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Home My WebLink AboutNC0006564_More Information (Received)_20230626.;acobs Baxter Healthcare Corporation - North Cove Facility North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 June 1, 2023 Contents 1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1-1 1.1 Baxter North Cove NPDES Permit Details............................................................................................1-1 1.2 Watershed Characterization.......................................................................................................................1-1 1.2.1 River Classification........................................................................................................................1-4 2. Methods............................................................................................................................................................2-1 2.1 Survey Reach Description...........................................................................................................................2-1 2.2 Stream Reach Assessment.........................................................................................................................2-3 2.2.1 Fish Community.............................................................................................................................2-3 2.2.2 Physical Habitat.............................................................................................................................2-3 2.2.3 Water Quality...................................................................................................................................2-4 3. Results...............................................................................................................................................................3-1 3.1 Stream Assessment.......................................................................................................................................3-1 3.1.1 Fish Community.............................................................................................................................3-1 3.1.2 Physical Habitat Assessment....................................................................................................3-6 3.1.3 Water Quality Assessment.........................................................................................................3-7 4. Summary and Conclusions...........................................................................................................................4-1 5. References........................................................................................................................................................5-1 Appendixes Appendix A Fish Community Photo Log Appendix B Physical Habitats Photo Log Appendix C Detailed Water Quality Data Tables Table 1. North Fork Catawba River 2022 Stocking Schedule and Fish Totals........................................................1-4 Table 2. Habitat Assessment Parameters for Riffle/Run Systems...............................................................................2-4 Table 3. Stream Assessment Survey Events and Parameters........................................................................................3-1 Table 4. Fish Community Species Observed.........................................................................................................................3-2 Table 5. Primary Study Area Physical Habitat Assessment Scores — August 2022...............................................3-6 Table6. In -situ Water Quality Summary................................................................................................................................3-9 Table 7. In -situ Water Temperature Ranges and Delta (A) from Upstream Reach .......................................... 3-10 Figures Figure1. Site Location.............................................................................................................1-3 Figure 2. Agency -designated Trout Waters in Project Watershed....................................................1-5 Figure 3. Primary Study Area Overview.......................................................................................2-2 Figure 4. Trout Observed by Station within Primary Study Area.......................................................3-5 Figure 5. Trout Observations and Physical Habitat........................................................................3-4 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 1. Introduction The Baxter Healthcare Corporation North Cove Facility (the facility) discharges treated effluent under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit NC0006564 to the North Fork of the Catawba River near Marion, North Carolina. Within the reach of river where the facility is located, the North Fork of the Catawba River is designated by the State as Trout Waters (Tr). The goal of the study was to determine if native trout species were present and if hatchery stocked trout species were being supported/sustained throughout the year within the primary study area in the vicinity of the facility. Stream assessment surveys were conducted during late summer and fall of 2022 and winter 2023 to determine the suitability of conditions and habitats, and the presence/absence of native and stocked trout species in a 3,600-ft segment of the North Fork of the Catawba River upstream and downstream of the facility's discharge (1,800 ft upstream and downstream of the outfall). The Lake James Road monitoring compliance point was also assessed for physical habitat conditions to characterize the Location's current suitability for NPDES monitoring compliance. The results of this Technical Memorandum are to support ongoing discussions with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) regarding the facility's existing NPDES permit. 1.1 Baxter North Cove NPDES Permit Details The Baxter Healthcare Corporation's North Cove facility has a Grade III biological wastewater treatment plant which discharges to the North Fork of the Catawba River under NPDES permit NC0006564. The permit was renewed in 2022 with the addition, among other items, of the following temperature condition: "...the facility shall not exceed the instream water temperature of 20' C and not exceed 0.5° C above the background temperature. If the instream temperature exceeds 20° C upstream of the facility, the discharge will not be considered out of compliance with this permit limit based on the maximum regulatory limit of 20' C provided that it does not increase the background temperature." This temperature restriction is in place as a result of the trout waters designation for the section of river where the facility discharges. The permit also includes a Schedule of Compliance to provide the facility with time to meet this temperature restriction by March 1, 2026. The first two steps of the CAP are a temperature study and the development of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). This trout waters study was completed as part of the evaluation supporting the development of the CAP. 1.2 Watershed Characterization The facility is located on the North Fork of the Catawba River, approximately 9 miles upstream of the confluence with Lake James (Figure 1) between Pitts Station Rd and SR 1549. The Baxter North Cove discharge is located adjacent to the facility on the west bank: • Lat:35°50'13.63"N; Long:81°59'54.53"W The North Fork of the Catawba River is located in Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03050101 — Catawba River Headwaters Subbasin. The subbasin is 2,200 square miles beginning in the mountainous headwaters of North Carolina and eventually draining downstream to the Santee River in South Carolina and into the Atlantic Ocean. The watershed is characterized as predominately forested (62%) with areas of agriculture (17%) and developed land (16%) (NCDENR, 2010). At the point of the Baxter discharge, the watershed is North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 draining approximately 31.4 square miles. The watershed upstream of the discharge is predominately headwaters comprised of first order tributaries. At the downstream compliance point near Lake James, the watershed drains approximately 84.4 square miles (USGS, 2022). 