YAD 2016 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ANSON 03040201 34.922778 -80.018611 262 No
BAILEY CR SR 1811 QF130 04/11/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 13.5 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.6 12.5 no data 11.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 5.2
2001 58.1 23.0 4.6 9.3 7.9 1.4 0.2 0.1
2006 56.0 23.0 4.6 9.2 10.1 1.3 0.2 0.2
1.3 0.2 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 55.6 23.0 4.6 9.3 10.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)90 96 98
pH (s.u.)6.1 5.2 6.3
Temperature (°C)16.1 12.9 11.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.3 9.3 10.4
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)56
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/11/16 2016-02 20 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear, became very turbid.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.
04/06/11 2011-02 14 52 Good
04/10/06 2006-08 14 44 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains southeast Anson County, including the eastern portion of the Town of Wadesboro; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; borders the
Triassic Basin; tributary to North Fork Jones Creek and ultimately the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitats since last
assessment in 2011; an atypical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with no angular or slick rock substrates; well-shaded; gravel riffles and gravel bars; Fissidens
(rare); Cat Brier and Oriental Privet in the riparian zones; sewer right-of-way along the left (west) bank; livestock continue to be fenced out along both sides of
the stream; Total Habitat Scores range 43-62. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated from urban and agricultural runoff, stable during that past
four assessments, range 82-98 µS/cm. 2016 -- total species richness the greatest since 2001; several species (e.g., Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Whitemouth
Shiner, Flat Bullhead, and Margined Madtom) have re-colonized the site since the droughts resulting in an increase in the NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating;
Satinfin Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Highback Chub new to the site; Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes lower than expected (35%) which often
indicates that the community is still recovering from extreme flow eventss (droughts or scouring floods). 1996-2016 -- 27 species known from the site including 2
exotic, 2 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker (Creek Chubsucker) species; intolerant species (Piedmont Darter and Highback Chub) are rare at this site (n=7 since
1996); dominant species are the Bluehead Chub and Redlip Shiner; Percentage of Tolerant Fish stable (range 14-17%), except in 2001 (5%); since 2001, the
Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores has declined from 48% to 28% and the Percentage of Insectivores has increased from 47% to 69%, primarily due to a
decrease in the dominance by the omnivorous Bluehead Chub which indicates a decreased in nonpoint nutrient runoff; decline in the NCIBI score and rating in
2006 may have been due to low flow conditions. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species Redlip Shiner (n=60, 32%)Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=2)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/06/01 2001-06 20 52 Good
04/15/96 96-14 19 52 Good
Watershed -- drains northwestern Montgomery and southwestern Randolph counties; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the
Uwharrie River, site is ~ 0.8 miles above the creek's confluence with the river; impervious land accounts for only 0.1% of its watershed. Habitat -- no change in
the high quality instream or riparian habitat habitats since last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with angular bedrock and slick
boulders; short riffles with Podostemum; deep pool at the end of the reach; Total Habitat Scores range 85-96. Water Quality -- specific conductance greater
under low flow (2011) than under normal/high flow conditions (62 vs. 41-52 µS/cm, respectively) and typical of a mostly forested watershed. 2016 -- decrease in
the Percentage of Tolerant Fish (primarily Redbreast Sunfish) resulted in a 2-point increase in the NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI Rating and no change in the
water quality. 1996-2016 -- 26 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub
(1996, 1997, 2006, 2011), Redbreast Sunfish (2001, 2011), and Redlip Shiner (2016); stable trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 25-
31% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 68-74%); 1996 sample was atypical and collected at the bridge; 1997 data were collected after low flows in 1997
preceded by very high flows in 1996; consistently rated Excellent during the past 15 years. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this
regional reference and ORW site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=128,
37%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and
Smallmouth Bass (n=2, each)
Imperiled
Species None
04/22/96 96-25 10 48 Good
Data Analysis
04/16/01 2001-16 16 54 Excellent
10/17/97 97-86 12 44 Good-Fair
06/06/11 2011-28 19 54 Excellent
05/09/06 2006-35 17 58 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/26/16 2016-18 14 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - cobble, boulder, bedrock, and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)89
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)51 62 52
pH (s.u.)6.4 5.5 6.6
Temperature (°C)14.2 22.9 18.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.2 6.2 9.4
0.4 0.0 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 80.8 1.8 0.1 7.4 9.4
2006 83.5 1.8 0.1 7.4 6.7 0.4 0.0 0.2
2001 82.2 1.8 0.1 8.0 7.4 0.4 0.0 0.2
Wetland Water Barren
1992 95.0 0.0 no data 3.1 no data 0.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 1.5
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 23.1 6 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040103 35.438677 -79.999352 333 Yes
BARNES CR SR 1303 QF102 04/26/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains southwest Wilkes and a small section of northeast Caldwell counties; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; borders the
Eastern Blue Ridge Foothills; tributary to W. Scott Kerr Reservoir (Yadkin River). Habitat -- no change in the lower quality instream and riparian habitats since
last assessment in 2011, except the erosion on the left bank is even more severe than in 2011 and is trying to be stabilized with logs and branches; pools were
primarily snags and undercuts; gravel runs and riffles; bedrock shelves; side coarse woody debris deadfalls; row crops planted beyond the riparian zone on the
left which has severe bank erosion; poor riparian land management; stream is classified as C;Tr, but not a trout-quality stream; Total Habitat Scores range 49-
55. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and surprisingly low for an localized agricultural area (range 42-57 µS/cm), but the watershed remains 84%
forested. 2016 -- a slightly more balanced trophic structure (25% Omnivores+Herbivores and 75% Insectivores) resulted in a 4-point increase in the NCIBI
Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class improvement; all metrics scored a "5", except for Percentage of Piscivores (0.2%, "1"); 1 of 5 sites where Redbreast
Sunfish, a widely distributed and abundant species was not found; Redear Sunfish new to the site. 1996-2016 -- an abundant (n=409-537 since 2001) and
species-rich community with 24 species known from the site including 7 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Redlip Shiner
(1996, 2016) and Bluehead Chub (2001-2011); Percentage of Tolerant Fish relatively stable, range 10-19%; piscivores (Brown Trout and Largemouth Bass)
extremely rare at this site, only 4 specimens out of 2,049 fish have been collected since 1996; only one trout (Brown Trout, 300 mm TL) has ever been collected
at this site which is classified as C; Tr; community has rated Good 4 out of 5 assessment cycles; no appreciable change in NCIBI Scores or NCIBI Ratings over
the past 20 years. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; bank stabilization and sediment source identification and reduction
within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=102,
25%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Warpaint
Shiner, and Redear Sunfish
(n=7, 4, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/18/01 2001-61 19 50 Good
05/21/96 96-56 14 50 Good
06/29/11 2011-54 19 52 Good
06/22/06 2006-94 18 52 Good
NCIBI Rating
06/27/16 2016-62 17 56 Excellent
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, gravel, cobble, and silt.Slightly Turbid, became extremely turbid.
Left Riparian Score (5)0
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)55
Bank Erosion (7)1
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)6
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)57 54 50
pH (s.u.)5.8 6.6 6.4
Temperature (°C)23.0 19.8 21.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.3 8.0 8.6
0.1 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 83.6 2.2 0.2 8.9 5.2
2006 84.7 2.2 0.2 8.9 4.1 0.1 0.0 0.0
2001 85.1 2.2 0.2 9.0 3.6 0.1 0.0 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 95.9 0.0 no data 4.0 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 17.4 6 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.074444 -81.352778 1071 No
BEAVER CR SR 1131 QF36 06/27/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RANDOLPH 03040103 35.610556 -79.956667 392 Yes
BETTY MCGEES CR SR 1107 QF105 04/29/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 7.7 5 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 91.6 0.0 no data 1.1 no data 0.8
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 6.3
2001 84.9 1.7 0.2 9.9 2.5 0.7 0.2 0.0
2006 85.1 1.7 0.2 9.8 2.5 0.7 0.2 0.0
0.7 0.2 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 81.0 1.7 0.2 9.8 6.6
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)90 110 105
pH (s.u.)6.3 5.7 6.6
Temperature (°C)14.0 16.9 19.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.0 7.5 7.4
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)72
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/29/16 2016-28 19 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, and clay.
05/17/11 2011-17 17 50 Good
05/08/06 2006-32 18 52 Good
Watershed -- drains southwestern Randolph County, including the northern portion of the USFS Uwharrie National Forest's Birkhead Wilderness Area; no
municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Uwharrie River, site is ~ 1.1 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the river.
Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt stream with short, narrow, and shallow
riffles; Fissidens; side snags and undercuts; a few pools; eroding banks with wide riparian zones but of poor quality (densely vegetated with Oriental Privet);
water withdrawal structure and concrete weir within reach may affect stream during low flow periods, Total Habitat Score range 72-81. Water Quality -- specific
conductance elevated for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 80% forested, range 88-110 µS/cm. 2016 -- the most species and fish (n=544)
ever collected at this site; 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class improvement resulted from a slightly greater Percentage of Piscivores
(0.55% vs. 0%) and a slightly greater Percentage of Species with Multiple Ages Classes (63% vs, 47%, indicating better recruitment) present in 2016 than in
2011; the community seems to have recovered from the droughts of 2007, 2008, and 2010; Satinfin Shiner and Brassy Jumprock new to the site. 1996-2016 --
23 species known from the site including 2 exotic, 1 intolerant, 3 darter, 3 sucker species, and one state-listed species of Special Concern (Carolina Darter,
which was collected in 2011 and 2016); dominant species are variable, including Bluehead Chub (1996, 2001, 2006), Highfin Shiner (2011), and Redbreast
Sunfish (2011, 2016); the intolerant Piedmont Darter and Fieryblack Shiner are absent from this watershed; NCIBI Scores have differed by only 4-points since
1996 and the NCIBI Ratings have varied from a medium Good to a low Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment in 2021 of this small
regional reference site.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=161,
30%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=17)Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern,
n=1)
Data Analysis
04/16/01 2001-15 15 52 Good
04/18/96 96-24 14 54 Excellent
06/22/06 2006-92 17 52 Good
Watershed -- drains northeast Wilkes County, just northwest of the Town of Ronda; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; direct tributary to
the Yadkin River. Habitats -- high gradient, mountain-like stream with boulder and bedrock plunge pools and bedrock shelves; Podostemum abundant in the
boulder riffles and on boulders and bedrock in the sun-lit areas; open canopy at the beginning of sample reach (powerline right of way); Total Habitat Scores 77
and 85 (in 2006). Water Quality -- specific conductance low for a stream whose watershed is more than 50% in agricultural uses, was 42 µS/cm in 2006. 2016 -
- the loss of Green Sunfish, Warmouth, and Largemouth Bass which are very rare at the site offset the slight improvement in the trophic metrics (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, 28% and Percentage of Insectivores, 72%) resulting in a 2-point increase in the NCIBI Rating and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement;
Fathead Minnow, White Crappie, and Warmouth new to the site. 2006 & 2016 -- a very abundant community (n=1189 and 619, respectively in 2006 and 2016);
20 species are known from the site, including 5 exotic, 2 intolerant, 2 darter, and 2 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2006) and Redlip
Shiner (2016), these two species accounted for 69% and 63% of all the fish collected in 2006 and 2016, respectively; no substantial change in the water quality
since 2006. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed
are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=226,
37%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Striped Jumprock, Central
Stoneroller, Fathead Minnow,
and White Crappie (n=14, 11,
1, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
07/11/16 2016-74 16 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, boulder, bedrock shelves, gravel, sand, and silt.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)78
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---42 44
pH (s.u.)---6.0 6.2
Temperature (°C)---20.6 21.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.8 8.9
0.0 0.2 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 40.7 4.5 0.5 47.9 6.6
2006 42.4 4.4 0.5 47.9 4.9 0.0 0.2 0.1
2001 43.0 4.4 0.5 48.6 3.9 0.0 0.1 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 59.5 0.1 no data 39.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 1.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 16.7 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.232500 -80.958333 989 No
BIG BUGABOO CR SR 1924 QF47 07/11/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CALDWELL 03040101 36.046111 -81.530278 1225 Yes
BUFFALO CR SR 1594 QF33 06/29/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.27.1 12 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 99.3 0.0 no data 0.7 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 94.4 2.6 0.1 2.3 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1
2006 94.4 2.6 0.1 2.4 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2010 2012 2016 Site Photograph
2011 94.1 2.6 0.1 2.4 0.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)30 33 30
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.1 5.7
Temperature (°C)16.3 18.0 19.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.9 8.2 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)91
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/29/16 2016-67 15 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, bedrock shelves, boulder, and gravel.
