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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. Basinwide water quality plans are prepared by the
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) for each of the seventeen 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 regional and local 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 the cumulative effects of pollution.
Improve public awareness and involvement.
Regulate point and nonpoint sources of pollution where other approaches
are unsuccessful.
This document is the third five-year update of the Watauga River Basinwide Water Quality Plan.
The first basin plan for the Watauga River basin was completed in 1997 and the second in 2002.
The format of the 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 Watauga 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.
Basin Overview
The Watauga River basin is situated in the far northwest corner of the state between the French
Broad River basin to the south and the New River basin to the north. The entire watershed
drains northwest into Tennessee where it flows into the Watauga River Reservoir (Figure iii).
The Watauga River itself is a major tributary to the Holston River, which eventually flows to the
Tennessee River. The basin is the second smallest in the state, containing nearly 280 stream
miles and encompassing only 205 square miles.
The North Carolina portion of the Watauga River basin is located entirely in the Blue Ridge
Province of the Appalachian Mountains. Major tributaries to the Watauga River include Boone
Fork, Cove Creek, Buckeye Creek, and the Elk River. Two counties (Avery and Watauga) are
Executive Summary xi
entirely or partially contained within the basin. DWQ subdivides all river basins into subbasins.
The Watauga River basin contains one subbasin (Figure iv).
Information presented in this basinwide water quality plan is based on data collected from
September 1999 to August 2004. Specific watershed characteristics and water quality concerns
are included in Chapter 1.
DWQ identifies the stressors to water quality as specifically as possible depending on the amount
of information available in a particular watershed. Most often, the source of the stressor is based
on the predominant land use in a watershed. In the Watauga River basin, habitat degradation,
nutrient enrichment and temperature were all identified as possible stressors. Impervious
surfaces, construction activities, pasture, agriculture, and stormwater outfalls were identified as
potential sources. Water quality decline can often be attributed to a combination of many
stressors that can 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.
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 Watauga River basin. A total of 5.9
miles (6.6 percent) of monitored streams are Impaired in the Watauga River basin. The
impairments are associated with habitat degradation and nonpoint source runoff related to
agricultural and residential land use. Table i presents a summary of the Impaired waters and the
associated stressors. Current status and recommendations for restoration of water quality for the
Impaired water is discussed in Chapter 1. Current use support ratings for assessed streams are
also presented on the subbasin map in Chapter 1 (Figure 3).
Use support methodology has changed significantly since the 2002 revision of the Watauga
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 IX.
xii Executive Summary
Table i Summary of Impaired Waters in the Watauga River Basin
Stream/
River Name
Assessment Unit
Number (AU#) Subbasin Class Miles Category Water Quality
Stressor/Source
Beaverdam Creek 8-19 04-02-01 C Tr 5.9 Aquatic Life
Habitat degradation
from Land Use
Practices (i.e.,
agriculture, residential)
Use Support Category Total Impaired
Freshwater Miles
Percent of Impaired
Monitored Streams
Aquatic Life 5.9 mi 6.6
Recreation 0.0 0.0
Fish Consumption 0.0 0.0
Water Supply 0.0 0.0
DWQ 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
(www.ncwaterquality.org/csu/).
Water Quality Standards and Classifications
Throughout the Watauga River basin, water quality is generally good and even excellent.
Chapter 2 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 Watauga River basin, several municipalities and smaller outlying communities are being
pressured to expand. This often involves construction and/or development in areas of pristine
waters. Many of the streams the Watauga River basin have the supplement classification of
HWQ or ORW. Management strategies are associated with these supplemental classifications
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 1.
Water Quality Stressors
Water quality stressors are identified when impacts have been noted to biological (benthic and
fish) 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 (Figure
i and ii).
Executive Summary xiii
Figure i Stressors Identified in the Watauga River Basin
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
habitat degradation nutrient impacts ammonia temperature
St
r
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M
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Figure ii Sources of Identified Stressors in the Watauga River Basin
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
agriculture construction impervious
surface
pasture stormwater
outfalls
WWTP
NPDES
unknown
St
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s
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
xiv Executive Summary
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 Chapter 1.
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 3 provides definitions and recommendations for reducing impacts associated with
physical, chemical and biological factors.
Population Growth and Changes in Land Use
The Watauga River basin encompasses all or portions of two counties and six municipalities. In
2000, the overall population in the basin (based on the percent of the county land area in the
basin) was 23,675. The most populated areas are located in and around the towns of Boone and
Banner Elk.
Between 1990 and 2000, both counties in the basin
experienced an increase in population. Avery
County saw an increase of about 2,500 persons
(13.4 percent) while Watauga County had an
increase of nearly 6,000 persons (13.4 percent).