1-2 r r _ _ _ _ ddlldi3rrp5 ;j ti • + 'r + t r �' e� , �3 i • ter* �'- 1 �^�' _ r LEGEND HUC-1211Wate eds North Fork Ca3wba River Armndrmg Creek North Fork Catawba Ewer (NHD Centerline) — NHD Stream Centerline (Waters)ed) North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 4 '\� Flrdtitr' North Fork Catawba #liver in m Upper Catawba Watershed r. Primary Study Area (3,090 LFj at Barter HealtFxam Cep. ' L '• North Cove Facility �� '{+r a _6 ` f . f'Lr. Langiwln . �4yJ . ,Yfr;lr.n to rr r � ' Loh: h—Y i�nxpc ;r,,rr r7n� „ 1 Current Corslplisnoe Nforlitoling Lacerion � � Lis I+ -I,^, (Lake .iemea Road Crossing) Satie r,,r Rn [in pKgf-se Project Study Areas 1. Project areas are IGEated vA:hin 115GS 7.5-fknute Quadrangle: Ashford, Ltnie Switzerand Marian East, and Marian WM Ranh Cardina. M Primary 5budy Area 2. Project areas are restiicGed to N[mth Fork Cata" River and uWtrearn iinlutaries, 0 Lake]ames Road (Compliance Mcnitxxing} Y.nas lr�L5d6'h^aW la µfic nt1Yii•aNM LYN•u !x. �xti,a Lu:s }v raa VMtliir,�d En hP$S Ati5 J 54G FaC. 0 5.000 10900 1:80.000 FIGURE 1. site Lneadion North Fork of the Catawba River Saxtar Healthcare Gwipora6'an McDolvert County; Nodh comma Jacobs 1-3 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 1.2.1 River Classification The reach of the North Fork of the Catawba River in the vicinity of the Baxter facility is designated by NCDEQ as a Class B, Trout Water (Tr). Figure 2 shows the trout waters as designated by various North Carolina State regulatory agencies within the North Fork of the Catawba River watershed which include Class B — Trout Waters (B; Tr) by NCDEQ, North Carolina Department of Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) hatchery supported trout waters and wild trout waters. The facility is just downstream of the NCWRC hatchery supported trout waters. The surface water classification Class B — Trout Waters extends from the headwaters to downstream of the facility to the confluence with Armstrong Creek. All stream reaches designated as wild trout waters are in the upper reaches of the water watershed, and within National Forest boundaries, although it is expected that native or "wild" trout populations may occur outside of those areas where suitable habitat is present. The nearest wild trout waters are approximately 1 mile from the Baxter facility in the upper reaches of Stillhouse Branch (Figure 2). Additional designated wild trout waters within the watershed occur approximately 2.6 miles to 8.2 miles upstream of the Baxter facility along various tributaries of the North Fork of the Catawba River. NCDEQ (2023) defines a Trout Water (Tr) as "having conditions that sustain and allow for natural trout propagation and survival and for year-round maintenance of stocked trout." These designations require that: • The temperature for trout waters shall not be increased by more than 0.5 degrees C (0.9 degrees F) due to the discharge of heated liquids, but in no case to exceed 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) While it is known that NCWRC stocks the North Fork of the Catawba River upstream of the SR 1549 Bridge, from April to early July, it is unknown if habitats and conditions in the vicinity of the Baxter facility are suitable for native trout species or the year round -maintenance of stocked trout. Prior to the initiation of the stream surveys, the North Fork of the Catawba River was stocked with the following species and numbers according to the schedule shown in Table 1. Table 1. North Fork of the Catawba River 2022 Stocking Schedule and Fish Totals Trout Species April8th and 21 st May loth and 25th June 17th and 27th July 1st Total Brook 475 340 340 220 1,035 Rainbow 475 340 340 220 1,035 Brown 230 170 170 110 680 Totals 1,180 850 850 550 3,430 Note: Trout stocking numbers for the North Fork of Catawba River Reach from headwaters to SR 1569 Bridge at North Cove School Road as shown in Figure 2. Source: NRWRC 2022a, NRWRC 2023 1-4 1 � � Pondf _ B nch 21, llgi `&ankh N—th F. 4 cab B4-1h. Pisgah Stillhouae r qrt&weaJ h i J f North Fork Dm nstream Extent of State Stocking at SR 1549 (North Ccwe School Road] isgah s f" (IPrimary Study Ares (3,800 LF) ^S1I11hn— t at Baxter Heatd i� Corp.h�-- i North Cove Fsdlity f �r � `�hloNh Fork { fr al6aryi Riuer i I JBra h� Lonon tBra nh Cooky Arrnyrrval � Bra' h �y' CnYli= Van Noy Bra{1 N LEGEND Project Areas Primary Study Area (Fish Sampling) NHS Stream Centerline AUC-12 Mte beds ❑ ftx th Font Catawba River ❑ Aftttsttarg Leek QiWh National Forest Game Land NCI7EQj[}WR Surface Water Classif�cabon ND ESt 1, The primary studit area (at �tYj is designated as Ciass 3 - Trout Waters (B-rr by rtc DEQfD9YR. 2, TFre primary study area and daunstream secancary rcanitoting areas are not identified as Public F1wErt3n Trout Waters M) Supplemental Classification Trm nV&tersby NCWRC. NCWRC Public Mountain Trout Waters 3, NC DEYDAR Trout Watus (Tr) supplemental tlw�Ratan is'%rt Tided to protectfreshrydtersthat have conditions that sustain and allow for natural trout pwpagebm and sur Aval and for year-round maintemnce of Hatchery Supported Trout Vktars stocked trout' = VVdd Trout Waters 4, The NCNRc PMTW GIs&mpFtoontab,o appramrarte boindanes (natto be used for regulatoy purposes) to depirt the trout tegulaUans in e$ect on troutvraters (streams and impotmdmeuts) managed uderthe PMTW program as lkted in the 2022-2023 North Carolki Inland Rshinq. Hurting and Trapping Regulations IN S. WWR.c PNM designated Wild Trait Abter ' v,ithin the Project 1VatersF,ed are limited to the boundary of the Pisgah National Fores4rgarne lard& nwo-.W�a.aaµri4o'u.r s...rwr�c.wcar i.vwxn.r. s.rr Fed 6 6.000 t0,00Q 1:72,1100 FIGURE 2. Agenoy-designated Tro4A Waters in Project Watershed North Fork of the Catawba River Baxter H&-Ohcare Carporahfon hkDo,veG' Catrnty- Noah Cantko ml .Jacobs 1-5 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 2. Methods Stream assessment surveys were conducted by Jacobs' fisheries biologists in general accordance with methods described in the Standard Operating Procedure Biological Monitoring Stream Fish Community Assessment Program (NCDENR, 2013) and Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP) (Barbour et al., 1999; Plafkin et al., 1989). Surveys were conducted in late summer, fall, and winter following annual hatchery stocking of the North Fork of the Catawba River by NCWRC. Biological monitoring methods are outlined in the following subsections and included trout presence/absence assessments, overall fish community descriptions, and physical habitat assessments. In -situ water quality was measured during fisheries surveys at 100-ft intervals to represent conditions at the time of monitoring. The goal of the study was to determine if native trout species were present and if hatchery stocked trout species were being supported/sustained throughout the year within the primary study area in the vicinity of the facility. Further the study sought to describe the existing habitats and characterize the water quality during the survey events. The fish community and available aquatic habitats were qualitatively described to support the narrative regarding the existing conditions of the stream reach within the study area. A full Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) for the fish community was conducted for these surveys. 