08/17/12 2012-90 13 52 Good
05/26/10 2010-29 12 46 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains the extreme northeast corner of Caldwell and the extreme southeast corner of Watauga counties; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers
in the watershed; headwater site located at Camp Carolwood; tributary to the Yadkin River; impervious land makes up only 0.1% of its watershed. Habitat -- no
change in the high quality instream and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011; Podostemum in the riffles; bedrock chutes; plunge, side, and mid-
channel pools; dark silts; boulder outcrops; sun-lit, but that was a function of the stream width; Total Habitat Scores range 79-97. Water Quality -- specific
conductance low, stable, and typical of a watershed that is more than 90% forested, range 29-35 µS/cm. 2016 -- most species collected since 1999, but still
lower than expected; 1 of just 2 sites where the Percentage of Tolerant Fish was only 1%; 2-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class
increase were due to the collection once again of the piscivorous Brown Trout. 1999-2016 -- a naturally depauperate community, only 17 species known from
this headwater site, including 5 exotic, 3 darter, and 3 intolerant species; dominant species are variable including Redlip Shiner (1999, 2016), Bluehead Chub
(2006, 2012), and Warpaint Shiner (2010); consistently very low Percentage of Tolerant Fish, range 1-4%; consistent trophic metrics (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 21-28%; Percentage of Insectivores, range 67-75%; and Percentage of Piscivores, range 1.9-5.1%); Good-Fair rating in 2010
resulted from a possible and undocumented upstream toxic spill and subsequent fish kill, otherwise the NCIBI Ratings have been Good and Excellent.
Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this regional reference site in 2021; once again qualifies as HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species Redlip Shiner (n=58, 27%)Non-indigenous
Species
Warpaint Shiner, Striped
Jumprock, Smallmouth Bass,
Central Stoneroller, and
Brown Trout (n=32, 9, 9, 8,
and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
08/03/06 2006-108 13 52 Good
06/08/99 99-42 15 56 Excellent
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040201 34.987222 -79.845278 145 Yes
CARTELEDGE CR SR 1142 QF122 04/11/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 24.5 14 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 82.6 1.2 no data 12.6 no data 2.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 1.2
2001 60.2 6.5 0.8 9.9 17.1 5.9 0.4 0.0
2006 61.1 6.9 0.9 9.7 15.8 5.8 0.4 0.3
5.8 0.4 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 59.6 7.1 0.9 9.4 17.5
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)67 35 61
pH (s.u.)6.1 5.1 5.9
Temperature (°C)11.8 11.1 10.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.3 8.8 10.5
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)72
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/11/16 2016-01 22 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear, easily silted
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = gravel, sand, bedrock, cobble, boulder.
04/06/11 2011-01 14 46 Good-Fair
04/10/06 2006-06 21 52 Good
04/06/01 2001-05 17 50 Good
Watershed -- drains western Richmond County with its headwaters in the Town of Ellerbee; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; borders the Triassic
Basin; direct tributary to the Pee Dee River, site is ~ 1.8 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian
habitat characteristics since last assessment in 2011; an atypical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with no angular or slick rocks; gravel bars; runs, chutes, side
snags and in-channel plunge pools; coarse woody debris riffles, Fissidens; wide riparian zones bordering the NCWRC Pee Dee River Game Land and
vegetated with Catbrier and Oriental Privet; Total Habitat Scores range 61-78. Water Quality -- specific conductance range 35 µS/cm (high-normal flow) to 67
µS/cm (low flow). 2016 -- most species ever collected at this site and almost twice as many fish collected in 2016 than in 2011 (165 vs. 88, respectively); 6
species of sunfish present, more than in any previous cycle; a 10-point increase in the NCIBI Score and two NCIBI Rating class improvements resulted from the
increase in total species richness and the richness of darters, the increase in the number of fish collected, and the lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish (17% vs.
27%) in 2016 in contrast to those metric values in 2011; Carolina Darter, Yellow Bullhead, and Eastern Brook Silverside new to the site. 2001-2016 -- a very
species-rich community with 30 species known from the site including 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, 2 sucker, and one state-listed species of Special Concern
(Carolina Darter); proximity to the river may aid in the recolonization of the stream following flow extremes and may contribute to the high number of species
found at the site; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2001, 2006), Bluegill (2011), and Spottail Shiner (2016); except in 2011, Percentage of Tolerant Fish
have been stable (range 14-17% as have the trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 32-34%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 64-65%,
and Percentage of Piscivores, range 1.8-3.4%); during droughts the community has been affected by low flows, but the community seems to have recovered
from the droughts of 2007, 2008, and 2010; except for in 2011, the community has rated Good or Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring
of this regional reference site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Spottail Shiner (n=40,
24%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=5)Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
1)
Data Analysis
04/25/06 2006-24 13 11 Good
Watershed -- drains east central Richmond County, northwest of US 1 and NC 177; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; a tributary to
Ledbetter Lake, site is ~ 0.5 mi. upstream from the lake. Habitat -- a typical Sand Hills stream with moderate-high quality instream and riparian habitats;
challenging to sample because of the very mucky substrate; coarse woody debris riffles; runs; several species of submerged and emergent aquatic macrophytes
(Golden Club, Vallisneria, and others); more open canopy than when last assessed in 2006 because the right riparian zone had been recently logged; Total
Habitat Score in 2006 was 89. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated for a Sand Hills stream, was 30 µS/cm in 2006; low pH. 2016 -- Note:
maximum NCIBI Score for a Sand Hills fish community is 14; 2-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement resulted from an
increase in the Percentage of Key Sand Hills Species (from 54% to 69%) and from an increase in the Percentage of Invertivore Cyprinids (from 20% to 43%,
from an increase in the number of Dusky Shiner and Coastal Shiner collected); four Intolerant Species present (Spotted Sucker, Mud Sunfish, Dollar Sunfish,
and Sawcheek Darter), the most of any Sand Hills site; Bluespotted Sunfish, Coastal Shiner, Sawcheek Darter, Green Sunfish, Pirate Perch, and Mud Sunfish
new to the site. 2001 & 2016 -- 18 species known from the site, including 2 exotic (Green Sunfish and Yellow Perch), 4 intolerant (Spotted Sucker, Mud Sunfish,
Dollar Sunfish, and Sawcheek Darter), 1 darter (Sawcheek Darter), 2 sucker (Creek Chubsucker and Spotted Sucker), 8 sunfish, and 1 catfish (Margined
Madtom) species; dominant species is the Dollar Sunfish (2006) and the Dusky Shiner (2016). Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this
site in 2021 to document any impacts from landuse changes in its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species Dusky Shiner (n=28, 32%)Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=1)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
04/13/16 2016-09 16 13 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = muck and sand.
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)77
0 0
Bank Vegetation (10)8
Light Penetration (10)7
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)8
Bank Erosion (10)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (15)15
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---30 39
pH (s.u.)---5.9 5.2
Temperature (°C)---19.4 14.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---8.2 8.9
9.8 0.7 2.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 35.2 11.9 1.9 10.3 30.1
2006 35.1 11.9 1.9 10.4 30.1 9.8 0.7 2.1
2001 36.2 11.7 1.8 12.9 26.9 9.8 0.7 1.8
Wetland Water Barren
1992 81.4 1.4 no data 12.2 no data 0.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.4 3.9
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Sand Hills 13.9 5 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040201 34.984167 -79.671111 236 No
CHOCK CR SR 1475 QF124 04/13/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north central Montgomery County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Densons Creek and ultimately the
Little and Pee Dee rivers. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with high quality instream and riparian habitats; slick angular rocks with nuisance
growths of periphyton; variety of shallow pool sizes; shallow riffles with Fissidens and Podostemum; snags and undercuts; wide forested riparian zones; open
canopy at the bridge; Total Habitat Scores range 84-90; a low-flow affected stream, may become intermittent and completely dry-up during low flow periods and
prolonged droughts. Water Quality -- specific conductance greater under low flow than under normal flow conditions (70 µS/cm in 2011 vs. 48 µS/cm in 2001
and 52 µS/cm in 2016, respectively), still typical for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 60% forested. 2016 -- a more balanced trophic structure
in 2016 than in 2011 resulted in the 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class improvement; Green Sunfish new to the site; Redlip Shiner,
a widespread species in the basin, was the dominant species in 2001 (n=154, 33%), but absent in 2011, had returned in 2016, when 4 specimens were
collected; only one specimen of the intolerant Highback Chub was collected in 2016 and 2011, 30 were collected in in 2001. 2001-2016 -- 20 species known
from the site, including 1 exotic, 3 darter, and 2 sucker species; one state-listed species of Special Concern (Carolina Darter) has also been collected in every
cycle; fluctuations in the community and the NCIBI metrics were attributed to the persistent droughts and loss of instream habitats during low flow periods.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide monitoring of this regional reference HQW site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=49,
26%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=1)Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
14)
Data Analysis
06/07/11 2011-30 13 50 Good
04/16/01 2001-17 16 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/25/16 2016-15 14 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock shelves, veins, cobble, and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)85
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)48 70 52
pH (s.u.)7.0 5.6 6.4
Temperature (°C)18.0 20.8 16.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.3 4.3 10.5
0.2 0.0 0.3
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 66.7 3.5 0.4 9.8 19.6
2006 72.5 3.5 0.4 9.9 13.6 0.2 0.0 0.3
2001 70.5 3.5 0.4 11.3 14.1 0.2 0.0 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 89.0 0.5 no data 2.9 no data 0.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 7.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 13.5 5 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.393889 -79.897222 479 Yes
DUMAS CR SR 1310 QF111 04/25/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.456111 -80.816667 1163 Yes
FISHER R SR 1331 QF52 07/13/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 37.0 15 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 87.7 0.5 no data 11.8 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 77.2 4.9 0.4 14.9 2.8 0.0 0.1 0.0
2006 77.1 4.9 0.4 14.7 3.1 0.0 0.1 0.0
0.0 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 77.0 4.9 0.4 14.5 3.4
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)39 36 35
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.2 5.7
Temperature (°C)21.0 21.0 20.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.5 8.6 9.0
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)12
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)73
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
07/13/16 2016-79 23 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, and sand.
06/22/11 2011-51 21 60 Excellent
06/21/06 2006-88 23 56 Excellent
06/20/01 2001-68 18 60 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwestern Surry County and a small portion of Grayson County, VA; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; tributary
to the Yadkin River; site is within the section managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Habitat -- moderate quality instream habitats;
narrow riparian zones; fairly straight channel; a couple of riffles near the middle of the reach; pool at the end of the reach; one gravel bar; Total Habitat Scores
range 65-83. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable for a forested Piedmont stream, range 35-39 µS/cm. 2016 -- Satinfin Shiner and Redear
Sunfish new to the site; a 4-point decrease in the NCIBI Score resulted from a slight trophic imbalance due to the abundance and dominance by the omnivorous
Bluehead Chub and Spottail Shiner and the herbivorous Central Stoneroller and Mountain Redbelly Dace, however the NCIBI Rating did not change. 2001-2016
-- 29 species known from the site including 6 exotic, 6 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2001, 2016) and Redlip
Shiner (2006, 2011); two intolerant species, Fieryblack Shiner and Thicklip Chub, have not been collected since 2001; Percentage of Tolerant Fish has been
stable at 5-7%; trout have never been collected at this site which is classified as WS-II; Tr,HQW; community has consistently rated Excellent since 2001.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference HQW site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction
throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=136,
32%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller,
Smallmouth Bass, Mountain
Redbelly Dace, Striped
Jumprock, and Redear
Sunfish (n=17, 4, 4, 3, 1, and
1)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.348333 -80.548333 523 No
IRISH BUFFALO CR SR 1132 QF95 07/21/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 45.0 8 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 32.1 46.0 no data 19.2 no data 0.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
1.2 1.1
2001 23.7 59.0 12.4 12.1 3.9 0.4 0.9 0.0
2006 22.5 61.0 13.3 10.7 4.3 0.5 1.0 0.0
0.5 1.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 21.4 61.6 13.7 10.6 4.9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)206 208 147
pH (s.u.)7.0 6.7 7.4
Temperature (°C)14.2 22.0 24.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.7 6.9 8.6
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)76
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
07/21/16 2016-92 20 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.