County populations are expected to grow by
another 7,000 people (10.1 percent) by 2020. This
would result in a total population of over 66,000
people in the two counties in the Watauga River
basin. Population growth trends and the
accompanying impacts to water quality are
discussed in Chapters 3 and 4.
Expanding populations are typically characterized
by a loss of natural areas and an increase in
impervious surface. Based on the current land
cover information provided by the National
Resources Inventory (USDA-NRCS, 2001),
between 1982 and 1997 there was a 100 percent
decrease (2,000 acres) in cultivated cropland in the
Watauga River basin. Uncultivated cropland and
pastureland also decreased by nearly 1,300 acres
(33.3 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively). Urban
and built-up areas increased by nearly 8,100 acres,
or 218.9 percent. Much of this land cover change is
accounted for in the areas around Beech Mountain
and Sugar Mountain, where population increased by 29.7 percent and 71.2 percent, respectively,
from 1990 to 2000. Land cover tables and statistics are included in Appendix III. Population
statistics are included in Appendix I.
Watauga River Basin Statistics
(North Carolina Portion)
Total Area: 205 sq. miles
Freshwater Stream Miles: 278.3 mi
No. of Counties: 2
No. of Municipalities: 6
No. of Subbasins: 1
Population (2000): 23,675*
Pop. Density (2000): 115 persons/sq. mile*
Water Quality Statistics
Aquatic Life
Percent Monitored Streams: 32.3%
Percent Supporting: 88.2%
Percent Impaired: 6.6%
Percent Not Rated: 5.2%
Recreation
Percent Monitored Streams: 7.0%
Percent Supporting: 100%
* Estimated based on % of county land area
that is partially or entirely within the basin,
not the entire county population.
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
Executive Summary xv
controlled. Just as water demand and use increases, some of the potential water supply is also
lost (Orr and Stuart, 2000).
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 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 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).
Impacts from Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is rainfall or snowmelt that runs off the ground or impervious surfaces (i.e.,
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 4.
There are several different stormwater programs administered by DWQ. Two of these programs
affect communities in the Watauga 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 accomplish this goal by controlling the source(s) of
pollution. Chapter 5 contains more information federal and state stormwater programs.
xvi Executive Summary
Septic Systems and Straight Pipes
In the Watauga 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 water with
nutrients, disease pathogens and endocrine disturbing chemicals.
In order to protect human health and maintain water quality, the NC Wastewater Discharge
Elimination (WaDE) Program is actively helping to identify and remove straight pipes (and
failing septic systems) in western North Carolina. The program uses door-to-door surveys to
locate straight pipes and failing septic systems and offers deferred loans or grants to assist
homeowners in eliminating straight pipes and repairing septic systems. More information on
WaDE and the DWQ wastewater programs can be found in Chapter 5.
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 6 provides information related to agricultural activities in the Watauga River basin and
also identifies funding opportunities for best management practices (BMP). During this five-
year assessment period, the North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program (NCACSP) funded
BMPs totaling more than $87,000. BMPs include planned systems for reducing soil erosion and
nutrient runoff and planned systems for protecting streams and streambanks.
In several streams throughout the basin, DWQ noted evidence of and observed several areas
where livestock had direct, easy access to the streams. Fencing, or livestock exclusion, prevents
livestock from entering a stream and provides an area of vegetative cover, which can secure
streambanks, lower stream velocities, trap suspended sediments, and decrease downgradient
erosion. Livestock exclusion is also effective in reducing nutrient, bacteria and sediment loads in
a stream (Line and Jennings, 2002). Of the $87,000 of NCACSP funds spent on BMPs in the
Watauga River basin, over 85 percent ($74,300) was spent on 14,000 feet of fence and 38
alternate water sources. For more information on NCACSP, see Chapter 6.
Besides pasturelands and row crops, Christmas tree production also has a significant presence in
the Watauga River basin. Most of the tree plantations in western North Carolina are above 3,000
feet in elevation and are often located on steep, highly erodible slopes (NCSU Cooperative
Extension Service, April 2005). Between 2003 and 2006, 20.5 acres of Christmas Tree
Conservation Cover were installed in the Watauga River basin. NCACSP funding totaled
$2,330. More information related to Christmas tree production can be found in Chapter 1.
Forestry and Water Quality
Based on land cover information provided by the North Carolina Center for Geographic
Information and Analysis (CGIA) and the USDA-NRCS, 53 percent (76,800 acres) of land in the
Watauga River basin consists of forestland. Ninety-two percent of the forestland is privately
owned with the remaining eight percent owned by the State Parks System (Brown, 2004). No
stressors associated with land clearing or forestry activities were noted or identified in the
Executive Summary xvii
Watauga River basin. Where forest harvesting is identified as a potential source of water quality
impact, DWQ will notify the NC Division of Forest Resources (DFR) to investigate potential
violations. Chapter 7 presents more information related to the impacts of forestry on water
quality.