2.1 Survey Reach Description A 3,600-ft reach of the North Fork of the Catawba River was surveyed during each of the three events (approximately 1,800 ft of reach downstream of the discharge point and 1,800 ft upstream). Within this study reach, Jacobs established in -situ water quality observation stations at 100-ft increments (Figure 3). The lower end of the reach began just below the Pitts Station Road bridge over the river and extended upstream to approximately 1,400 ft below the NC 1549 (North Cove School Road) bridge. The survey reach is entirely within the Baxter Healthcare North Cove Facility property on the east and west riverbanks. The stream channel morphology is naturally sinuous throughout the survey reach. The immediate western riparian corridor is dominated by natural forested community habitats that vary in width before opening to the industrial Baxter wastewater treatment facility; the eastern riparian corridor is generally cleared and mowed along the facility footprint. The immediate shoreline along both banks within the Baxter facility property is generally natural in slope and vegetation with minimal cleared areas along the stream's edge, with little to no rip rap reinforcement. 2-1 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 CIO.` +r Oka wwrp oi.*.rge o4;', i CI sn: jp � 4. WI � IIIIt•II � s - } 16 '%. I h l� iJ 1 I I :. ~ r 1 H C5 4 4r I 1 I MY rP discharge Ouftll ^ r 4 Y { Confluence at Etabon M1 - _ - y a - ►r NX, LEGEND Q InQemental Station bomtion Primary Sb.dy Area NoTFM — �_C. weuernrwCoinL 1. Sudo-ts were establired blow and above the eutfall at 10&fcot in6eru during first event (August; M2j and N Feet rgampleddudrgsubsmquente.+errts. 0 2m soo 2. In -situ water quality parameters oftarrperawre f'C), dmsolved oxygen (mg)Q, speaFc mrtidimaify Wcm} pK and Arbid ty (NTU) were recorded near the mi)e oFdwnnef at eadh station. Addbmal temperature y:g,ppp mmsuresrrantimere colb:b6 at the n�Ytand Igt banks. 3. Fish srrverys wEreomducted via a sirr�e b electro9shing unitdroughoutthe 3,t linearfoxm9ch. FIGURE 3. Primary 9ludyArea Overview North fork of the Catawba River Baxter tieMhcare Govpf affon r, DOI' ft County, Nafh Caradiria Jacobs 2-2 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 2.2 Stream Reach Assessment 2.2.1 Fish Community Fish sampling was conducted along the entire 3,600-ft reach during each of the three survey events. Habitats, including riffles, runs, and pools, were sampled wherever found. Backpack electrofishing was used to stun fish, so they could be easily captured using dipnets and block seines. Fish monitoring progressed upstream to not disturb sediments and decrease visibility, and personnel were careful not to walk through the monitoring area before sampling. A trained biologist operated the backpack shocker and was assisted by other team members who helped capture, identify, and record stunned fish. During monitoring, all fish specimens were identified in the field to the extent practical and all specimens were released alive at the collection site. Trout species with the potential to occur included native species such as brook trout (Solvelinus fontinalis), and stocked species which included brook trout, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus myhiss), and brown trout (Solmo trutta). Trout species were a focus of the stream assessment primarily as their potential presence (native or stocked) is the rationale for surface water classification and subsequent thermal thresholds. Trout species were counted and measured for total length. The location where trout species were collected were recorded with GPS and photographs taken. Data sheets indicating species type and external anomalies were completed at each station, as well as recorded notes on habitat and surrounding watershed conditions. 2.2.2 Physical Habitat Physical habitat was assessed during the August 2022 fish community monitoring event to evaluate stream conditions at the time of sampling. Physical habitat assessments were not conducted during the subsequent September 2022 and January 2023 monitoring events, as the habitats at typical river depths had not changed. Habitat assessments involved evaluating stream width and depth, substrate composition, habitat availability, riffle/pool structure and instream velocity, and canopy cover. Habitat assessments were completed in conjunction with temperature monitoring and notes documenting periphyton/algal growth, tributary inputs, and other pertinent information were taken when applicable. Physical habitat assessments of the primary study area were in general accordance with standard methodologies supplied by the USEPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (Table 2; Barbour et al., 1999; Plafkin et al., 1989). According to the methods, individual metric scores are categorized into one of four qualitative condition categories: Poor, Marginal, Suboptimal, and Optimal. Scores between 0 and 25 percent of the highest score are considered Poor; between 26 and 50 percent are considered Marginal, between 51 and 75 percent are considered Suboptimal, and higher than 75 percent are considered Optimal. These qualitative condition categories will be used to interpret results when evaluating conditions at each station and making comparisons among stations. 2-3 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Table 2. Habitat Assessment Parameters for Riffle/Run Systems Parameter Parameter Description Epifaunal substrate and instream Measures availability of actual substrates as refugia, feeding, or sites for cover spawning and nursery functions for aquatic organisms Embeddedness Measures the degree to which cobble, boulders, and other rock substrate are surrounded by fine sediment Velocity and depth combinations Measures a stream's characteristic velocity and depth regime Channel alteration Measures large-scale alteration of instream habitat that affects stream sinuosity and causes scouring Sediment deposition Relates to the amount of sediment that has accumulated and changes that have occurred to the stream bottom as a result of deposition Riffle frequency Estimates riffle frequency or occurrence as a measure of sinuosity Channel flow status Represents the degree to which the channel is filled with water during base or average annual flow periods Bank vegetative protection Measures the amount of the stream bank that is covered by vegetation Bank stability Measures the existence of or the potential for detachment of soil from the upper and lower stream banks and its movement into the stream Riparian vegetative zone Measures the width of natural vegetation from the edge of the upper streambank out through the floodplain 2.2.3 Water Quality During fisheries monitoring, field team members collected in -situ measurements of pH, DO, temperature, turbidity, and conductivity. In -situ water quality was recorded at 100-ft intervals within the primary study area (Figure 3) and at a location directly beneath the effluent outfall pipe (OF1). All parameters were recorded at the approximate middle of the stream width at each interval. In addition, temperature was collected at locations near the left and right banks at each interval, except at Station OF which was a single sampling point adjacent to the outfall. The in -situ monitoring involved placing the sonde in 6 to 10 inches of flowing water while facing upstream and allowing the meter to equilibrate before collecting measurements. Calibration and quality control checks of the sonde were conducted in the morning before each monitoring event. The field team followed the manufacturer's guidelines for proper calibration and instrument maintenance and collected in -situ measurements before all other monitoring so that sediments were not disturbed or other interference with the measurements were not created. 