05/26/11 2011-21 22 56 Excellent
05/12/06 2006-46 18 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains southwestern Rowan and northern Cabarrus counties, including the cities of Kannapolis and Concord; impounded upstream by Kannapolis
Lake; one small discharger (NC0006220; Qw=0.367) is located ~ 16 miles upstream; borders the Carolina Slate Belt; site is ~ 5.8 miles downstream from the
2015-2016 Random Ambient Monitoring System site at SR 1002; tributary to Coldwater Creek and ultimately the Rocky River. Habitat -- no change in habitats
since last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt type stream with cobble riffles, shallow side snag pools, and mid-channel pools; open canopy near
bridge; Total Habitat Scores range 51-83, 4 of 5 scores >70. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated from urban stormwater runoff but stable between
1996 and 2011, range 195-208 µS/cm, lower in 2016 due to high flows during the week of sampling. 2016 -- slight decrease in the Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores (from 36% in 2011 to 25% in 2016) and an absence of piscivores resulted in the 2-point decrease in the NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI
Rating; only metrics not scoring a "5" were the Percentage of Tolerant Fish (primarily Red Shiner, Redbreast Sunfish, and Satinfin Shiner, scored a "3") and the
Percentage of Piscivores (scored a "1"); Creek Chub and Red Shiner new to the site; the highly invasive and non-indigenous Red Shiner collected for the first
time in 2016 already comprised 12% of all the fish collected. 1996-2016 -- an abundant (range, n=254-560) and a very speciose community with 29 species
known from the site including 4 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (1996-2011) and Redlip Shiner
(2016); despite draining a developed watershed, the community has rated Excellent since 2006. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site
in 2021 to document any impact from the increasing urbanization of its watershed on the resident fish community.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=107,
23%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Red Shiner, Green Sunfish,
and Redear Sunfish (n=55, 4,
and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/19/01 2001-25 22 50 Good
04/17/96 96-20 20 52 Good
04/11/01 2001-13 20 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains the southwest corner of Stanly County between the small towns of Stanfield and Oakboro; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed;
tributary to the Rocky River, site is ~ 1.8 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats
since the last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt type stream with moderately high quality instream and riparian habitats; extremely rocky with
bedrock and cobble riffles; runs, snags and bedrock pools; slick rocks with silts atop them; Fissidens common; Total Habitat Scores range 77-87; low flow
conditions. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated, but stable even under low flow conditions (as in 2011 and 2016), range 93-112 µS/cm. 2016
-- most species and fish (n=502) ever collected at this site; most species collected from any site in 2016 (along with Dutch Buffalo Creek); Red Shiner, Sandbar
Shiner, Yellow Bullhead, and Piedmont Darter new to the site; 4-point increase in the NCIBI score and an improvement in the NCIBI Rating resulted primarily
from the presence of the intolerant Piedmont Darter. 2001-2016 -- a species-rich community for the size of the stream, 30 species known from the site, including
3 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter and 3 sucker species, and 1 Special Concern species (Carolina Darter) which has been collected in every cycle; dominant species
are Bluehead Chub (2001-2011), Tessellated Darter (2006, 2011), and Highfin Shiner (2016); relatively stable trophic metrics (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 20-34% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 64-80%); community has rated Excellent 3 out of the 4 cycles since 2001.
Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Highfin Shiner (n=94,
19%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Redear
Sunfish, and Red Shiner
(n=71, 1, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
4)
Data Analysis
05/26/11 2011-23 17 50 Good
04/13/06 2006-17 18 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/27/16 2016-21 24 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock, boulders, cobble, and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)77
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)106 112 101
pH (s.u.)5.8 6.1 6.5
Temperature (°C)13.4 25.1 18.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.6 7.7 7.8
0.5 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 45.8 9.0 1.1 37.4 7.2
2006 46.5 9.0 1.1 37.1 6.8 0.5 0.1 0.1
2001 45.7 8.8 1.0 38.1 6.9 0.5 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 50.9 2.7 no data 45.9 no data 0.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 19.1 6 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
STANLY 03040105 35.197500 -80.373889 382 No
ISLAND CR SR 1118 QF77 04/27/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CALDWELL 03040101 36.043056 -81.414722 1089 No
KINGS CR SR 1552 QF34 06/27/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 26.3 11 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 93.5 0.4 no data 6.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 81.1 2.9 0.3 13.8 2.1 0.1 0.0 0.1
2006 81.0 2.9 0.3 13.8 2.3 0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 80.2 2.9 0.3 13.8 3.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)58 56 53
pH (s.u.)6.0 5.9 6.2
Temperature (°C)19.4 20.2 21.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.7 8.0 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)58
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/27/16 2016-63 19 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel; rip/rap along left bank.
Watershed -- drains northeast Caldwell County; one small discharger (NC0041190; Qw=0.006) located in the headwaters; no municipalities in the watershed;
borders the Eastern Blue Ridge Foothills; tributary to the Yadkin River, site is ~ 1.1 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- rip-rap
along the left bank at the lower end of the reach; narrow riparian zones; riffles, runs and chutes, side snags; stick and gravel riffles; eroded banks; lower quality
Piedmont-type stream, stream is classified as C;Tr, but not a trout-quality stream, Total Habitat Scores range 53-65. Water Quality -- specific conductance
stable and typical for a Piedmont stream with a forested watershed, range 53 and 58 µS/cm. 2016 -- a slightly more balanced trophic structure (35%
Omnivores+Herbivores, 64% Insectivores, and 1.1% Piscivores) resulted in a 6-point increase in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class improvement;
all metrics scored a "5", except for Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Groups (47%, "3"); 1 of 5 sites with the greatest NCIBI Score (58) of any site in 2016;
Smallmouth Bass new to the site. 2006-2016 -- 22 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species
is the Bluehead Chub whose dominance has been gradually decreasing from 41% in 2006 to 30% in 2016; Percentage of Tolerant fish stable, range 8-13% and
trophic metrics stable during the last two assessments periods (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 35-38% and Percentage of Insectivores, 62-64%).
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2016; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed; qualifies as HQW
if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=83,
30%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Warpaint Shiner, Striped
Jumprock, Smallmouth Bass,
and Central Stoneroller
(n=41, 3, 3, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/29/11 2011-55 17 52 Good
06/23/06 2006-95 21 54 Excellent
04/14/99 99-12 14 52 Good
Watershed -- drains southern Randolph County, including the southern portion of the City of Asheboro; headwaters near the intersection of US 49/64/220; one
NPDES discharger (NC0089052; Qw=0.017 MGD) located ~ 4.5 miles upstream; a headwater site; tributary to the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- no change in the
high quality instream and riparian habitat characteristics since last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream which is extremely rocky with
riffles, snags, and mid-channel pools; Podostemum and Fissidens; evidence of extremely high water well-out into the flood plain; Total Habitat Scores range 89-
94. Water Quality -- specific conductance relatively stable and typical for a Piedmont stream, range 71-95 µS/cm. 2016 -- 6-point increase in the NCIBI Score
and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement was attributed to the increased total species diversity and diversities of sunfish and suckers; Whitemouth Shiner,
White Sucker, and Pirate Perch new to the site. 1999-2016 -- an abundant and species-rich community with 24 species known from the site including 2 exotic,
2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Redlip Shiner (1999, 2011, 2016) and Bluehead Chub (1999, 2006, 2011); NCIBI Rating varies
between Good and Excellent; a low flow affected stream. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021 to document the potential
urbanization of the upper watershed; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=314,
41%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=2)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/07/11 2011-32 12 48 Good
05/08/06 2006-33 19 56 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/29/16 2016-27 19 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear, easily darkly silted
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock, boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)92
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)71 95 90
pH (s.u.)6.4 6.9 6.3
Temperature (°C)14.3 25.4 19.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.0 6.5 7.8
0.9 0.2 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 62.4 13.1 3.7 14.3 9.2
2006 66.1 12.9 3.6 14.3 5.7 0.9 0.2 0.0
2001 66.4 12.7 3.4 14.4 5.4 0.9 0.2 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 83.9 9.0 no data 5.3 no data 0.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 1.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 24.7 9 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RANDOLPH 03040104 35.556111 -79.845278 607 No
LITTLE R SR 1127 QF107 04/29/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RANDOLPH 03040103 35.764444 -80.002778 478 No
LITTLE UWHARRIE R SR 1405 QF101 04/28/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 42.7 13 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 68.6 6.1 no data 24.7 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.3
2001 54.3 13.3 2.1 24.0 8.2 0.0 0.2 0.1
2006 54.9 14.4 2.3 22.3 8.0 0.1 0.2 0.1
0.1 0.2 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 52.6 14.7 2.4 22.2 10.2
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---106 141
pH (s.u.)---6.5 6.6
Temperature (°C)---13.5 19.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---9.9 6.9
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)73
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
04/28/16 2016-24 22 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.
05/02/06 2006-29 23 56 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwestern Randolph and a small portion of eastern Davidson counties, including the area south of the City of Thomasville and the US 64
corridor; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Uwharrie River, site is ~ 1 mile upstream from the river's confluence. Habitat -- long pools;
one gravel and cobble riffle complex; Fissidens; some snags and coarse woody debris; wide channel; a popular ATV and ORV site with side trails and mud pits;
Total Habitat Score was 87 in 2006. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated, but within the norm for a stream whose watershed is about equally
forested and in agricultural and developed uses, was 106 µS/cm in 2006. 2016 -- a diverse and abundant community; all metrics scored a "5", except for the
Percentage of Piscivores which was scored a "1"; White Sucker new to the site. 2006 & 2016 -- an abundant and an moderately species rich community with 24
species known from the site, including 2 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are the Redlip Shiner and Bluehead Chub; stable
trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores +Herbivores, ~ 29% and Percentage of Insectivores, ~71%; in 2006 and 2016 the only metric not scoring a "5' was the
Percentage of Piscivores which was scored a "1"; no change in the NCIBI Ratings or water quality. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this
site in 2021 to document the potential urbanization of the upper watershed; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=151,
22%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Swallowtail Shiner and Green
Sunfish (n=63 and 7,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southwest Stokes County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; tributary to the Yadkin River; site is ~ 2.7 miles
upstream from the 2015-2016 Random Ambient Monitoring System site off SR 1104. Habitat -- wide and shallow pools changing to narrow and shallow gravel
and cobble riffles along the right side; shifting cobble island near end of the reach; some Carolina Slate Belt-type flat rocks on the right side; Total Habitat Scores
range 67-78. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and typical for a Piedmont stream, range 43-74 µS/cm with last three measurements since 2006 of
71, 74, and 70 µS/cm, respectively. 2016 -- as in the past three previous assessments, a very abundant fish community (n=1,038 vs. 1,058, 1,002, and 935 in
2001, 2006, and 2016, respectively); a 4 point increase in the NCIBI score and one NCIBI Rating class improvement due to a more balanced trophic structure in
2016 than in 2011; no other changes in the other 11 metrics. 1996-2016 -- a very abundant and species-rich community, 28 species known from the site
including 5 exotic, 4 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (1996-2016; 29-45%) and Redlip Shiner (2006 and 2016;
37 and 29%, respectively); consistent dominance by the omnivorous Bluehead Chub indicates however, a persistent level of nutrient enrichment; the trophic
metrics are stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 33-40%, except for 2016 (46%) and the Percentage of Insectivores, 60-70%, except for 2016 (54%);
two intolerant species-Thicklip Chub and Fieryblack Shiner-have not been collected since 2001; the Percentage of Tolerant Fish is stable (11-13%), except for
2016 (6%); community has rated Excellent 4 out of 5 assessment cycles since 1996. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021;
sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub and Redlip
Shiner (n=302 and 298,
respectively; 29%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller and
Spotted Bass (n=5 and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/21/01 2001-71 22 54 Excellent
05/17/96 96-53 21 54 Excellent
06/21/11 2011-46 20 52 Good
06/19/06 2006-82 17 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
06/16/16 2016-60 21 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = gravel, sand, cobble, flat bedrock along right bank.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)78
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)6
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)71 74 70
pH (s.u.)6.0 6.2 6.4
Temperature (°C)19.7 20.6 23.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 7.5 8.5
0.1 0.4 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 54.9 7.5 0.6 27.3 9.6
2006 56.0 7.5 0.6 27.8 8.1 0.1 0.5 0.1
2001 55.7 7.5 0.6 28.5 7.7 0.1 0.4 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.3 1.1 no data 28.0 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 32.6 9 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
STOKES 03040101 36.313056 -80.400556 830 No
LITTLE YADKIN R SR 1236 QF60 06/16/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.488611 -80.616667 988 No
LOVILLS CR SR 1371 QF58 07/14/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 35.1 10 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 69.8 15.0 no data 14.9 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
2001 58.6 23.7 4.6 14.3 3.2 0.0 0.3 0.0
2006 58.7 23.8 4.8 14.0 3.1 0.0 0.3 0.0
0.0 0.3 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 58.4 23.9 4.9 13.8 3.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---74 71
pH (s.u.)---6.2 5.9
Temperature (°C)---28.4 22.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---9.5 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)72
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)3
Light Penetration (10)0
NCIBI Rating
07/14/16 2016-81 21 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, bedrock, cobble, gravel, and boulders.
