areas traditionally covered by impervious surfaces. Porous pavement
materials are available for driveways and sidewalks, and native vegetation and mulch
can replace high maintenance grass lawns.
• Homeowners can use fertilizers sparingly and sweep driveways, sidewalks, and roads
instead of using a hose.
• Instead of disposing of yard waste, use the materials to start a compost pile.
• Learn to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the garden and on the lawn to
reduce dependence on harmful pesticides.
• Pick up after pets.
• Use, store, and dispose of chemicals properly.
• Drivers should check their cars for leaks and recycle their motor oil and antifreeze
when these fluids are changed.
• Drivers can also avoid impacts from car wash runoff (e.g., detergents, grime, etc.) by
using car wash facilities that do not generate runoff.
• Households served by septic systems should have them professionally inspected and
pumped every 3 to 5 years. They should also practice water conservation measures to
extend the life of their septic systems.
• Support local government watershed planning efforts and ordinance development.
Impacts from Steep Slope Disturbance
Dramatic elevation changes and steep slopes define mountain topography. Building sites
perched along mountainsides provide access to unparalleled vistas and are a major incentive for
development. However, construction on steep slopes presents a variety of risks to the
environment and human safety.
Poorly controlled erosion and sediment from steep slope disturbance negatively impact water
quality, hydrology, aquatic habitat, and can threaten human safety and welfare. Soil types,
geology, weather patterns, natural slope, surrounding uses, historic uses, and other factors all
contribute to unstable slopes. Improper grading practices disrupt natural stormwater runoff
patterns and result in poor drainage, high runoff velocities, and increased peak flows during
storm events. There is an inherent element of instability in all slopes and those who choose to
undertake grading and/or construction activities should be responsible for adequate site
assessment, planning, designing, and construction of reasonably safe and stable artificial slopes.
Local communities also have a role in reducing impacts from steep slope development. These
impacts can also be addressed through the implementation of city and/or county land use and
sediment and erosion control plans. Land use plans are a non-regulatory approach to protect
water quality, natural resources and sensitive areas. In the planning process, a community gathers
data and public input to guide future development by establishing long-range goals for the local
Executive Summary v
community over a ten- to twenty-year period. They can also help control the rate of
development, growth patterns and conserve open space throughout the community. Land use
plans examine the relationship between land uses and other areas of interest including quality-of-
life, transportation, recreation, infrastructure and natural resource protection (Jolley, 2003).
Population Growth and Changes in Land Use
The Savannah River basin encompasses all or portions of four counties and one municipality. In
2000, the overall population in the basin (based on the percent of the county land area in the
basin) was 11,482. The most populated areas are located in and around Highlands.
Once one of the most remote and sparsely
populated regions of the state, western North
Carolina is now penetrated by modern
interstates and highways that provide speedy
access to the deepest folds of the rugged
terrain. This improved access coupled with an
abundance of recreational opportunities,
cultural activities, and countless other
amenities sets the stage for rapid population
increases. With this growth comes increased
pressure on the natural environment. Every
person living in or visiting a watershed
contributes to impacts on water quality. If
water pollution is to be eliminated, each
individual should be aware of these
contributions and take actions to reduce them.
Between 1990 and 2000, county populations
increased by over 18,000 people. The fastest
growing county was Macon (21.2 percent
increase), followed by Jackson (19.0 percent
increase). County populations are expected to
grow by another 27,000 people (21.2 percent)
by 2020. This would result in a total
population of over 128,000 people in the four
counties partially or entirely contained within the Savannah River basin. Population growth
trends and the accompanying impacts to water quality are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.
Savannah River Basin Statistics
(North Carolina Portion)
Total Area: 172 sq. miles
Freshwater Stream Miles: 176.2 mi
No. of Counties: 4
No. of Municipalities: 1
No. of Subbasins: 2
Population (2000): 11,482*
Pop. Density (2000): 67 persons/sq. mile*
Water Quality Statistics
Aquatic Life
Percent Monitored Streams: 24.4% mi/79.4% ac
Percent Supporting: 24.1% mi
Percent Impaired: 0%
Recreation
Percent Monitored Streams: 2%
Percent Supporting: 2%
Percent Impaired: 0%
* Estimated based on % of county land area that is
partially or entirely within the basin, not the entire
county population.