2-4 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 3. Results This section presents results from the three stream assessment survey events conducted during 2022/2023. The raw data from the sampling events are included in the appendices. Representative photographs for each biological monitoring station are included in Appendix C. 3.1 Stream Assessment Stream assessments were conducted within the primary study area at the Baxter Healthcare North Cove facility during the following events (Table 3): Table 3. Stream Assessment Survey Events and Parameters Survey Period Dates Fish Community Physical Habitats In -Situ Water Quality Late Summer August 22 — 24, 2022 X X X Early Fall September 13-15, 2022 X X Winter January 23 — 26, 2023 X X Water levels were generally similar during each of the survey events. All habitats were wadable and sampleable using a backpack electroshocker. Water levels were slightly elevated during the September 2022 survey event from rainfall preceding the survey dates compared to the other events. However, turbidity and flow during each survey event was low and representative of typical conditions. 3.1.1 Fish Community All fish collected were identified to species and released. The purpose of the assessment was to provide a general list of fish present utilizing the stream habitats. Table 4 provides a list of all species collected during each of the three survey events. A total of 20 fish species were observed over the three events. The most common observed fish species included central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum), warpaint shiner (Luxilus coccogenis), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), and northern hogsucker (Hypentelium nigricans). Photos of species collected during the survey events are provided in Appendix A. The fish species observed were generally known to inhabit streams in the Mountains and Piedmont regions and the Catawba River Basin in North Carolina. Tolerance ratings assigned in the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (now NCDEQ) Standard Operating Procedures for Stream Fish Community Assessment Program (NCDENR, 2013) are also provided in Table 4. These tolerance ratings are indicators of a species' 'tolerance" or "intolerance" to environmental perturbations. Overall, species observed were "intermediate" in their tolerance ratings. Few "tolerant" species were observed. The "intolerant" species observed was smallmouth bass. 3-1 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Table 4. Fish Community Species Observed Species Common Name Observed Tolerance Rating' August 22 - 24, 2022 September 13 -15, 2022 January 23 - 26, 2023 CYPRINIDAE (MINNOWS) Campostoma anomalum central stoneroller X X X Intermediate Cyprinella chloristia greenfin shiner X Intermediate Cyprinella galactura whitetail shiner X X X Intermediate Luxilus coccogenis warpaint shiner X X Intermediate Nocomis leptocephalus bluehead chub X X X Intermediate Notopis chlorocephalus greenhead shiner X Intermediate Notropis hudsonius spottail shiner X X Intermediate Semotilus atromaculatus creek chub X X X Tolerant CATOSTOMIDAE (SUCKERS) Catostomus commersonii white sucker X X X Tolerant Hypentelium nigricans northern hogsucker X X X Intermediate ICTALURIDAE (CATFISHES) Ameiurus brunneus snail bullhead X X Intermediate Ameiurus natalis yellow bullhead X Tolerant Noturus insignus margined madtom X X X Intermediate SALMONIDAE (TROUT) Salmo trutta brown trout X X X Intermediate2 3-2 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 CENTRARCHIDAE (SUNFISHES) Lepomis auritus redbreast sunfish X X X Tolerant Lepomis cyanellus green sunfish X X X Tolerant Lepomis macrochirus bluegill X X Intermediate Micropterus dolomieu smallmouth bass X X Intolerant Micropterus punctulatus spotted bass X Intermediate PERCIDAE (DARTERS) Etheostoma brevispinum Carolina fantail darter X X Intermediate NCDENR, 2013 2 Stocked species 3.1.1.1 Trout Presence/Absence Late Summer — August 22 — 24, 2022 During the late summer survey event, a total of eight brown trout were collected within the primary survey reach. Two brown trout were collected just below the facility's outfall confluence with the North Fork of the Catawba River (Station 0000). The remaining six were collected at upstream locations (Figure 4 and Figure 5). All brown trout were similar in size ranging from 7 to 8 inches in total length and were in good health with no anomalies and no indication of stress. These fish were categorized as hatchery raised fish due to the species and similarity in age/size class, and likely introduced to the river during the most recent stocking events in summer 2022. All brown trout were collected in deeper riffles with swift moving water and cobble substrate. No other trout were observed during the survey event. All trout collected were returned to the river alive and in good condition. Fall — September 13 — 1 S, 2022 During the fall survey event, a total of two brown trout were collected within the primary survey reach, both above the facility outfall near Station +0900 (Figure 4 and Figure 5). Both brown trout were approximately 7 inches in total length and were in good health with no anomalies and no indication of stress. These fish were also categorized as hatchery raised fish due to the species and similarity in age/size class. These trout were collected in the same location as brown trout during the August 2022 survey event, a deep riffle/plunge pool with cobble substrate and swift moving water (Station +0900). Both brown trout were returned to the river alive and in good condition. 3-3 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Winter — January 23 — 26, 2023 During the winter event, one brown trout was collected within the primary survey reach, above the facility outfall near Station +1100 (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The brown trout was approximately 9.5 inches in total Length and was in good health with no anomalies and no indication of stress. This fish was also categorized as a hatchery raised fish due to the species. The slightly larger size of this fish compared to brown trout observed earlier was considered typical of the growth expected over the 6 months since the fish was released in the river during spring/summer 2022 stocking. The trout was returned to the river alive and in good condition. Brown Trout Observed K E 3 Z 11- 0 o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° o° p`O o°` pti x o° oti Q o0 x x x < 1° tixti , x x 1� , x x Station ■ Aug-22 ■ Sep-22 ■ Jan-23 Figure 4. Trout Observed by Station within Primary Study Area No native trout species (brook trout) were observed during any of the survey events. Other stocked trout species, such as rainbow trout, were also not observed. Communication with NCDWR hatchery staff and from online available sources indicated that the trout species stocked within the North Fork of the Catawba River included brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout (Table 1) at a stocking ratio of 2:2:1 respectively. A total of 3,430 trout were stocked from the headwaters to the SR 1569 North Cove School Road bridge from April through July 2022 (NCWRC, 2022b, 2023). Numbers and species of trout specifically stocked at the SR 1569 North Cove School Road location, which is the closest stocking point to the Baxter facility, were not available but would be assumed to be at a similar species ratio to the overall North Fork of the Catawba River 2022 stocking effort presented in Table 1. 