06/19/06 2006-84 16 48 Good
Watershed -- drains the west side of the City of Mount Airy in northern Surry County; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed. Habitat -- no change in instream
and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2006; an open-canopied channelized and restored stream with bends; Elodea and Podostemum abundant;
riffles, runs, and bedrock side pools; banks stabilized with pavers near bridge crossing; riparian zone vegetated with shrubs and grasses; Total Habitat Score
was 52 in 2006. Water Quality -- no change in the specific conductance since the last assessment in 2006, generally low for an urban site with almost 5% of its
watershed classified as impervious. 2016 -- an 8-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement resulted from the increases in
total species richnes, diversity of sunfish, and a slightly more balanced trophic structure in 2016 than in 2006; five more species were collected in 2016 than in
2006 with Fieryblack Shiner, Whitefin Shiner, Northern Hog Sucker, Snail Bullhead, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass (YOY) new to the site; large
specimens of Snail Bullhead present. 2006 & 2016 -- a very abundant (n=2,073 and 920 fish in 2006 and 2016, respectively) and moderately species-rich
community with 22 species known from the site including 3 exotics, 3 darter, 3 intolerant, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are the Redlip Shiner and
Bluehead Chub; trophic metrics stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 30 and 38%; Percentage of Insectivores 62 and 70%; Piscivores absent);
Percentage of Tolerant Fish low for an urban site (5 and 8% in 2006 and 2016, respectively). Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this unique
urban site in 2021
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner and
Bluehead Chub (n=262
and 245, respectively;
28% and 27%,
respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Northern
Hogsucker, and Green
Sunfish (n=15, 6, and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MECKLENBURG 03040105 35.326111 -80.773611 617 No
MALLARD CR SR 2467 QF91 07/20/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 11.9 8 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 49.5 25.2 no data 24.0 no data 0.6
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.7 0.0
2001 22.8 65.1 14.4 9.1 2.2 0.6 0.2 0.0
2006 18.7 70.4 17.1 7.7 2.2 0.6 0.3 0.1
0.6 0.3 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 17.7 72.1 17.9 6.8 2.5
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)139 149 142
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.9 7.5
Temperature (°C)22.3 20.0 24.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.1 9.5 8.9
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)76
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)6
NCIBI Rating
07/20/16 2016-90 21 54 Excellent
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock veins, boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.Clear, but became silty (turbid)
05/10/11 2011-15 18 54 Excellent
07/18/06 2006-99 16 44 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains the northeast City of Charlotte metropolitan area; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Rocky River. Habitat -- no
change in the instream and riparian habitat of this urban stream since the last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with extremely
rocky, angular, and slick substrate; natural channel; frequent riffles and bedrock shelves; stable banks; Total Habitat Scores range 70-80. Water Quality --
specific conductance stable, but elevated from urban nonpoint source runoff, range 135-153 µS/cm. 2016 -- most species and fish (n=1,000) ever collected at
this site; Largemouth Bass and Red Shiner new to the site; many species (e.g., Tessellated Darter, Redlip Shiner, Bluehead Chub, and Spottail Shiner) with very
high incidence of Yellow Grub (a parasite); Percentage of Tolerant Fish (30%) slightly greater than expected primarily due to the abundance of Redbreast
Sunfish, Green Sunfish, and Satinfin Shiner. 1996-2016 -- a very abundant (n=369-1,000) and species rich community, 26 species known from the site,
including 3 exotic, 2 intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (1996, 2001), Redlip Shiner (2001, 2011), and Spottail
Shiner (2006, 2016); because of the stream's size, piscivores (primarily Largemouth Bass) are largely absent from this site; only one intolerant species,
Highback Chub, known from this site where it has become rare, only 1 specimen collected in 2016, 3 specimens in 2011 and 0 specimens in 2006; a low flow
affected stream; NCIBI scores and ratings variable, from Good-Fair to Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this unique urban site in
2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish and
Spottail Shiner (n=181 and
173, respectively; 18%
and 17%, respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Red
Shiner (n=81 and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/19/01 2001-26 20 56 Excellent
06/10/96 96-69 19 50 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.293333 -81.095000 1069 Yes
M PR ROARING R SR 1002 QF44 06/30/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 56.9 11 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 95.1 0.0 no data 4.9 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 86.6 2.6 0.2 8.0 2.7 0.2 0.0 0.0
2006 86.5 2.6 0.2 7.7 3.1 0.2 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 86.0 2.6 0.2 7.6 3.6
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)37 32 31
pH (s.u.)6.0 6.4 6.1
Temperature (°C)25.1 19.1 20.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.6 8.6 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)86
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/30/16 2016-72 19 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, boulder, bedrock, and sand.
06/30/11 2011-58 20 56 Excellent
08/04/06 2006-113 19 58 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northeast Wilkes County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; tributary to the Roaring River. Habitat -- no change in
the high quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; bank blow-out on the right bank; fast and deep boulder chutes and pools;
bedrock and cobble riffles; side snags; Podostemum common in the riffles; open canopy at the confluence with the West Prong Roaring River; Total Habitat
Scores range 71-87. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable, range 21-37 µS/cm, last four measurements since 2001 range 31-37 µS/cm, typical
of a predominantly forested Piedmont watershed. 2016 --most Intolerant Species (n=6) and lowest Percentage of Tolerant Fish (0%) collected from any site in
2016 (as it was in 2011); 1 of 5 sites with the greatest NCIBI Score (58) of any site in 2016; an increase in the number of fish collected (277 vs. 465) between
2011 and 2016, but no significant change in the NCIBI score or rating; trophic metrics did not change; Northern Hogsucker and Snail Bullhead new to the site.
1996-2016 -- 26 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 6 intolerant, 3 darter, and 6 sucker species; dominant species are Redlip Shiner (1996, 2006,
and 2016) and Bluehead Chub 2011, 2016); consistently low Percentage of Tolerant Fish, range 0-4%; consistently high number of Intolerant Species, range 4-
6; and consistently rated Excellent since 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference site in 2021;
qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=160,
34%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Smallmouth Bass, Striped
Jumprock, Northern
Hogsucker, and Rock Bass
(n=7, 4, 2, and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/20/01 2001-66 20 56 Excellent
05/22/96 96-60 15 50 Good
Watershed -- drains southeastern Anson County, including the small Town of Morven; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; borders the Carolina Slate Belt;
direct tributary to the Pee Dee Rive, site is ~ 1.1. miles above the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- no change in the moderately high quality instream
and riparian habitats since the 2011 assessment with characteristics of Piedmont and Sand Hills streams -- coarse woody debris deadfalls and log jams, gray
clay bank blow-out on the left bank (same place as in 2011), undercuts, runs, side and bend pools, wide riparian zones; natural cobble riffles just upstream from
the bridge; Fissidens; Total Habitat Scores range 74-81. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and typical for a lower drainage basin stream, range 47-
58 µS/cm. 2016 -- slight change in three metrics (a loss of two species of suckers (White Sucker and Creek Chubsucker), the gain of an Intolerant Species
(Piedmont Darter), and more species with multiple age classes) resulted in a 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score, but not in the overall Excellent Rating; 1 of 5
sites with the greatest NCIBI Score (58) of any site in 2016; Green Sunfish and Whitefin Shiner new to the site. 2006-2016 -- a very speciose community with 34
species known from the site (along with Mountain Creek (Richmond County) the most of any site in 2016), including just 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, 3 sucker,
and 9 sunfish species; dominant species is Bluehead Chub; stable trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 21-30%; Percentage of
Insectivores, range 63-75%, and Percentage of Piscivores 4-6%); community has rated Excellent in every assessment since 2006. Recommendation --
continue basinwide monitoring of thisregional reference site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Tessellated Darter,
Bluehead Chub, Redlip
Shiner, and Fantail Darter
(n=23, 22, 21, 20,
respectively; 15%, 15%,
14%, and 13%,
respectively).