Population growth results in dramatic impacts on the natural landscape. The most obvious
impact is the expansion of urban and suburban areas. New stores, roads, and subdivisions are
products of growing populations. What is not so obvious is the astonishing rate at which rural
landscapes are converted to developed land. Between 1982 and 1997, the United States
population increased by 15 percent. Over the same period, developed land increased by 34
percent – more than double the rate of population growth (NRI, 2001; U.S. Census Bureau,
2000). Locally, the trend can be even more pronounced. For example, the urban area of
Charleston, SC expanded 250 percent between 1973 and 1994 while its population grew by 40
percent (Allen and Lu, 2000). Based on the current land cover information provided by the
National Resources Inventory (USDA-NRCS, 2001), there was a 100 percent (2,300 acres)
decrease in pasture land in the Savannah River basin from 1982 to 1997. Forestry also decreased
vi Executive Summary
by nearly 100 acres (27.7 percent). Urban and built-up areas increased by 2,300 acres (27.7
percent). Land use cover tables and statistics are included in Appendix III.
Growing populations not only require more water, but they also lead to the discharge and runoff
of greater quantities of waste and pollutants into the state’s streams and groundwater. The
impacts on rivers, lakes, and streams can be significant and permanent if stormwater runoff is not
controlled. Thus, just as demand and use increases, some of the potential water supply is lost
(Orr and Stuart, 2000).
Impacts from Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is rainfall or snowmelt that runs off the ground or impervious surfaces (e.g.,
buildings, roads, parking lots, etc.) instead of absorbing into the soil. In some cases, stormwater
runoff drains directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. In other cases, particularly
urbanized areas, stormwater drains into streets and manmade drainage systems consisting of
inlets and underground pipes, commonly referred to as a storm sewer system. Stormwater runoff
is a primary carrier of nonpoint source pollution in both urbanized and rural areas. The impact of
stormwater runoff is particularly severe in developing areas where recently graded lands are
highly susceptible to erosion. Water quality impacts are also evident in urbanized areas where
stormwater runoff is increased by impervious surfaces and is rapidly channeled through ditches
or curb and gutter systems into nearby streams. For more information on stormwater as it relates
to growth and development, refer to Chapter 5.
There are several different stormwater programs administered by DWQ. One or more of these
programs may affect communities in the Savannah River basin. The goal of DWQ stormwater
discharge permitting regulations and programs is to prevent pollution from entering the waters of
the state via stormwater runoff. These programs try to accomplish this goal by controlling the
source(s) of pollution. For more information on statewide stormwater programs, refer to Chapter
6.
Septic Systems and Straight Pipes
In the Savannah River basin, wastewater from many households is not treated at a wastewater
treatment plant (WWTP). Instead, it is treated on-site through the use of permitted septic
systems. However, wastewater from some homes illegally discharges directly into streams
through what is known as a “straight pipe”. In some cases, wastewater can also enter streams
through failing septic systems. In highly susceptible areas, wastewater from failing septic
systems or straight pipes can contaminate a drinking water supply or recreational waters with
nutrients, disease pathogens (such as fecal coliform bacteria), and endocrine disturbing
chemicals. More information on DWQ wastewater programs can be found in Chapter 6.
Water Quality Stressors
Water quality stressors are identified when impacts have been noted to biological (fish and
benthic) communities or water quality standards have been violated. Whenever possible, water
quality stressors are identified for Impaired waters as well as waters with notable impacts
(Figures i & ii)
Executive Summary vii
Figure i Stressors Identified for Streams with Noted Impacts
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
30.00
Nutrient Impacts Habitat Degradation Fecal Coliform
Bacteria
Temperature Toxic Impacts
Fr
e
s
h
w
a
t
e
r
M
i
les
One of the most noted water quality stressors is instream habitat degradation. Instream habitat
degradation is identified where there is a notable reduction in habitat diversity or a negative
change in habitat. Sedimentation, streambank erosion, channelization, lack of riparian
vegetation, loss of pools or riffles, loss of woody habitat, and streambed scour are all associated
with habitat degradation. These stressors are typically a result of increased flow of stormwater
runoff due to land use changes or to sediment runoff from land-disturbing activities. Streams
with noted habitat degradation are discussed in the subbasin chapters (Chapters 1-2).