3-4 C * 4 ri r CD LEGEND In•stream Physical Habitat Substrate Composition sueam fnerurei 46 Caren Glide R6 Sah tl■ d High GaMle - law seed Oliod NifPe Lbn r� Cobble - eaede- H grn Send Lox Sand -- Tmut Ohsened in Peach Lbw COMIl - HqR SMd North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 ' yea ILA- . —� ' WWTP Discharge Outfall Cor>iluenoe at Sf N3" 0000 CD • 0 CD 4 Cil C. I NOTE& r w-6 , W ft'ik Trtr-rt 06mervatiws 1. Latel rnpr trout lotauon symhd represents IndMdualsw�a7vtia batkpackefettrofisher atapprcalmate raui xccaram —F.,fl sample Brad br_ahon during sampling evaiL r a in Goo August 2D22 2. Malonty of trout (8 of 13) were collected apprcmimately OOo to t200 feet above odrdluem-a �f (Station Oo00)and onhy 2 trout waeunacoea at or dowrtsmeam cf the confluence. .JfYf 1:25M 5c0emt& M22 1. Trout were cbserved In or near rlftleyooml structure sequeneesarer cobble-dorrilnated substrate. ]enuarr 2023 4- Trost abservatlons deplcted on this figure Lidude those from each Df the three sampling tents (VugLsc 2W2, FIGURE 5. Trout Observations and Physical Hahiral September 2422• and )anuary 2023j- North Fork of the Catawba River SaKber Heaflhcare Gurporab'ora McDowell Gounty� NDIM GxDkna Jacobs 3-5 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 3.1.2 Physical Habitat Assessment Physical habitat assessments were conducted in conjunction with in -situ water quality monitoring during the August 2022 monitoring event (Table 5). Habitat notes were taken in 100-ft intervals at the same point where in -stream temperature monitoring took place. Following the 100-ft assessment intervals, an overall qualitative habitat assessment was performed for the downstream and upstream reaches. Habitat was found to generally be similar downstream and upstream of the permitted outfall with few differences. Figure 5 depicts the observed habitats in the primary study area. Appendix B provides photographs of stream habitats at each of the 100-ft assessment intervals. Table 5. Primary Study Area Physical Habitat Assessment Scores — August 2022 Parameter2 Stream Reach Average Score' Downstream of Outfall (-1800 to 0000) Upstream of Outfall (0000 to +1800) Epifaunal substrate and instream cover 16 19 Embeddedness 17 18 Velocity and depth regimes 19 17 Sediment deposition 17 18 Channel flow status 20 20 Channel alteration 17 19 Riffle frequency 16 19 Bank stability 15 18 Bank vegetative protection3 14 16 Riparian vegetative zone3 14 17 Total score4 165 181 Qualitative condition category Optimal Optimal ' Out of a possible 20 points. 2 Streams are characterized as high gradient streams. 3 Incorporates left bank and right bank scores. 4 Out of a possible 200 points. The downstream portion of the sampled reach averaged 28 ft wide and 1.6 ft deep. Substrate was primarily comprised of cobble and sand with interspersed boulders and bedrock, particularly in slower runs between riffles. The stream followed a typical riffle/pool sequence expected to be seen in Blue Ridge ecoregion streams. Banks were generally intact, with localized erosion seen on some outer bends, and floodplain continuity was subsequently positive as well. Canopy cover ranged from 0-100% with average cover of 56%, providing ample shade throughout the reach. Upstream of the outfall the stream widens and becomes shallower with fewer pools, averaging 55 ft wide and 0.9 ft deep. Substrate continues to be dominated by cobble and sand, though fewer boulders and bedrock are present than downstream of the outfall. The upstream end of the segment is dominated by a prolonged glide between riffle sequences, and riffles in this area were typically longer than those found downstream. Canopy cover was slightly less on average in this portion of the stream (33%), which may contribute to more periphyton and algae observed within the reach. Similar to downstream, banks were generally intact with few erosional impacts noted. 3-6 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Overall, the downstream and upstream portions of the survey reach were similar with ample trout habitat observed within each reach. Trout were most often found in runs and pools below riffles in areas of high cobble. Sand -dominated glides and pools within each reach were dominated by non-salmonids. Both the upstream and downstream reaches scored within the "optimal" category for mountain stream habitats (Table 5). 3.1.3 Water Quality Assessment The North Cove Facility's wastewater treatment plant is classified as "Exceptionally Performing" according to NCDEQ published standards, indicating the facility consistently achieves treatment performance better than regulatory requirements for target parameters. Analyzing water quality data for the effluent for a recent five-year period, NCDEQ (2022) found average dissolved oxygen of 7.64 mg/L, above the regulatory standard of 6.0 mg/L for Trout waters. Other parameters showed excellent performance: average values for biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and total suspended solids were all at least an order of magnitude below currently permitted requirements. pH varied between 6.4 to 7.6, within the regulatory standard for Class B waters and comparable to USEPA secondary drinking water standards. Conductivity averaged 1,283.14 pS/cm, within the typical range for freshwater of <1,500-2,000 pS/cm. Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) from the study period months indicate that the effluent dissolved oxygen averaged 7.47 mg/L in August 2022, 7.25 mg/L in September 2022, and 8.04 mg/L in January 2023. Conductivity averaged 1,523.47 NS/cm in August 2022, 1,306.43 pS/cm in September 2022, and 1,269.86 pS/cm in January 2023. To better understand the water quality of the effluent and river, water quality data were collected during each of the three survey events at 100-ft increments within the primary study area. The in -situ measurements were collected to provide instantaneous information on water quality that may influence biological community assessment results. Table 6 presents a summary of the in -situ water quality data collected during each event including temperature, DO, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. Water quality values were averaged for the Upstream stations (+0100 to +1800) and Downstream stations (-0100 to - 1800). All locations and stations are shown as the average of middle, left bank, and right bank measurements, except for the outfall (OF1), which was a single location. Detailed water quality data from each 100-ft station and outfall station (OF1) for each event are provided in Appendix C. Table 7 provides further refinement of comparisons of water temperatures during each of the survey events. Mean temperatures are provided for the downstream stream segments in 500-ft intervals for the purpose of comparison to the upstream mean values. The change (delta) for those segments was calculated and a cumulative change provided for addition of the 500-ft segments moving downstream. Figure 6 provides a temperature map of the primary study area for each of the survey events. Temperatures are shown in 1 °C increments with variations across the channel width (left bank, middle, and right bank values) depicted as various sized circles. Late Summer — August 22 — 24, 2022 During the late summer event, mean dissolved oxygen (DO) values were within similar ranges across upstream and downstream stations and at the confluence station (0000). DO values were lower at the outfall (OF1) due to increased temperatures of the effluent. Lower DO values were observed within the immediate vicinity of the outfall (OF1) but were still greater than 6.0 mg/L. DO values increased and were similar to values at all other upstream and downstream stations at the confluence of the effluent channel and the river (Station 0000). Mean pH values were slightly higher upstream than at the outfall, confluence, and downstream stations. Specific conductivity was highest at the outfall with the confluence 3-7 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment - 2022/2023 and downstream stations showing elevated values compared to the upstream stations. Turbidity values were near zero at all locations (Table 6). Temperature of the outfall effluent was 29.6 °C during late summer 2022 and had fallen to 22.1 °C at the confluence of the outfall (0000) (Table 6). The mean upstream temperature values were 21.7 °C during this event which was greater than the regulatory threshold of 20 °C (Figure 6). Downstream 500-ft stream intervals reported similar mean temperature values as the confluence station (0000) and ranged from 21.7 to 22.2 °C (Table 7). The difference (delta) in downstream mean temperature values compared to upstream values showed slight increases. Deltas were greatest at the confluence station and the 500-ft downstream interval (+0.4 