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=3)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/07/11 2011-04 22 54 Excellent
04/11/06 2006-11 26 56 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/12/16 2016-05 19 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, gravel, cobble, boulder, bedrock.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)81
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)12
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)58 47 58
pH (s.u.)6.3 5.6 6.1
Temperature (°C)14.4 12.8 14.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.9 10.4 9.1
12.2 0.2 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 44.2 6.8 1.0 14.3 22.2
2006 47.5 6.6 0.9 14.7 18.7 12.1 0.2 0.2
2001 48.9 6.6 0.9 14.9 17.3 12.2 0.2 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 69.3 1.7 no data 27.1 no data 0.8
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.8
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Sand Hills 18.7 6 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ANSON 03040201 34.856389 -79.916667 110 Yes
MILL CR SR 1826 QF132 04/12/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains northwest-north-central Surry and southeast Alleghany counties; one small discharger (NC0038997, Qw=0.013 MGD) located in the
headwaters; no municipalities in the watershed; borders the Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns. ecoregion; tributary to the Yadkin River; site is upstream from
the section managed by the NCWRC as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in
20111; long runs and silty pools at the beginning and end of the reach; boulder riffles and bedrock plunges with Podostemum in between the pools; narrow
riparian zone on the left; Total Habitat Scores range 74-87. Water Quality -- low, stable, and typical of a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 90%
forested, range 24-31 µS/cm. 2016 -- most species and fish (n=777) ever collected; 1 of 5 sites where 7 species of sunfish and bass were collected in 2016;
Redear Sunfish new to the site. 1996-2016 -- 23 species known from the site, including 5 intolerant, 6 exotic, 3 darter, and 2 sucker species; dominant species
are Redlip Shiner (1996-2006, 2016) and Bluehead Chub (2011); since 1999 stable and low Percentage of Tolerant Species (2-4%) and stable trophic metrics
(Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 24-30%) and Percentage of Insectivores 69-75%); popularity of the stream by anglers may affect the abundance
of sunfish, bass, and trout; has rated Excellent since 2006; Excellent rating reflects continued conservation and restoration efforts in this watershed.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference and ORW site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner and
Bluehead Chub (n=252
and 232, respectively;
32% and 30%,
respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species
Redear Sunfish, Smallmouth
Bass, and Rock Bass (n=2,
1, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/26/99 99-38 15 52 Good
05/16/96 96-51 15 46 Good-Fair
07/12/11 2011-64 18 56 Excellent
06/21/06 2006-89 18 60 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
07/12/16 2016-75 19 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = boulder, cobble, bedrock, gravel, sand, and silt.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)75
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)28 31 30
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.0 5.6
Temperature (°C)19.4 22.7 19.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.1 7.6 9.1
0.0 0.3 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 92.0 3.1 0.2 2.1 2.3
2006 93.1 3.1 0.2 2.2 1.3 0.0 0.3 0.0
2001 93.0 3.1 0.2 2.3 1.3 0.0 0.3 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 97.6 0.2 no data 1.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.5
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 29.1 11 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.435278 -80.872674 1222 Yes
MITCHELL R SR 1330 QF51 07/12/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
04/15/96 96-12 16 52 Good
Watershed -- drains north-northwestern region of Richmond County, including the Town of Ellerbee; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to
Blewett Falls Reservoir (Pee Dee River). Habitat -- no change to the instream and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011, except that with the
existence of a new bridge ATVs and ORVs no longer have access to the creek; a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with moderate-high quality habitats;
shallow cobble riffles with Podostemum; snags; boulder outcrops; deep boulder pools and an open canopy above and below the bridge; Total Habitat Scores
range 76-88. Water Quality -- specific conductance greater under low flow (2011) than under normal/high flow conditions (1996, 2006, and 2016), 86 vs. 42-65
µS/cm, respectively, and typical for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 60% forested. 2016 -- 1 of 5 sites with the greatest NCIBI Score (58) of
any site in 2016; Redear Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Highfin Shiner new to the site. 1996-2016 -- a very species-rich community with 34 species known from
the site (along with Mill Creek)the most of any sites in 2016, including 4 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; fauna also includes one Special
Concern species (Carolina Darter) and one Significantly Rare species (Roanoke Bass) which was introduced to establish a refugial population outside of the Tar
and Neuse River basins; dominant species are variable, including Redbreast Sunfish (1996), Redlip Shiner (2006 and 2016), and Bluehead Chub (2011); 1996
sample was collected under high flow conditions and number of species and fish (n=93) were not typical for this stream; community has consistently rated
Excellent since 2006. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=130,
28%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=5 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/08/11 2011-34 26 58 Excellent
04/25/06 2006-25 20 56 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/25/16 2016-14 22 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)88
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)62 86 65
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.5 5.9
Temperature (°C)26.0 22.2 15.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 7.0 9.8
4.9 0.5 0.7
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 61.8 6.7 0.8 12.3 13.2
2006 58.9 6.7 0.8 12.4 16.0 4.9 0.5 0.7
2001 60.0 6.1 0.6 13.1 14.7 5.0 0.5 0.7
Wetland Water Barren
1992 76.8 0.5 no data 19.0 no data 1.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 1.8
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 64.7 12 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040104 35.088611 -79.835278 235 No
MOUNTAIN CR SR 1150 QF118 04/25/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FORSYTH 03040101 36.053190 -80.369211 705 No
MUDDY CR SR 1891 QF159 05/10/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 86.7 11 0.8
Wetland Water Barren
1992 47.5 34.0 no data 16.5 no data 0.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.6 0.6
2001 34.9 46.9 8.2 12.7 4.2 0.8 0.4 0.1
2006 34.0 48.2 8.8 11.8 4.5 0.8 0.5 0.1
0.9 0.5 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 33.0 49.2 9.3 11.4 4.9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)116 129 131
pH (s.u.)7.2 6.6 6.6
Temperature (°C)14.6 20.8 17.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.3 7.2 8.3
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)52
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
05/10/16 2016-34 23 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Turbid (gray-green)
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
06/14/11 2011-35 21 52 Good
04/30/01 2001-29 13 38 Fair
05/14/96 96-42 15 34 Poor
Watershed -- drains western Forsyth County, including the western portion of the City of Winston-Salem metropolitan area, and a small portion of southern
Stokes County; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitat -- lower quality instream habitats; rip-rap at the bridge; deeper
than normal with swift flows; runs; riffles absent; Podostemum on the boulders at the bridge; snags; sewer right-of-way within the left riparian zone (overgrown
with shrubs); eroding banks with exposed tree roots; runs, snags, coarse woody debris and sticks in the channel; Total Habitat Score range 44-58. Water
Quality -- specific conductance relatively stable, but elevated from urban nonpoint source runoff, range 99-131 µS/cm. 2016 -- most species ever collected at
this site and has been steadily increasing since 2001; a very small, 2-point increase in the NCIBI Score resulted in a an improvement in the NCIBI Rating due to
the collection of one specimen of the intolerant Piedmont Dater; Notchlip Redhorse, Piedmont Darter, Sandbar Shiner, Black Crappie, and Redear Sunfish new
to the site. 1996-2016 -- as to be expected from a large size stream and watershed, the community was very speciose with 30 species known from the site
including 6 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are variable, including Satinfin Shiner (1996), Bluehead Chub (2001), Bluegill
(2011), and Eastern Mosquitofish (2016); except in 2001, the Percentage of Tolerant Fish was greater (range 41-48%, primarily due to the abundance of
Redbreast Sunfish, Satinfin Shiner, Eastern Mosquitofish, White Sucker, and Green Sunfish) than expected (≤ 25%); trophic metrics are balanced and have
been stable during the past two cycles (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 14-18%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 78-85%, and Percentage of
Piscivores, range 1.9-3.9%); not a very abundant community (only 664 fish have been collected in four cycles), but its NCIBI rating has steadily improved from
Poor in 1996 to Excellent in 2016. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community in 2021 to determine if the continuing
improvements in NCIBI rating persist; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Eastern Mosquitofish
(n=47, 26%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Spotted Bass, Redear
Sunfish, Green Sunfish,
Rosefin Shiner, and Channel
Catfish (n=6, 3, 3, 1, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.219167 -81.136111 1043 No
MULBERRY CR SR 1002 QF43 06/30/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 39.1 11 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 88.4 2.4 no data 9.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 76.6 5.0 0.5 15.2 3.0 0.1 0.0 0.0
2006 76.9 5.0 0.5 15.0 3.0 0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 76.1 5.0 0.5 15.0 3.9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---44 43
pH (s.u.)---6.0 6.1
Temperature (°C)---24.2 19.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---8.3 8.1
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)63
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/30/16 2016-71 21 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, bedrock shelves and veins, cobble, and gravel.
06/23/06 2006-97 22 52 Good
Watershed -- drains north-central Wilkes County; no municipalities or NPDES permitted dischargers upstream in the watershed; tributary to the Yadkin River,
site is ~ 6.3 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitats -- slight lower quality instream and riparian habitats in 2016 than in 2006 (Total
Habitat Score = 66 in 2006 vs. 63 in 2016); moderately embedded substrate; infrequent and shallow pools, primarily side snags; infrequent riffles with some
Podostemum; partial canopy over the stream; riparian zones 6-12 m wide. Water Quality -- no change in the specific conductance since the last assessment in
2006. 2016 -- an abundant and diverse fish community typical of the Upper Piedmont with Bluehead Chub and Redlip Shiner the two numerically dominant
species; most species of suckers (n=5) collected from any site in 2016; only NCIBI metrics not scoring a "5" were the trophic metrics which indicated some
nutrient enrichment (47% Omnivores + Herbivores, primarily Bluehead Chub; 53% Insectivores; and Piscivores rare, only 0.6%). 2006 & 2016 -- 26 species
known from the site, including 12 species of cyprinids, 5 species of suckers, 3 species of darters, and 6 Intolerant Species (Highback Chub, Thicklip Chub,
Fieryblack Shiner, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Piedmont Darter); sunfish (Lepomis spp.) are rare at the site, only 14 out of 1,240 fish collected were
sunfish; dominant species were Bluehead Chub and Redlip Shiner; expansion of non-indigenous species was to be expected for a stream in Wilkes County
downstream from Kerr Scott Reservoir; no real change in NCIBI Score, NCIBI Rating, and NCIBI metrics between 2006 and 2016 except for a slight decrease in
the Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores (from 52% to 47%) and a slight increase in the Percentage of Insectivores (from 47% to 53%). Recommendations --
continue monitoring of this site in 2021 to document any impacts from changing landuse practices.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=210,
40%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Mountain
Redbelly Dace, Northern
Hogsucker, Striped
Jumprock, Smallmouth Bass
(n=14, 10, 6, 4, and 3,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.184163 -81.303892 1201 No
N PR LEWIS FK SR 1304 QF38 06/29/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 23.8 10 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 94.8 0.0 no data 5.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 84.6 3.4 0.2 7.2 4.5 0.2 0.0 0.1
2006 84.6 3.4 0.2 7.0 4.7 0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 83.7 3.4 0.2 6.9 5.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)30 26 26
pH (s.u.)5.6 5.9 6.1
Temperature (°C)24.0 21.1 20.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.5 8.0 7.8
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)82
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/29/16 2016-69 15 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = silt, sand, gravel, boulder, bedrock.
06/28/11 2011-53 15 52 Good
08/03/06 2006-110 15 56 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwest Wilkes County; no NPDES or municipalities in the watershed; borders the Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns. ecoregion;
tributary to W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (Yadkin River). Habitat -- no change in the high quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011;
deep boulder chutes, riffles, and runs at the end of the reach and riffles at the middle of the reach; long, silty, and sandy bottomed pool at the beginning of the
reach; forested bluff along the right bank; Podostemum rare in the riffles; Total Habitat Scores range 70-84. Water Quality -- second lowest specific
conductance of any fish site in 2016, range 20-30 µS/cm, but typical for an upper Piedmont stream whose watershed remains more than 80% forested. 2016 --
4-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class increase resulted from the collection once again of the intolerant and piscivorous Smallmouth
Bass; no appreciable change in water quality. 1996-2016 -- 20 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 5 sucker species;
dominant species are variable, including Margined Madtom (1996, 2011), Bluehead Chub (2001, 2011), and Redlip Shiner (2006, 2016); piscivores (e.g.,
Smallmouth Bass and Brown Trout) are rare at this site, perhaps because it is a popular fishing site with ease of access; Percentage of Tolerant Fish low, range
1-3%, except in 1996 (9%). Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference site in 2021; qualifies as HQW if so
petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=206,
31%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Striped
Jumprock, and Smallmouth
Bass (n=24, 15, and 4,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/19/01 2001-64 17 56 Excellent
05/21/96 96-55 15 48 Good
Slightly Turbid, easily silted.