Water Resources
Chapter 8 presents information related to minimum streamflow requirements, interbasin
transfers, water quality drought conditions and source water protection. The chapter also
includes the federal cataloging units, commonly known as hydrologic units, as they relate to the
state subbasin boundaries.
Natural Resources
Several rare and endemic aquatic species can be found in the Watauga River basin. Many of
these species, and ecological communities in which they exist, are found nowhere else in the
State. Chapter 9 presents information related to the ecological significance of the basin and
identifies endangered and threatened species, significant natural heritage areas and aquatic
habitats, and public conservation lands that are locally significant.
Local Involvement
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 wide 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.
The collaboration of local efforts is key to water quality improvements, and DWQ applauds the
foresight and proactive response by locally based organizations and agencies to protect water
quality. There are many excellent examples of local agencies and groups using these cooperative
strategies throughout the state. Several local watershed projects are highlighted throughout
Chapter 1. Chapter 10 also examines the local, regional and federal initiatives underway in the
Watauga River basin.
Recommended Management Strategies for Restoring Impaired Waters
Beaverdam Creek is newly Impaired based on the most recent biological data and will likely be
placed on the 2008 303(d) list. Land use primarily consists of open pastures; however, row crops
and residential properties are also scattered throughout the watershed. DWQ will continue to
monitor water quality in Beaverdam Creek and work with local agencies to encourage
appropriate agricultural and residential stormwater BMPs. Public education is also needed to
show the importance of good riparian zones and the use of BMPs to reduce habitat degradation
and impacts from stormwater runoff.
xviii Executive Summary
The task of quantifying nonpoint source runoff and developing management strategies for any
Impaired water is very resource intensive. This task is overwhelming, given the current limited
resources of DWQ, other state and federal agencies and local governments. DWQ will
collaborate with other local and state agencies and watershed groups that deal with nonpoint
source pollution issues to develop management strategies for the Impaired and notable waters
throughout the next Watauga River Basinwide Water Quality Plan assessment period.
Waters on the North Carolina 303(d) List
For the next several years, addressing water quality impairment in waters that are on the state’s
303(d) list will be a DWQ priority. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states
to develop a list of waters not meeting water quality standards or which have Impaired uses.
States are also required to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or management
strategies for 303(d) listed waters to address impairment. EPA issued guidance in August 1997
that called for states to develop schedules for developing TMDLs for all waters on the 303(d) list
within 8-13 years. Information regarding 303(d) listing and reporting methodology can be found
in Appendix VII.
Challenges Related to Achieving Water Quality Improvements
To achieve the goal of restoring Impaired waters in the Watauga River basin, DWQ will need to
work closely with other state agencies and stakeholders to identify and control pollutants. The
costs of restoration can be high, but several programs exist to provide funding for restoration
efforts. These programs include the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), the NC
Agricultural Cost Share Program (NCACSP), and the Ecosystem Enhancement Program
(NCEEP).
Across the state, 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, but these often do not represent the greatest threat to water quality.
The cumulative effects of nonpoint source pollution are the primary threat to water quality and
habitat degradation in many areas across the state and throughout the Watauga River basin.
Nonpoint source pollution 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.
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 throughout the basin. These actions provide a foundation on which future
initiatives can be built.
Executive Summary xix
VIRGINIA
TENNESSEE
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Johnson City
Elk Park
Beech Mountain
Banner Elk
Seven Devils
Sugar Mountain
R o a n Creek
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l
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Wata uga Riv e r
Doe
R
i
ver
Watauga River
TE N N E S S E E
N ORTH C A R O L I N A
The Holston River Watershed
NORTH CAROLINA
0 30 60 90 12015Miles
Figure 1 General Map of the Entire Watauga River Basin
®
Planning Section Basinwide Planning UnitDecember 4, 2006* Data provided by National Atlas.
Legend
!.Municipalities
Hydrology
Watauga River Basin
State Line
Watauga Lake
Boone Lake
Beech
Mountain
Elk
Park
Banner
Elk
Sugar
Mountain
Seven
Devils
Boone
AVERY
CALDWELL
WATAUGA
Cove Cre
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W atau
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Beaver d a m Creek
B
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L
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urel Creek
Laurel Fork
D utch CreekElk R iv e r
Cranberry Creek
B o o n e Fo rk
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012340.5
Miles
Figure 2 General Map of the Watauga River Basin in North Carolina
Division of Water Quality
Basinwide Planning Unit
June 28, 2006