and +0.5 °C respectively). The 600-ft to 1000-ft and the 1 100-ft to 1500-ft segments were only slightly elevated (+0.3 and +0.1 °C, respectively) above the upstream temperature values (Table 7). Fall - September 13 - 15, 2022 During the fall event, mean DO values were within similar ranges across upstream and downstream stations and at the confluence station (0000). DO values were lower at the outfall (OF1) due to increased temperatures of the effluent. Lower DO values were observed within the immediate vicinity of the outfall (OF1) but were still greater than 6.0 mg/L. DO values increased and were similar to values at all other upstream and downstream stations at the confluence of the effluent channel and the river (Station 0000). Mean pH values were similar at all stations, with only a slight increase upstream compared to other Locations. Specific conductivity was again highest at the outfall with the confluence and downstream stations showing elevated values compared to the upstream stations. Turbidity values were low (<l0 NTU) at all stations but were greatest at the outfall (OF1). Turbidity values quickly decreased by the confluence station and were near zero downstream, similar to upstream values (Table 6). Temperature of the outfall effluent was 27.9 °C during the fall 2022 event and had fallen to 17.4 °C at the confluence of the outfall (0000) (Table 6). Mean temperature values in the primary study area were slightly cooler during the fall 2022 event than the previous late summer 2022 event (Figure 6). The mean upstream temperature values were 16.9 °C during this event. Mean temperatures at upstream, confluence, and downstream stations were all below the regulatory threshold of 20 °C (Figure 6). Downstream 500-ft stream intervals reported similar mean temperature values as the confluence station (0000) and ranged from 17.0 to 17.3 °C (Table 7). The difference (delta) in downstream mean temperature values compared to upstream values showed slight increases. Deltas were greatest at the confluence station (+0.6 'Q. Deltas for the 500-ft downstream intervals mean temperature values were only slightly above the upstream values (+0.2, +0.2, and +0.1 °C, respectively) (Table 7). Winter - January 23 - 26, 2023 During the winter event, mean dissolved oxygen values were within similar ranges across upstream and downstream stations and at the confluence of the outfall. DO values were lower at the outfall (OF1) due to increased temperatures of the effluent but were still greater than 6.0 mg/L. DO values increased and were similar to values at all other upstream and downstream stations at the confluence of the effluent channel and the river (Station 0000). Mean pH values were similar at all stations, with only a slight increase upstream compared to other locations. Specific conductivity was again highest at the outfall with the confluence and downstream stations showing elevated values compared to the upstream stations. Turbidity values were low (<10 NTU) at all stations but were greatest at the outfall (OF1). Turbidity values were zero at all locations (Table 6). Temperature of the outfall effluent was 22.0 °C during the winter 2023 event and river temperature had fallen to 8.2 °C at the confluence of the outfall (Table 6). Mean temperature values in the primary study 3-8 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment - 2022/2023 area were much cooler during the winter 2023 event than the two survey events (Figure 6). The mean upstream temperature values were 7.4 °C during this event. Mean temperatures at upstream, confluence, and downstream stations were all below the regulatory threshold of 20 °C (Figure 6). The difference (delta) in downstream mean temperature values compared to upstream values showed zero or very slight increases. Deltas were greatest at the confluence station (+0.8 'Q. Downstream 500-ft stream intervals reported similar mean temperature values as the upstream values (+0.1, 0.0, and +0.1 °C, respectively) (Table 7). Table 6. In -situ Water Quality Summary Stream Reach Station Mean Values' Temperature (°C)z DO (mg/L) pH (SU) Conductivity (MS/cm) Turbidity (NTU) August 22 - 24, 2022 Upstream +0100 to +1800 21.7 8.94 8.04 0.093 0.1 Outfall2 OP 29.6 6.94 7.74 1.449 0.0 Confluence 0000 22.1 8.74 7.98 0.102 0.0 Downstream -0100 to -1800 21.9 8.52 7.85 0.279 0.3 September 13 - 15, 2022 Upstream +0100 to +1800 16.9 9.70 7.72 0.073 0.2 Outfall2 OP 27.9 7.62 7.49 1.523 8.27 Confluence 0000 17.4 9.63 7.56 0.109 1.64 Downstream -0100 to -1800 17.0 9.51 7.54 0.154 0.3 January 23 - 26, 2023 Upstream +0100 to +1800 7.4 12.30 7.74 0.058 0.0 Outfall2 OP 22.0 9.21 7.50 1.099 0.0 Confluence 0000 7.2 12.32 7.64 0.159 0.0 Downstream -0100 to -1800 7.54 12.93 7.46 0.104 0.0 °C = degrees Celsius mg/L = milligram(s) per liter NTU = nephelometric turbidity unit mS/cm = miRi5iemens per centimeter SU = standard unit ' Mean values are averages of all stations within stream reach 2 Outfall OF1 Station is directly at the outfall discharge 3-9 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment - 2022/2023 Table 7. In -situ Water Temperature Ranqes and Delta (♦) from Upstream Reach Mean Temperature ♦ Mean (Temperature Temperature from ♦ Cumulative Mean Stream Reach Station Range) (°C)' Upstream (°C) from Upstream (°C) August 22 - 24, 2022 21.7 Upstream +0100 to +1800 (21.1 - 22.7) Outfallb OF1 29.6 +7.9 Confluence 0000 22.1 +0.4 (21.1 - 24) Downstream 500 ft 0000 to -0500 22.2 +0.5 +0.5 (22.1 - 22.3) Downstream 600 to 1000 ft -0600 to -1000 22.0 +0.3 +0.4 (21.9 - 22.5) Downstream 1100 to 1500 ft -1100 to -1500 21.7 +0.1 +0.3 (21.6 - 21.9) September 13 - 15, 2022 16.9 Upstream +0100 to +1800 (16.4 - 17.9) Outfallb OF1 27.9 +11.0 Confluence 0000 17.4 +0.6 (16.5-19.1) Downstream 500 ft 0000 to -0500 17.1 +0.2 +0.2 (17.0 - 17.3) Downstream 600 to 1000 ft -0600 to -1000 17.1 +0.2 +0.2 (17.0 - 17.3) Downstream 1 100 to 1500 ft -1100 to -1500 17.0 +0.1 +0.2 (16.9 - 17.0) January 23 - 26, 2023 Upstream +0100 to +1800 7.4 (7.0 - 8.3) Outfallb OF1 22.0 +14.6 Confluence 0000 8 +0.8 (7 2) Downstream 500 ft 0000 to -0500 7.4 +0.1 +0.1 (7.1 - 7.6) Downstream 600 to 1000 ft -0600 to -1000 7.4 +0.0 +0.0 (7.2 - 7.6) 3-10 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 i ame i. in -situ wafer i emperature ranges ana ueuta k A) from upstream Keacn Mean Temperature ♦ Mean (Temperature Temperature from ♦ Cumulative Mean Stream Reach Station Range) (°C)' Upstream (°C) from Upstream (°C) August 22 — 24, 2022 Downstream 1 100 to 1500 ft -1100 to -1500 (7 4 � 6) +0.1 +0.1 °C = degrees Celsius mg/L = milligrams) per liter NTU = nephelometric turbidity unit mS/cm = milliSiemens per centimeter SU = standard unit aMean values are averages of all stations within stream reach boutfall OF Station is directly at the outfall discharge 3-11 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 4. Summary and Conclusions Trout were present in all three of the survey events (August 2022, September 2022, and January 2023). All trout were brown trout and were considered hatchery raised stocked fish that were introduced to the primary study area near the Baxter facility from NCDWR summary stocking (latest July 2022). No native trout species were observed. The greatest number of brown trout observed (eight individuals) was during the late summer (August 2022) survey event. Numbers of brown trout (two individuals) then fell quickly by the fall (September 2022) survey event, and only one brown trout was reported from the winter (January 2023) survey event. These observations indicate that hatchery stocked trout do disperse into the primary study area from the stocking location upstream at SR 1549 bridge (North Cove School Road). Physical stream habitats were qualitatively described during the August 2022 event and metrics scored using standard methodologies. Habitat scores for both the downstream and upstream segments of the primary study area were within the "optimal" range, and the stream followed