Watershed -- drains west central Forsyth County, including the western portion of the City of Winston-Salem metropolitan area and the US 421 and I-40
corridors; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; has the lowest Percentage of Forested land (9%) and the greatest Percentage of Developed land (89%) in its
watershed than any other fish community site in 2016; tributary to Muddy Creek and ultimately the Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the lower quality
instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; high water previous week resulting in a large debris dam and discarded plastics in the creek;
entrenched with severely eroding banks; narrow riparian zones; snag and coarse woody debris pools; riffles absent; sand and gravel bars; Total Habitat Scores
range 40-47. Water Quality -- elevated from urban stormwater and nonpoint source runoff, range 127-158 µS/cm. 2016 -- most species ever collected at this
site and has been steadily increasing since 2002; a 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score resulted in an improvement in the NCIBI Rating due to the collection of
two specimens of the intolerant Highback Chub and a lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish (20%); only metrics not scoring a "5" were the Number of Species of
Suckers (just 1 species, "3"), the Percentage of Piscivores (0.6%, "3"), and Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (53%, "3"); Eastern Silvery Minnow
new to the site. 2001-2016 -- 20 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead
Chub (2001-2016) and Redlip Shiner (2011); only one intolerant species (Highback Chub) is known from this site and it is uncommon, only 4 specimens
collected in 5 assessments; despite the stream draining such as heavily developed watershed (89% developed), the fish community has improved substantially
since it was first rated Fair in 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine if the improvement in the NCIBI
rating persists; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=36,
21%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Rosefin
Shiner (n=2 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/24/02 2002-31 12 44 Good-Fair
04/30/01 2001-28 12 40 Fair
04/27/11 2011-09 16 50 Good
06/05/06 2006-72 13 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
05/10/16 2016-33 17 54 Excellent
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)2
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)47
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)127 158 158
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.1 6.3
Temperature (°C)18.3 20.0 17.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.0 7.8 7.4
0.4 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 9.0 89.0 19.6 0.8 0.6
2006 9.4 88.5 18.9 1.1 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.0
2001 9.8 88.1 18.4 1.2 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 26.1 67.3 no data 5.8 no data 0.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 11.9 7 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FORSYTH 03040101 36.045556 -80.354167 704 No
SILAS CR SR 1137 QF64 05/10/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains southwestern Surry County, including the I-77 corridor; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; tributary to the Mitchell
River, site is ~ 1.6 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last
assessment in 2011; boulder and bedrock shelves; runs; plunge and silty side pools; a few gravel riffles; old mill dam site (Joel Lane Mill); Total Habitat Scores
range 62-79. Water Quality -- specific conductance normal for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 50% in cultivation and grassland, range 57-65
µS/cm. 2016 -- Spotted Bass, Sunfish hybrid, and Green Sunfish new to the site; overall components of the community did not change drastically, except for the
increases dominance by the insectivorous Redlip Shiner and less dominance by the omnivorous Bluehead Chub (an indicator of moderate level of nonpoint
nutrient enrichment). 2006 - 2016 -- an abundant and diverse community with 23 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4
sucker species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (2006, 2011) and Redlip Shiner (2016); community has consistently rated Excellent since 2006.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned; sediment source identification and reduction
throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=336,
51%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Striped
Jumprock, Green Sunfish,
and Spotted Bass (n=15, 1,
1, and 1)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
07/13/11 2011-66 16 56 Excellent
06/07/06 2006-81 19 56 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
07/12/16 2016-77 18 54 Excellent
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, gravel, bedrock shelves, boulders.Slightly Turbid, became very turbid
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)62
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)5
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)57 65 65
pH (s.u.)5.6 6.4 6.4
Temperature (°C)18.7 23.1 22.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.1 7.3 9.1
0.0 0.2 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 37.9 8.1 1.1 46.5 7.2
2006 38.3 8.1 1.1 46.8 6.5 0.0 0.2 0.1
2001 38.9 8.1 1.0 47.1 5.7 0.0 0.2 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 52.8 2.8 no data 43.9 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 17.2 10 1.5
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.301389 -80.768056 901 No
SNOW CR SR 1121 QF50 07/12/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FORSYTH 03040101 36.006111 -80.301944 692 No
S FK MUDDY CR SR 2902 QF66 05/11/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 42.2 8 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 43.3 30.0 no data 26.3 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
2001 34.4 36.0 6.8 22.0 7.0 0.3 0.1 0.1
2006 32.8 40.9 8.5 19.2 6.7 0.4 0.1 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 31.4 43.3 9.6 17.9 6.9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)95 90 117
pH (s.u.)6.5 6.2 6.3
Temperature (°C)17.7 19.2 17.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.9 7.8 8.7
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)11
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)58
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
05/11/16 2016-36 17 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
04/27/11 2011-08 18 44 Good-Fair
06/05/06 2006-71 19 52 Good
04/30/01 2001-31 13 42 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains south-central Forsyth and northern Davidson counties, including a southern portion of the City of Winston-Salem metropolitan area; no
NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Muddy Creek and ultimately the Yadkin River. Habitat -- same lower quality instream habitats as in previous
cycles; an abundance of large, coarse woody debris, deadfalls, and snags in the channel; entrenched with eroding banks; runs; riffle at end of the reach was
gone; log plunges; sewer right-of-way within the left riparian zone; site is just upstream from an old sand dipping operation. Water Quality -- specific
conductance stable, only slightly elevated despite the urbanized watershed, range 90-117 µS/cm. 2016 -- most fish ever collected (n= 220, previous range 141-
215); a 10-point increase in the NCIBI Score resulted in a two class improvement in the NCIBI Rating due to the collection of more fish, the collection of two
specimens each of the White Sucker and of the intolerant Piedmont Darter, a grater Percentage of Piscivores (0.91%), and a greater Percentage of Species with
Multiple Age Classes (59%); only metrics not scoring a "5" were the Number of Species of Suckers (just 1 species, "3"), the Percentage of Tolerant Fish (34%,
"3"), and the Percentage of Piscivores (0.9%, "3"); no species new to the site. 2001-2016 -- 24 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3
darter, and 1 sucker species; suckers are extremely rare, only three specimens of one species, White Sucker, have ever been collected at this site; dominant
species are Satinfin Shiner (2001, 2006), Bluehead Chub (2011), and Bluegill (2016); Intolerant Species are uncommon (3 Piedmont Darters and 18 Fieryblack
Shiners out of 726 fish collected); trophic metrics stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 14-22%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 77-85%, and
the Percentage of Piscivores, range 0.0-1.4%); despite the stream draining a moderately developed watershed (43% developed), the fish community has
improved substantially since it was first rated Good- Fair in 2001 an d again in 2011. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021;
sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species Bluegill (n=51, 23%)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Spotted
Bass (n=4 and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.386072 -80.529855 886 No
TOMS CR SR 2024 QF57 06/16/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 37.1 11 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 71.2 4.2 no data 24.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.1
2001 57.9 9.8 1.4 25.9 6.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
2006 58.1 9.8 1.5 25.5 6.3 0.1 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 57.5 9.8 1.5 25.3 7.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)65 67 66
pH (s.u.)5.9 6.5 6.1
Temperature (°C)20.1 20.6 20.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.0 8.1 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)79
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
06/16/16 2016-58 22 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, sand, and bedrock outcrops.
06/21/11 2011-47 22 56 Excellent
06/19/06 2006-83 22 58 Excellent
06/21/01 2001-70 23 56 Excellent
Watershed -- drains eastern Surry County, including the Town of Pilot Mountain and a small portion of western Stokes County; one NPDES permitted discharger
(NC0068365, WTP, Qw = unlimited) located ~ 4.5 mi. upstream; tributary to the Ararat River. Habitats -- no change in the moderately high quality instream and
riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; riffles; chutes; pools and bedrock bluff and at bend; coarse woody debris along the right bank; canopy open
at bridge; wide riparian zones with a Rhododendron -lined and forested bluff on the right; Total Habitat Score range 73-86. Water Quality -- specific
conductance stable and within the norm for a rural Piedmont stream that remains predominantly forested, range 61-67 µS/cm. 2016 -- Redear Sunfish new to
the site; no changes in the fish community observed. 2001-2016 -- an abundant, trophically balanced, and diverse fish community; 28 species are known from
the site, including 6 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are Redlip Shiner (2001-2016) and Bluehead Chub (2001); the
uncommon (n=2) and intolerant Thicklip Chub has not been collected at the site since since 2001; all metrics, NCIBI Scores, and NCIBI Ratings are very stable;
community has consistently rated Excellent being sampled during the same week over the past 15 years. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring
of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=310,
35%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Green
Sunfish, Northern Hogsucker,
Mountain Redbelly Dace,
Redear Sunfish (n=14, 13, 6,
3, and 2, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/14/99 99-13 18 58 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwestern Randolph County, including the southwest portion of the City of High Point and the I-85 and US 29/70 corridors; upstream
from Lake Reese; borders the Southern Outer Piedmont; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the
instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; an atypical Carolina Slate Belt type stream with lots of sand; boulder outcrops and bedrock
veins; sand and gravel bars; side snags; Fissidens; some cobble at the end of the reach; boulder chutes and riffles; bluffs on left; forested riparian zones; very
low flow; Total Habitat Scores range 55-79. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated from nonpoint and urban stormwater runoff, range 118-150 µS/cm
with 5 of the 7 measurements between 140 and 150 µS/cm. 2016 -- 1 of 5 sites with the greatest NCIBI Score (58) of any site in 2016; as in previous
assessments the fish community is very abundant. 1996-2016 -- 28 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species;
dominant species are variable, including Bluehead Chub (1996, June 1999, 2016), Brassy Jumprock (April 1999), Swallowtail Shiner (October 1999), Bluegill
(2006), Spottail Shiner (2011), and Speckled Killifish (2016); community continues to rate Excellent which it has 6 out of the 7 assessments. Recommendation -
- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned, sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are
needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub and
Speckled Killifish (n=125
and 124, respectively;
18% and 17%,
respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species
Swallowtail Shiner and Green
Sunfish (n=89 and 28,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
04/24/96 96-33 23 56 Excellent
Data Analysis
10/26/99 99-71 15 52 Good
06/15/99 99-49 20 56 Excellent
06/20/11 2011-44 19 58 Excellent
05/02/06 2006-30 22 58 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/28/16 2016-25 21 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand & Carolina Slate Belt type bedrock outcrops & cobble on the left bank
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)68
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)131 150 150
pH (s.u.)7.2 7.1 6.9
Temperature (°C)14.4 23.2 19.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.7 8.9 8.5
0.4 0.4 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 49.4 19.7 4.4 20.7 9.5
2006 51.9 19.4 4.3 20.9 6.9 0.4 0.4 0.0
2001 52.3 19.2 4.3 21.3 6.7 0.3 0.3 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.6 11.0 no data 17.6 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 41.2 9 0.0
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RANDOLPH 03040103 35.765556 -79.992500 446 No
UWHARRIE R SR 1406 QF98 04/28/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains northeastern Montgomery and southwestern Randolph counties; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the
Little River and ultimately the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- no change in the high quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; a typical
Carolina Slate Belt type stream with angular and slick cobble and large boulder riffles and long, deep pool (below the bridge); open canopy at the bridge; old mill
site upstream from the bridge; Podostemum abundant in the riffles; Total Habitat Scores range 88-97. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and within
the norm for a Piedmont steam whose watershed is more than 70% forested, range 46-69 µS/cm. 2016 -- community continues to be abundant, although fewer
were collected in 2016 than in 2011 or 2006 (639 vs. 1620 and 1131, respectively); species richness gradually increasing with every assessment; Warmouth
new to the site; the collection of an additional species of sunfish increased the NCIBI Score (from 54 to 56), but there was no change in the NCIBI Rating. 1996-
2016 -- 24 species known from the site including just 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are variable, including Redbreast
Sunfish (1996), Redlip Shiner (2001, 2011, 2016), and Bluehead Chub (2006, 2011, 2016); only 2 native species of sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Bluegill have
never been collected at the site; has rated Excellent 3 out of the 5 assessments and a very high Good during the other two cycles. Recommendation --
continue basinwide monitoring of this regional reference site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub and Redlip
Shiner (n=189 and 164,
respectively; 30% and
26%, respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=1)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/17/01 2001-20 16 52 Good
04/23/96 96-30 14 56 Excellent
06/07/11 2011-31 20 54 Excellent
05/09/06 2006-34 19 52 Good
NCIBI Rating
04/26/16 2016-17 21 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, bedrock, cobble, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)90
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)9
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)56 69 63
pH (s.u.)6.3 6.1 6.0
Temperature (°C)13.7 21.6 15.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.4 3.7 7.8
1.1 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 71.9 3.3 0.4 13.3 10.2
2006 75.0 3.3 0.4 13.3 7.0 1.1 0.1 0.0
2001 74.6 3.2 0.3 14.3 6.5 1.1 0.1 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 92.5 0.0 no data 6.1 no data 1.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 19.1 11 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.481944 -79.850278 560 Yes
W FK LITTLE R SR 1311 QF109 04/26/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- headwaters of the Yadkin River; drains northeast Caldwell County, including the communities of Patterson and Legerwood and the US 321
corridor; two additional dischargers (NC0006254 and NC0041181, Total Qw=0.453 MGD) located ~ 5.5 miles upstream; site is downstream from the section
managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Habitat -- generally, the same instream and riparian habitats in 2016 as in previous
assessments, except there were man-made breaks in the left riparian zone caused by heavy equipment (stream is classified as C;Tr); deep side and main
channel pools; deep and shallow gravel and cobble riffles; gravel bars; a popular "hang-out under the bridge; tree nurseries beyond both riparian zones; junked
cars used for old bank stabilization; Total Habitat Scores gradually improving from 59 in 2001 to 78 and 73, respectively in 2011 and 2016. Water Quality --
specific conductance within the norm for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 80% forested, range 44-67 µS/cm with last four measurements
between 60 and 67 µS/cm. 2016 -- the collection of one Smallmouth Bass and a slightly more balanced trophic structure (36% Omnivores+Herbivores, 63%
Insectivores, and 0.3% Piscivores) resulted in a 6-point NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class improvement; Smallmouth Bass and Flat Bullhead new to
the site. 1996-2016 -- 29 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 6 intolerant, 3 darter, and 5 sucker species; consistently collect 3 species of darters and
4 intolerant species every assessment period; Percentage of Tolerant fish low and stable, range 4-9%; only one piscivore has ever been collected at this site (a
246 mm TL Smallmouth Bass) perhaps because it is a popular fishing site with ease of access; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2001-2016) and Redlip
Shiner (1996, 2006); only one trout (Rainbow Trout, 265 mm TL) has ever been collected at this site which is classified as C; Tr; community has rated Good 4
out of 5 assessment cycles. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species Redlip Shiner (n=90, 29%)Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Warpaint
Shiner, Smallmouth Bass
(n=24, 20, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/18/01 2001-60 20 48 Good
05/23/96 96-61 22 48 Good
06/29/11 2011-56 19 48 Good
08/02/06 2006-106 22 48 Good
NCIBI Rating
06/28/16 2016-66 19 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, sand, boulder.