Figure ii Sources of Stressors Identified in the Savannah River Basin
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
Unknown WWTP NPDES Impervious Surface Land Clearing Road Construction
Fr
e
shwa
te
r
M
i
l
e
s
Other chemical and biological factors can also impact water quality. These include excess algal
growth, low dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus levels, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria.
Chapter 4 provides definitions and recommendations for reducing impacts associated with
physical, chemical, and biological factors.
viii Executive Summary
Local Involvement
DWQ is aware of only limited local activity in the Savannah River basin. Citizens should
organize themselves to protect the resources most important to them. Local organizations and
agencies are able to combine professional expertise and local knowledge not present at the state
and federal level. This allows groups to holistically understand the challenges and opportunities
of local water quality concerns. Involving a wide array of people in water quality projects also
brings together a range of knowledge and interests and encourages others to become involved
and invested in these projects. Working in cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries and
agency lines opens the door to additional funding opportunities and eases the difficulty of
generating matching or leveraged funds. This could potentially allow local entities to do more
work and be involved in more activities because funding sources are diversified. The most
important aspect of these local endeavors is that the more localized the project, the better the
chances for success. Chapter 11 examines the importance of local, state, and federal initiatives.
The collaboration of local efforts is key to water quality improvements. DWQ is not aware of
many local water quality initiatives in the Savannah Basin. DWQ encourages concerned citizens
to get involved in resource protection.
Water Quality Standards and Classifications
Throughout the Savannah River basin, water quality is generally good and even excellent.
Chapter 3 discusses water quality standards and classifications and includes maps showing the
designated Water Supply (WS) watersheds, High Quality Waters (HQW), and Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW).
In the Savannah River basin, communities are being pressured to expand. This often involves
construction and/or development in areas of pristine waters along several tributaries of the
Horsepasture and Toxaway Rivers. HQW and ORW are supplemental classifications to the
primary freshwater classification placed on a waterbody. Special management strategies are
often associated with the supplemental HQW and ORW classification and are intended to
prevent degradation of water quality below present levels from point and nonpoint sources of
pollution. A brief summary of these strategies and the administrative code under which the
strategies are found are included in Chapter 3.
Agriculture and Water Quality
Excess nutrient loading, pesticide and/or herbicide contamination, bacterial contamination, and
sedimentation are often associated with agricultural activities, and all can impact water quality.
Chapter 7 provides information related to the limited agricultural activities in the Savannah River
basin and also identifies funding opportunities for best management practices (BMP). There
were no North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program (NCACSP) projects in the basin during
this assessment period.
Forestry and Water Quality
Based on land cover information provided by the North Carolina Corporate Geographic Database
(CGIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), 93 percent (44,500 acres) of land in the Savannah River basin consists of forestland.
There were 10.4 streams miles (3b) that were noted or identified by stressors associated with
land clearing or forestry activities. Where forest harvesting is identified as a source of water
quality impact, DWQ will notify the Division of Forest Resources to investigate for potential
Executive Summary ix
violations and the enforcement of management strategies. Chapter 8 presents more information
related to the impacts of forestry on water quality.
Water Resources
Chapter 9 presents information related to minimum streamflow requirements, interbasin
transfers, and the impact to water quality during drought conditions. The chapter also includes
the federal cataloging units, or hydrologic units, as they relate to the state subbasin boundaries.
Natural Resources
Although small in total area compared to most of North Carolina’s river basins, the Savannah
River basin is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the southeastern Appalachians
and North Carolina. The region is located where the steep eastern face of the Blue Ridge turns
and faces south, and with its relatively warm and extremely wet climate (up to 90 inches of
rainfall a year), creates a unique setting within the Blue Ridge. A total of 87 rare plant species
are known to exist among a diversity of habitats that include spray zones of waterfalls, rock faces
of outcrops and overhanging crags and cliffs, and rich coves and other forest communities.
Chapter 10 presents information related to the ecological significance of the basin and identifies
endangered and threatened species, significant natural areas and aquatic habitats, and public
lands that are locally significant.
x Executive Summary
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Planning Section
Basinwide Planning Unit
July 18, 2006*Data provided by National Atlas
Legend
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Figure iii General Map of the Entire Savannah River Basin
MACON
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Figure iv General Map of the Savannah River Basin in North Carolina
®04812162
Miles
Planning Section
Basinwide Planning Unit
July 18, 2006