the riffle/pool sequence typical of Blue Ridge ecoregion streams. The physical habitats surveyed within the primary study area are suitable for native and stocked trout species. Water quality information was collected during each of the three survey events at the 100-ft station intervals. Mean water quality values indicated that for most parameters (DO, pH, and turbidity), stations upstream of the Baxter effluent outfall were similar to stations downstream. Water quality values were appropriate for trout species throughout the primary study area, and no evidence of influence from effluent discharges could be detected at monitoring stations other than slight increases in temperature and reciprocal lower dissolved oxygen within 100 ft downstream of the outfall (Station OF1). Mean temperatures were above the 20 °C regulatory threshold for trout waters at all locations (upstream and downstream stations) during the August 2022 event. These increased temperature values throughout the primary study area (both upstream and downstream of the outfall) indicate that, during the warmer periods of the year, ambient stream conditions are likely not supportive of native and hatchery stocked trout species and may not meet the State's definition for a trout waters to "support year-round maintenance of stocked trout". Stream temperatures elevated above ambient stream temperatures were only observed at the outfall station (OF1) and within 100 ft downstream of the outfall, indicating a very small thermal footprint from the effluent discharge. During the fall (September) and winter (January) survey events, stream temperatures in the primary study area both upstream and downstream of the outfall were below the 20 °C regulatory threshold. Stream temperatures elevated above ambient stream temperatures were only observed at the outfall station (OF1). Stream temperatures were similar to ambient stream temperatures at Station 0000 downstream of the outfall, indicating a very small thermal footprint from the effluent discharge during both of these survey events. The effects of the heated discharge water from the Baxter effluent outfall appear to be limited to only the outfall and stations within 100 ft downstream. Increased temperatures were not detectable at or below Station 0000 and downstream stations. During each of the three survey events, only the outfall station (OF1) recorded differences (delta) compared to upstream mean temperature values of greater than 2.8 °C, which is required by NCDEQ standards for natural waters. Further, only the outfall (OF1; all three events) and the confluence station (0000; fall and winter events) exceeded a delta of 0.5 °C compared to upstream values, as is required by the NCDEQ standards for a designated trout water. Mean water temperatures within the first 500-ft downstream interval of sampling stations met or was below all NCDEQ standards for temperature deltas for each of the three events. 4-1 Consistent with the lower elevation of the study reach relative to stream headwaters, stream temperatures throughout the primary study area were above the 20 °C regulatory threshold for trout species during the August event. These increased values at all stations (both upstream and downstream of the outfall) indicate that during summer months, river temperatures driven by ambient air temperatures, are not supportive for native or stocked trout species. While these species may tolerate temperatures above the regulatory threshold, these naturally increased temperatures likely reduce the preference for habitats and survivability of the stocked trout species within this reach of the North Fork of the Catawba River, as evidenced by the declining observations of stocked trout, even as ambient river temperatures decreased during subsequent survey events. Stocked brown trout were collected just below the outfall at Station 0000 during August when in -stream temperatures were 22.1 °C but were not collected at this location in subsequent, cooler -temperature survey events. These data indicate that, regardless of Baxter's discharge, neither native trout species nor stocked trout species are indigenous to this portion of the receiving stream, due to naturally elevated ambient summer water temperatures. The data also suggests that, throughout the year, the effect of Baxter's discharge is Limited to the first 100 ft of the receiving water that is downstream of the outfall. The active stocking of three trout species for recreational purposes further demonstrates that native brook trout populations are considered absent or below the ability to be managed by NCWRC within the main stem of the North Fork of the Catawba River from the upper reaches of the watershed downstream to the SR 1569 North Cove School Road bridge. In addition, the stocked species of trout are managed to be sterile and are not capable of becoming part of the indigenous fish population in this portion of the receiving water. Remnants of stocked trout fisheries appear to persist beyond stocking events, but these species are not, and are not intended to be, a self-sustaining community. Their presence in the river diminishes over time either through dispersal into other habitats, recreational culling, or natural mortality. 4-2 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 5. References Barbour, M.T., K.J. Gerrisen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish, Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Water; Washington DC. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). 2013. Standard Operating Procedure Biological Monitoring Stream Fish Community Assessment Program. https://fi[es.nc.gov/ncdeg/document-library/IBI%20Methods.2013.FinaL.pdf. Accessed August 2022. NCDENR. 2010. Catawba River Basinwide Water Quality Plan. https://deg.nc.gov/about/divisions/water- resources/planning/basin-planning/water-resource-plans/catawba-2010. Accessed October 2022. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). 2022. Draft Fact Sheet NPDES Permit No. NC0006564. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). 2023. Classifications. https://deg.nc.Qov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-planning/classification- standards/classifications. Accessed February 2023. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). 2022a. 2022 Trout Schedule. https://www.ncwiLdLife.org/Portals/O/Fishing/documents/2022/2022-Trout-ScheduLe.pdf. Accessed August 2022. NCWRC. 2022b. Marion State Fish Hatchery Staff personal communications. August 24, 2022. NCWRC. 2023. Marion State Fish Hatchery Staff personal communications. May 24, 2023. Plafkin, J.L., M.T. Barbour, K.D. Porter, S.K. Gross, and R.M Hughes. 1989. Rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and rivers: benthic m acroin vertebrates and fish. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Washington, DC. EPA 440-4-89-001. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2022. Stream Stats. https://streamstats.usgs.aov/ss/. Accessed November 2022. 5-1 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Appendix A Fish Community Photo Log Central stonerol ler (Campostoma anomalum) Whitetail shiner (Cyprinella galactura) Greenfin shiner (Cyprinella chloristia) Warpaint shiner (Luxiluscoccogenis) 'i ' d •r% 41% r Bluehead chub (Nocomisleptocephalus) r Creek chub (Semotilusatromaculatus i, ~ Spottail shiner (Notropishudsonius) White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) 1 Northern hogsucker (Hypentelium nigricans) Station ID: -1300 Margined madtom (Noturusinsignus) Snail bullhead (Ameiurusbrunneus) Brown trout (Salmo trutta) ��•i�i��isi�ii��► 1�f1+ .. • • •i • :• :00 s i�i • • - ��f��f�r�Rj�1j ••i ew ilk ,r IIj1``` - ■iiiiriii. .�.► r 11�� I�rP iii�ii�� r• •• �/,iFjr�®�« ,b��f/IdIH/f/I/R/Rs/�/�/I ,/ ', �I�i%��i►►i�rt `�0i0��1111HIL11lf►ii �N11111.11// !