Left Riparian Score (5)1
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)73
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)60 67 60
pH (s.u.)5.9 6.2 6.6
Temperature (°C)24.5 23.5 22.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 8.1 8.3
0.2 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 83.9 5.2 0.6 8.5 2.1
2006 84.1 5.2 0.6 8.6 1.8 0.2 0.0 0.0
2001 84.2 5.2 0.6 8.6 1.8 0.2 0.0 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 94.0 1.0 no data 4.8 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Patterson School (100% domestic, 1 mile above site)NC0043125 0.025
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Eastern Blue Ridge Foothills 42.3 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CALDWELL 03040101 36.014431 -81.508620 1147 No
YADKIN R NC 268 QF1 06/28/16 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- most of the site's watershed lies within southern Patrick County, VA with a small portion in northeast Surry County; no NPDES dischargers or
municipalities in the watershed; site is ~ 0.2 miles below the state line; tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitat -- good instream habitats with riffles, runs, side
snags and pools; large pool at the end of the reach; portions of the channel filled with sediment; narrow riparian zones; Total Habitat Scores range 73-78. Water
Quality -- specific conductance very constant (52-54 µS/cm) typical for a Piedmont stream draining a primarily forested watershed, stream classified as Tr
waters, but more of Smallmouth Bass-like quality. 2016 -- an abundant fish community as documented in previous assessments; 1 of just 6 sites where only one
species of sunfish was present; the 2 point decline in the NCIBI Score was due to the loss of a species of sunfish (Bluegill) which are very rare at this site, and
represented no substantial changes in the NCIBI Score or Rating or water quality; Northern Hogsucker new to the site. 2006-2016 -- 23 species known from the
site including 4 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (22-30%) and Redlip Shiner (22-42%); low Percentage
of Tolerant Fish (3-6%) and stable trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 26-33% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 67-74%); rated
Excellent during 2 out of 3 cycles. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference site in 2021; qualifies for
HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=286,
42%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Northern Hogsucker and
Mountain Redbelly Dace (n=4
and 3, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/21/11 2011-48 18 54 Excellent
06/20/06 2006-85 19 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
07/14/16 2016-82 18 52 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, sand, bedrock veins.
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)77
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)6
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)53 52 54
pH (s.u.)6.2 7.0 6.2
Temperature (°C)19.1 22.5 21.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.9 8.8 9.4
0.0 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 65.4 5.6 0.4 23.1 5.6
2006 67.2 5.6 0.4 23.2 3.8 0.0 0.0 0.1
2001 67.4 5.6 0.4 23.4 3.4 0.0 0.0 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 75.7 0.8 no data 23.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 36.0 13 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.553611 -80.568889 1094 No
ARARAT R NC 104 QF56 07/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RANDOLPH 03040103 35.715833 -79.930278 433 No
CARAWAY CR SR 1331 QF104 04/28/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 43.2 8 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 75.4 6.4 no data 17.1 no data 0.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.4 0.0
2001 58.9 10.2 1.6 23.1 6.8 0.7 0.4 0.0
2006 58.0 10.2 1.6 23.1 7.7 0.7 0.4 0.0
0.7 0.4 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2009 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 52.8 10.4 1.6 22.9 12.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)132 147 123
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.6 6.5
Temperature (°C)21.4 21.9 19.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)5.5 5.1 7.9
Bottom Substrate (15)7
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)12
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)80
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/28/16 2016-26 19 52 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, and clay.
06/20/11 2011-43 23 54 Excellent
07/07/09 2009-82 19 52 Good
05/08/06 2006-31 19 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains west-central Randolph County; the US 311 corridor traverses its headwaters northwest of the City of Asheboro and the US 64 corridor
dissects the lower one-third of the watershed west of Asheboro; two small dischargers in the watershed (NC0040908 and NC0056201, Total Qw = 0.0.0195);
tributary to the Uwharrie River. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitat characteristics since last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt-
type stream with shallow cobble and gravel riffles with Fissidens and Podostemum, long pools; wide and forested riparian zones; deeply entrenched with
moderate-severe bank erosion in some places, Total Habitat Score range 78-82. Water Quality -- dissolved oxygen concentrations often depressed and
specific conductance elevated under low flow conditions (e.g., in 2011), slightly elevated for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is slightly less than 50%
developed and in agricultural uses, range 117-147 µS/cm. 2016 -- only very slight changes in the diversity of darters, Percentage of Tolerant Fish, and Species
with Multiple Age Classes resulting in a minor 2-point decline in the NCIBI and a one NCIBI Rating class decrease; Sunfish hybrid and Eastern Mosquitofish new
to the site. 2006-2016 -- 28 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, 4 sucker, and 7 sunfish species; dominant species is
consistently Redbreast Sunfish (25-33%) along with Bluehead Chub in 2006 (24%); trophic metrics stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 12-
30%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 70-88%, and Percentage of Piscivores, range 0.4-0.7%); NCIBI Scores have differed by only 2 points since 2006 and the
NCIBI Ratings have varied from a high Good to a low Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=79,
28%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Redear Sunfish, Green
Sunfish, and Swallowtail
Shiner (n=22, 4, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/23/96 96-29 19 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains southeastern Montgomery County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little River and ultimately the
Pee Dee River; site is~ 0.5 mi. upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- very entrenched with severe bank erosion contributing to an
abundance of large coarse woody debris and blowdowns in the stream; bare and unstable vertical banks; forested bluff on right; deep pools; shallow runs and
gravel riffles with Fissidens ; evidence of very high flows; flows must fluctuate dramatically; Total Habit Score range 58-67. Water Quality -- specific
conductance slightly elevated for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is 75% forested; range 55-106 µS/cm. 2016 -- most fish ever collected at this site
(n=577); the Percentage of Tolerant Fish continues to be elevated and scored as a "1" (41%, primarily du to the abundance of Redbreast Sunfish, Satinfin
Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Eastern Mosquitofish); a 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score resulted from the collection once again of the intolerant Piedmont
Darter and Highback Chub; Redfin Pickerel, Coastal Shiner, and Sandbar Shiner new to the site. 1996-2016 -- a very speciose community with 33 species
known from the site (the second most speciose site of any site in 2016), including 3 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter (Fantail Darter not known from the watershed),
and 5 sucker species; fauna includes one Special Concern species (Carolina Darter); dominant species are variable, including Bluehead Chub (1996),
Tessellated Darter (1996, 2006), Green Sunfish (2011), and Highfin Shiner (2016); Intolerant Species, Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter, which had become
rare at this site (a total of 19 to 1 to 0 between 1996 and 2011) were once again collected in 2016 (4 Piedmont Darter and 1 Highback Chub); Percentage of
Tolerant Fish consistently elevated since 2006 (range 41-48%); consistently stable trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 11-26% and
Percentage of Insectivores, range 73-88%); proximity to the river may aid in the recolonization of the stream following flow extremes and may contribute to the
high number of species found at the site; community has been rated Good since 2006. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species Highfin Shiner (n=98, 17%)Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=31)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/08/11 2011-33 19 48 Good
04/26/06 2006-26 21 50 Good
NCIBI Rating
04/14/16 2016-11 21 52 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)67
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)110 106 87
pH (s.u.)6.0 6.3 6.2
Temperature (°C)19.8 22.3 13.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)6.3 2.9 8.9
1.5 0.1 0.3
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 75.4 2.6 0.2 6.9 13.2
2006 72.7 2.6 0.2 7.1 15.6 1.5 0.1 0.3
2001 75.7 2.6 0.2 7.1 12.6 1.5 0.1 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 85.0 0.1 no data 8.4 no data 0.8
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 5.6
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Triassic Basins 31.6 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.163889 -79.900556 197 No
CHEEK CR SR 1541 QF116 04/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains southwest Montgomery County, including a small portion of the Town of Mount Gilead; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; direct
tributary to the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- a typical moderately high quality Carolina Slate Belt type stream with bedrock veins and ledges diagonally across the
stream; bluegreen algae periphyton and red algae (Rhodochorton ) abundant; sun-lit; Total Habitat Score was 78 in 2001. Water Quality -- no change in the
specific conductance since the last assessment in 2001. 2016 -- 4-point decline in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class decrease was due to the loss of
two intolerant species, Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter, both species were rare at this site in 2001; Creek Chubsucker all the same age class (Age 1); Flat
Bullhead, Bluegill, Warmouth, and Whitefin Shiner new to the site. 2001 & 2006 -- 23 species known from the SR 1188 site, including 2 exotic, 3 darter, 2
intolerant, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are the Bluehead Chub (2001) and Highfin Shiner (2016); Percentage of Tolerant Fish stable (10%) as were
the trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 19-26% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 74-81%); no appreciable change in NCIBI
Rating and water quality since 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Highfin Shiner (n=133;
38%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=4)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
04/14/16 2016-12 17 50 Good
06/24/04 2004-107 @ SR 1110 25 54 Excellent
04/12/01 2001-14 19 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock shelves, boulders, cobble, and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)78
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)12
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---75 73
pH (s.u.)---7.0 6.8
Temperature (°C)---20.0 13.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---6.9 10.0
0.6 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2016 Site Photograph
2011 69.8 5.2 0.7 11.9 12.3
2006 70.4 5.2 0.6 11.9 11.7 0.6 0.1 0.1
2001 71.7 5.1 0.6 12.4 9.6 0.6 0.2 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 87.1 1.8 no data 8.2 no data 0.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 2.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 26.5 9 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.221111 -80.033056 240 Yes
CLARKS CR SR 1188 QF68 04/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
05/16/96 96-49 18 52 Good
Watershed -- drains central Surry County, including the southern portion of the Town of Dobson; the town's WWTP (NC0021326, Qw=0.35 MGD) and a small
discharger (NC0088617, Qw=0.00252) are located ~ 4.8 miles and ~ 1.9 miles, respectively, upstream; this watershed has the greatest percentage of its land
under cultivation (53%) than any other fish community site sampled in 2016; tributary to the Fisher River, site is ~ 1.5 miles upstream from the creek's confluence
with the river. Habitat -- upper one-half of the reach with riffles, bedrock shelves (with Podostemum ), and forested riparian zones; lower one-half of the reach
with silty pools and a narrow riparian bordered by corn; Total Habitat Score range 60-71. Water Quality -- even with the upstream WWTP discharge, the
specific conductance was stable and typical for a Piedmont stream, range 38-67 µS/cm with last three measurements of 62, 67, and 65 µS/cm. 2016 -- the
most fish ever collected at this site (n=818); the low Percentage of Piscivores (0.1%) resulted in the 2-point decline in the NCIBI Score and and a one NCIBI
Rating Class decrease, but no appreciable change in the water quality. 1996-2016 -- an abundant (n=307-818) and species-rich community for a small stream
with 24 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (25-39%); the
persistent abundance of the omnivorous Bluehead Chub, White Sucker, and Spottail Shiner and the herbivorous Mountain Redbelly Dace and Central
Stoneroller indicate a moderate level of nutrient enrichment; trophic metrics stable, but also indicating a moderate level of nutrient enrichment (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 36-49% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 51-62%); NCIBI Ratings have been either Good or Excellent since 1996.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine any impacts from the WWTP discharge; sediment source identification
and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=265,
32%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller and
Mountain Redbelly Dace
(n=29 and 19, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
07/13/11 2011-65 20 54 Excellent
06/07/06 2006-80 19 56 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
07/13/16 2016-78 18 52 Good
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = gravel, sand, bedrock shelves, cobble, silt.
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)60
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)8
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)62 67 65
pH (s.u.)6.3 6.2 5.8
Temperature (°C)16.9 23.0 20.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.0 7.4 8.9
0.0 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 28.9 12.2 2.3 52.9 5.6
2006 29.2 12.2 2.2 53.4 4.8 0.0 0.2 0.1
2001 29.3 12.2 2.2 54.6 3.6 0.0 0.2 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 41.6 5.2 no data 52.7 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 10.9 7 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.338030 -80.692730 940 No
CODY CR US 268 QF54 07/13/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
05/10/06 2006-39 15 48 Good
Watershed -- drains northeast Davidson County, including the I-85 corridor and the City of Thomasville; headwaters in Thomasville; borders the Carolina Slate
Belt ecoregion; tributary to Abbotts Creek. Habitat --a typical Carolina Slate Belt type stream; boulder pools and shallow riffles; depositional pool at the end of
the reach; forested bluff along the right riparian zone; Total Habitat Score was 75 in 2006. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated resulting from the
upstream WWTP discharge and the developed watershed; was 305 µS/cm in 2006; chlorine odor from the treated WWTP effluent. 2016 -- 1 of 5 sites where
seven species of sunfish and bass were collected; slightly lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish (27% in 2016 vs. 42% in 2006) and a greater Percentage of
Species with Multiple Age Classes (71% in 2016 vs. 47% in 2006) resulted in a 4-point increase in the NCIBI Score, but no change in the NCIBI Rating; as in
2006 , there was a large biomass of Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, Brassy Jumprock, White Sucker, Largemouth Bass, and Redear Sunfish; Spotted Sucker,
Margined Madtom, Rosyside Dace, Yellow Perch, Satinfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner, and Redlip Shiner new to the site. 2006 & 2016 -- 22 species known from the
site, including 4 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Redbreast Sunfish (2006) and Bluegill (2016); discharge from WWTP
augments stream flow and nutrients stimulate fish production; community was rated Good in 2006 and 2016. Recommendation -- continue basinwide
assessment of this site in 2021 to document the urbanization of the watershed and any impacts from the WWTP discharge.