/ �/�jij��•iii�s��'� �'��`��IJfIR111/IOlffl��flfie�l / Iif j�j��'t��•�� rl�� l�llll f fNlAll f i % , f � Brown trout (Salmo trutta) Redbreast sunfish (Lepomisauratus) a ,- r c e. to I Green sunfish (Lepomiscyanellus) Bluegill (Lepomismacrochirus) Smallmouth bass(Micropterusdolomieu) Carolina fantail darter (Etheostoma brevispinum) North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Appendix B Physical Habitats Photo Log 1 _ e ow-',77 ref, Frle. Station ID: -1400 August 2022 Station ID: -1300 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: -1200 August 2022 August 2022 a j. January 2023 Station I D: -1100 h I k tl g ppqq January 2023 Station ID: -1000 August 2022 Station ID: -0900 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: -0800 August 2022 August 2022 January 2023 Station ID: -0700 i 3r 0 T January 2023 Station ID: -0600 r 1. August 2022 Station ID: -0500 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: -0400 August 2022 Station ID: -0300 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: -0200 0,o 4 September 2022 Station ID: -0100 !-L August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Looking Downstream of Outfall August 2022 Station ID: Outfall Discharge August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: 0000 August 2022 Station ID: +0100 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: +0200 August 2022 Station ID: +0300 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: +0400 August 2022 Station ID: +0500 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: +0600 Imm August 2022 Station ID: +0700 La August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: +0800 August 2022 Station ID: +0900 W% v August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station ID: +1200 August 2022 Station ID: +1300 January 2023 kw >s August 2022 January 2023 Station ID: + 1400 August 2022 Station ID: +1500 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station I D: + 1600 August 2022 Station ID: +1700 August 2022 January 2023 January 2023 Station I D: + 1800 August 2022 January 2023 Station ID: Compliance Monitoring - Lake James January 2023 August 2022 North Fork Catawba River Trout Waters Assessment — 2022/2023 Appendix C Detailed Water Quality Data Baxter Healthcare Corp. North Cove Facility North Fork of the Catawba River In -Situ Water Quality August 22, 2022 Station Time Temperature (°C) Middle Left Bank Right Bank Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Specific Conductivity (MS/cm) pH Turbidity (NTU) -1800 945 21.6 21.6 21.6 8.31 0.290 7.84 4.7 -1700 950 21.6 21.6 21.6 8.49 0.288 7.80 0.0 -1600 952 21.6 21.6 21.6 8.42 0.288 7.84 0.0 -1500 955 21.6 21.6 21.6 8.47 0.288 7.82 0.0 -1400 957 21.7 21.7 21.7 8.49 0.287 7.84 0.0 -1300 1000 21.7 21.7 21.7 8.51 0.286 7.80 0.0 -1200 1005 21.8 21.8 21.8 8.58 0.287 7.89 0.0 -1100 1008 21.9 21.9 21.9 8.61 0.286 7.91 0.0 -1000 1012 22.0 21.9 22.5 8.80 0.285 7.95 0.0 -900 1015 21.9 21.9 22.5 8.58 0.285 7.83 0.0 -800 1018 21.9 21.9 21.9 8.41 0.284 7.80 0.0 -700 1021 21.9 22.0 21.9 8.42 0.283 7.77 0.0 -600 1028 22.0 22.0 22.0 8.46 0.278 7.82 0.0 -500 1031 22.1 22.1 22.1 8.53 0.271 7.86 0.0 -400 1035 22.1 22.2 22.2 8.58 0.268 7.84 0.0 -300 1039 22.2 22.2 22.3 8.56 0.267 7.83 0.0 -200 1042 22.2 22.1 22.2 8.52 0.272 7.89 0.0 -100 1047 22.1 22.2 22.3 8.60 0.237 7.92 0.0 0000 1051 21.2 21.1 24.0 8.74 0.102 7.98 0.0 OF1 1055 29.6 29.6 29.6 6.94 1.449 7.74 0.0 +100 1100 21.2 21.1 22.2 8.83 0.092 8.02 0.0 +200 1103 21.2 21.2 22.3 9.05 0.092 8.00 0.0 +300 1107 21.3 21.2 21.9 9.02 0.092 8.03 0.0 +400 1111 21.3 21.3 21.6 9.01 0.092 8.07 0.0 +500 1115 21.4 21.4 21.5 8.97 0.092 8.07 0.0 +600 1118 21.5 21.5 21.6 8.97 0.093 8.04 0.0 +700 1121 21.6 21.5 21.8 9.08 0.092 8.12 0.0 +800 1126 21.6 21.6 21.7 9.09 0.093 8.11 0.0 +900 1131 21.6 21.6 21.6 9.04 0.093 8.09 0.0 +1000 1135 21.7 21.6 21.7 9.07 0.093 8.02 1.3 +1100 1138 21.9 21.6 21.7 9.02 0.093 8.24 0.0 +1200 1143 21.7 21.7 21.8 9.10 0.093 7.98 0.0 +1300 1148 21.8 21.8 21.9 8.70 0.093 8.03 0.0 +1400 1152 21.8 22.2 21.8 8.92 0.093 8.03 1.3 +1500 1155 21.8 21.7 21.9 8.71 0.093 7.96 0.0 +1600 1158 21.7 21.6 21.8 8.73 0.093 7.94 0.0 +1700 1200 21.7 21.7 22.3 8.68 0.093 7.94 0.0 +1800 1 1204 1 21.9 21.8 22.7 8.84 0.093 8.04 0.0 Baxter Healthcare Corp. North Cove Facility North Fork of the Catawba River In -Situ Water Quality September 13, 2022 Station Time Middle Temperature (°C) Left Bank Right Bank Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Specific Conductivity (MS/CM) pH Turbidity (NTU) -1800 933 16.9 16.8 16.8 9.46 0.155 6.98 0.0 -1700 937 16.9 16.9 16.8 9.52 0.155 7.32 3.7 -1600 940 16.9 16.8 16.9 9.51 0.155 7.51 0.0 -1500 943 16.9 16.9 16.9 9.49 0.155 7.55 0.0 -1400 945 16.9 16.9 16.9 9.51 0.154 7.54 0.0 -1300 947 17.0 17.0 17.0 9.51 0.155 7.61 0.0 -1200 950 17.0 17.0 17.0 9.52 0.153 7.59 1.5 -1100 953 17.0 16.9 17.0 9.54 0.154 7.63 0.0 -1000 956 17.0 17.0 17.1 9.55 0.155 7.58 0.0 -900 959 17.0 17.0 17.1 9.53 0.157 7.63 0.0 -800 1002 17.0 17.0 17.0 9.45 0.155 7.61 0.0 -700 1004 17.0 17.3 17.0 9.48 0.156 7.60 0.0 -600 1008 17.1 17.0 17.1 9.45 0.157 7.45 0.0 -500 1011 17.1 17.1 17.3 9.49 0.156 7.59 0.0 -400 1013 17.1 17.0 17.1 9.51 0.157 7.59 0.0 -300 1016 17.1 17.1 17.3 9.52 0.154 7.57 0.0 -200 1020 17.2 17.1 17.2 9.51 0.160 7.66 0.0 -100 1023 17.0 17.1 17.1 9.58 0.132 7.65 0.0 0000 1028 16.7 16.5 19.1 9.63 0.109 7.56 1.6 OF1 1032 27.9 - - 7.62 1.523 7.49 8.3 +100 1037 16.6 16.4 16.7 9.75 0.071 7.91 0.0 +200 1040 16.6 16.6 16.8 9.76 0.072 7.74 0.0 +300 1043 16.7 16.6 17.0 9.74 0.072 7.71 0.0 +400 1046 16.7 16.7 16.9 9.73 0.071 7.75 0.0 +500 1055 16.8 16.8 16.9 9.73 0.072 7.71 0.0 +600 1059 16.8 16.8 16.9 9.72 0.071 7.74 0.0 +700 1102 16.8 16.9 17.1 9.72 0.071 7.75 0.0 +800 1105 16.9 16.9 17.0 9.74 0.073 7.72 1.0 +900 1107 16.9 16.8 16.9 9.74 0.073 7.79 0.0 +1000 1112 16.8 16.7 17.0 9.64 0.074 7.74 0.0 +1100 1114 16.8 16.5 16.9 9.73 0.074 7.76 0.0 +1200 1117 16.9 16.8 17.0 9.72 0.074 7.66 0.0 +1300 1121 16.9 16.8 17.0 9.67 0.074 7.68 0.0 +1400 1124 16.9 16.9 17.1 9.65 0.075 7.40 0.0 +1500 1126 17.0 16.9 17.1 9.64 0.075 7.69 1.0 +1600 1128 17.0 16.9 17.1 9.64 0.075 7.73 1.2 +1700 1130 17.0 17.0 17.1 9.61 0.075 7.71 0.0 +1800 1133 17.1 17.1 17.9 9.63 0.075 7.73 0.0 Baxter Healthcare Corp. North Cove Facility North Fork of the Catawba River In -Situ Water Quality January 23, 2023 Station Time Middle Temperature (°C) Left Bank Right Bank Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Specific Conductivity (MS/cm) pH Turbidity (NTU) -1800 1052 7.4 7.4 7.4 13.30 0.117 7.53 0.0 -1700 1055 7.4 7.4 7.5 12.93 0.106 7.45 0.0 -1600 1056 7.4 7.3 7.4 12.94 0.107 7.51 0.0 -1500 1058 7.4 7.4 7.4 12.92 0.106 7.51 0.0 -1400 1058 7.5 7.6 7.6 12.90 0.107 7.43 0.0 -1300 1100 7.5 7.5 7.5 12.91 0.107 7.39 0.0 -1200 1101 7.5 7.6 7.5 12.92 0.105 7.42 0.0 -1100 1102 7.5 7.5 7.5 12.93 0.105 7.44 0.0 -1000 1103 7.5 7.5 7.5 12.92 0.105 7.43 0.0 -900 1105 7.5 7.6 7.5 12.89 0.106 7.29 0.0 -800 1106 7.4 7.5 7.4 12.95 0.103 7.24 0.0 -700 1108 7.4 7.3 7.3 12.95 0.102 7.37 0.0 -600 1109 7.4 7.4 7.2 12.96 0.104 7.40 0.0 -500 1111 7.4 7.4 7.4 12.72 0.103 7.60 0.0 -400 1112 7.5 7.5 7.6 12.77 0.102 7.55 0.0 -300 1113 7.5 7.4 7.5 12.84 0.104 7.51 0.0 -200 1114 7.5 7.5 7.6 12.96 0.093 7.61 0.0 -100 1116 7.4 7.1 7.4 12.95 0.096 7.53 0.0 0000 1119 7.2 10.2 7.1 12.32 0.159 7.64 0.0 OF1 1122 22.0 9.21 1.099 7.50 0.0 +100 1124 7.4 7.4 7.4 12.42 0.058 7.71 0.0 +200 1125 7.3 7.0 7.3 12.34 0.058 7.83 0.0 +300 1128 7.3 7.0 7.3 12.51 0.058 7.75 0.0 +400 1130 7.3 7.2 7.3 12.47 0.057 7.75 0.0 +500 1131 7.3 7.2 7.3 12.36 0.057 7.69 0.0 +600 1132 7.3 7.3 7.3 12.37 0.057 7.69 0.0 +700 1133 7.3 7.2 7.2 12.29 0.058 7.75 0.0 +800 1135 7.4 7.5 7.6 12.39 0.057 7.81 0.0 +900 1136 7.4 8.3 7.3 12.30 0.058 7.68 0.0 +1000 1139 7.4 7.4 7.5 12.26 0.058 7.77 0.0 +1100 1140 7.4 7.4 7.3 12.05 0.058 7.74 0.0 +1200 1142 7.4 7.4 7.4 12.15 0.058 7.75 0.0 +1300 1144 7.4 7.4 7.4 12.28 0.058 7.76 0.0 +1400 1145 7.4 7.3 7.4 12.29 0.058 7.72 0.0 +1500 1146 7.4 7.4 7.5 12.20 0.058 7.77 0.0 +1600 1148 7.5 7.5 7.7 12.23 0.058 7.70 0.0 +1700 1149 7.5 7.5 7.5 12.22 0.058 7.69 0.0 +1800 1151 7.6 7.6 7.6 12.21 0.058 7.74 0.0