Most Abundant
Species Bluegill (n=160, 28%)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Spotted Bass,
Yellow Perch, and Redear
Sunfish (n=12, 4, 3, and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
05/11/16 2016-37 21 52 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)73
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---305 246
pH (s.u.)---6.8 6.8
Temperature (°C)---15.6 18.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---6.4 8.4
0.1 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 38.5 45.2 12.2 10.5 5.5
2006 39.1 44.4 11.9 11.0 5.2 0.2 0.1 0.0
2001 38.5 43.4 11.3 12.4 5.4 0.1 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 42.8 41.7 no data 15.3 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
City of Thomasville's Hamby Creek WWTP; Instream Waste Concentration = 94%NC0024112 6
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 19.9 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIDSON 03040103 35.831667 -80.163056 674 No
HAMBY CR SR 2017 QF30 05/11/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains the southeast corner of Wilkes County; stream flows parallel to NC 115 upstream of the sampling site; no municipalities or NPDES
dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011;
bank blow-out on left still there, but re-vegetating; gravel runs and riffles (at the end of the reach); side coarse woody debris deadfalls; snag pool at the
beginning; Total Habitat Scores range 49-69. Water Quality -- specific conductance generally low and typical for a Piedmont stream with a mostly forested
watershed, range 38-54 µS/cm. 2016 -- 1 of just 6 sites where only one species of sunfish (Redbreast Sunfish) was present; 8-point decline in the NCIBI Score
and one NCIBI Rating Class decrease resulted from the loss of Bluegill and Smallmouth Bass which are both rare at this site. 1992-2016 -- 21 species known
from the site including 1 exotic, 5 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (1992, 1996, 2001, 2011, 2016) and Rosyside
Dace (2006); trophically balanced with very stable metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 22-32%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 64-78%,
and Percentage of Piscivores, range 0-3.5%); NCIBI ratings fluctuate between medium Good and high Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide
assessment of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub and
Rosyside Dace (n=130
and 121, 22% and 20%,
respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
06/16/92 92-19 12 52 Good
Data Analysis
05/03/01 2001-40 17 58 Excellent
05/15/96 96-48 16 56 Excellent
07/13/11 2011-67 18 58 Excellent
06/22/06 2006-93 14 52 Good
NCIBI Rating
06/27/16 2016-61 17 50 Good
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Very Slightly Turbid, easily silted
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)67
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)54 44 46
pH (s.u.)5.8 6.2 6.1
Temperature (°C)22.3 24.6 19.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.7 7.9 8.3
0.2 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 81.0 3.5 0.3 10.5 4.6
2006 82.3 3.5 0.3 10.6 3.3 0.2 0.1 0.1
2001 82.2 3.5 0.3 10.8 3.3 0.2 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 92.8 0.0 no data 6.5 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.5
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 29.8 11 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040102 36.078889 -80.977500 953 No
HUNTING CR NC 115 QF10 06/27/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains eastern-central Watauga County, including the Powderhorn Development; three small impoundments located upstream have no minimum
flow requirements which may reduce flow in this stream during periods of drought; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Elk Creek; site is just
downstream from the section managed by the NCWRC as Catch & Release, Single Hook, Artificial Lure Trout Waters; impervious land accounts for only 0.1% of
its watershed. Habitat -- no change in the very high quality instream and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011; highest scoring Total Habitat Score of
any fish community site in 2016; deep pools at the beginning; short cobble/boulder riffles with Podostemum, side snags and plunge pools; wide riparian zones
vegetated with Rhododendron and Eastern Hemlock; a popular creek for fishing; Total Habitat Scores range 87-94. Water Quality -- consistently very low
specific conductance, range 14-30 µS/cm, and typical of a mountain stream whose watershed is more than 90% forested. 2016 -- 46% of its species were non-
indigenous, the greatest percentage of any site sampled in 2016; 2 point decline the the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating between 2011 and 2016 was due to
the absence of Redbreast Sunfish, Brown Trout, and the intolerant Brook Trout, all three species are rare or uncommon at the site; 1 of 5 sites where Redbreast
Sunfish, a widely distributed and abundant species was not found. 1996-2016 -- high species richness for a small stream; 19 species known from the site
including 7 exotic (37% of total fauna), 4 intolerant, 1 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are variable, including Redlip Shiner (1996, 1998), Central
Stoneroller (1999, 2006), Bluehead Chub (2011), Warpaint Shiner (2011), and Rosyside Dace (2016); two intolerant and widespread species, Piedmont Darter
and Highback Chub, along with the widespread Tessellated Darter, are unknown from the site, perhaps due to its elevation, gradient or location (a headwaters
stream high up in the Elk Creek watershed); except for in 1999, the trophic metrics have been stable, the Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores (21-31%) and
the Percentage of Insectivores (54-77%); NCIBI Ratings fluctuate between Good and Excellent. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this
fish community regional reference and ORW site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Rosyside Dace (n=95,
22%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Warpaint
Shiner, Striped Jumprock,
Smallmouth Bass, and Rock
Bass (n=51, 22, 6, 4, and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
05/23/96 96-62 14 54 Excellent
Data Analysis
05/05/99 99-31 13 52 Good
10/01/98 98-80 14 54 Excellent
07/14/11 2011-69 15 54 Excellent
08/03/06 2006-109 13 48 Good
NCIBI Rating
06/28/16 2016-65 11 52 Good
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, boulder, gravel, sand, and dark silt.Clear, dark silts easily suspended.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)94
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)30 29 28
pH (s.u.)5.8 5.8 5.7
Temperature (°C)22.3 21.6 20.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.1 7.7 8.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 92.2 2.4 0.1 1.5 3.7
2006 95.1 2.2 0.1 1.5 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.1
2001 95.2 2.2 0.1 1.5 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 99.8 0.0 no data 0.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.8.3 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WATAUGA 03040101 36.161667 -81.503333 1403 Yes
LAUREL CR SR 1508 QF35 06/28/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north-central Surry County and a very small portion of Carroll County, VA, including the I-77 corridor; no municipalities in the watershed;
one small discharger located ~ 2.3 miles upstream (NC0044211, Qw=0.032 MGD); site is downstream from the section managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery
Supported Trout Waters; tributary to the Fisher River. Habitat -- riffles just upstream from the culverts; some leaf deposits in the pools; runs and chutes; side
pools along the right bank; less embeddedness than in 2011; berms along both banks; stream enhancements (rock veins, de-snagging, thinning of the riparian
zones, and jute matting in the stream); stream had been too turbid on July 13, 2016 to sample due to an upstream stream restoration and sewer line relocation
project; Total Habitat Score range 60-70. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and normal for a Piedmont stream, range 38-66 µS/cm with last three
readings since 2006 of 50, 50, and 54 µS/cm, respectively. 2016 -- most fish (n=892) and species ever collected at the site, unexpected given the extreme
turbidity observed on July 13, 2016; only metric change between 2011 and 2016 was in the number of species of darters (2 species in 2011 and 3 in 2016); no
change in NCIBI Rating or water quality. 1996-2016 -- an abundant and species-rich community with 25 species known from the site, including 5 exotic, 6
intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; two Intolerant Species (Thicklip Chub and Fieryblack Shiner) have not been collected since 2006; dominant species is
the Bluehead Chub (25-46%); trophic metrics stable, but indicating a moderate level of nutrient enrichment (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 38-
54% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 45-62%); the continued abundance of the omnivorous Bluehead Chub also indicates a moderate level of nonpoint
nutrient enrichment; community has rated Good since 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source
identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=299,
34%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller, Mountain
Redbelly Dace, and Striped
Jumprock (n=64, 7, and 5)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/20/01 2001-67 19 50 Good
05/16/96 96-50 15 46 Good-Fair
06/22/11 2011-50 18 48 Good
06/20/06 2006-87 17 52 Good
NCIBI Rating
10/25/16 2016-101 20 50 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, sand, and boulder.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)68
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)5
Bottom Substrate (15)11
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)12
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)3
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)50 50 54
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.2 6.5
Temperature (°C)22.8 20.3 11.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 8.3 11.1
0.1 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 61.4 8.6 1.4 24.5 5.3
2006 61.9 8.6 1.4 24.8 4.5 0.1 0.1 0.0
2001 62.0 8.6 1.3 25.1 4.3 0.0 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 74.1 2.1 no data 23.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.7
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 21.3 12 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.462227 -80.742461 1082 No
LITTLE FISHER R SR 1480 QF53 10/25/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.333753 -80.668124 550 No
MALLARD CR SR 1300 QF92 07/19/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
CMUD's Mallard Creek WWTP NC0030210 12
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 41.2 7 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 56.2 24.5 no data 17.7 no data 0.9
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.4 0.3
2001 28.6 60.0 15.8 7.0 3.2 0.8 0.1 0.3
2006 23.6 65.8 19.0 5.7 3.6 0.8 0.1 0.3
0.8 0.1 0.3
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2016 Site Photograph
2011 22.0 67.5 19.9 5.0 4.4
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---385 407
pH (s.u.)---6.7 7.2
Temperature (°C)---22.6 25.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---6.0 7.8
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)10
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)53
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)5
NCIBI Rating
07/19/16 2016-87 18 52 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
07/16/04 2004-126 18 46 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains the northeast portion of the City of Charlotte metropolitan area; site is ~ 2.3 miles downstream from CMUD's Mallard Creek WWTP;
tributary to Rocky River, site is ~ 0.6 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- an abundance of coarse woody debris dams, snag
pools, and plunges; sandy runs; channel with many bends; riffles created by sticks in the current; boulder bedrock outcrop on the left; entrenched with eroding
banks and shifting sand bars; sun-lit at bridge; Total Habitat Score was 47 in 2004. Water Quality -- greatest specific conductance of any fish community site in
2016, was 385 µS/cm in 2004, resulting from the WWTP discharge; chlorine smell. 2016 -- a 6-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class
improvement resulted from a more balanced trophic structure in 2016 than in 2004 (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores = 41%, Percentage of Insectivores =
58%, and Percentage of Piscivores = 1.3%), but still indicated nutrient enrichment (due to the abundance of Spottail Shiner and Bluehead Chub); the Percentage
of Tolerant Fish (28%) was slightly greater than expected (≤ 25%) due to the abundance of Satinfin Shiner, Red Shiner, Redbreast Sunfish, and Green Sunfish;
Whitefin Shiner, Red Shiner, Spotted Bass, Sandbar Shiner, and Brassy Jumprock new to the site; the highly invasive and non-indigenous Red Shiner collected
for the first time in 2016 already comprised 6% of all the fish collected. 2004 & 2016 -- 23 species known from the site, including 4 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter,
and 3 sucker species; dominant species is the Spottail Shiner; despite the low quality instream habitat and sandy substrate, the discharge from WWTP
augments stream flow and nutrients stimulate fish production. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document the
continuing urbanization of the watershed and any impacts from the WWTP discharge.
Most Abundant
Species
Spottail Shiner (n=83,
28%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Red Shiner, Green Sunfish,
and Spotted Bass (n=19, 12,
and 2, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southwest Richmond County, including the cities of Hamlet and East Hamlet and their WWTP; tributary to Everetts Lake and the Pee Dee
River. Habitat -- no change in the high quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2006; pools; submerged coarse woody debris; snags
and undercuts; runs; aquatic macrophytes; good bottomland riparian zones; Total Habitat Scores range 82-90. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated
for a Sand Hills stream resulting from the upstream WWTP discharge, range 43-85 µS/cm; pH low, but normal for a Sand Hills stream. 2016 -- Note: maximum
NCIBI Score for a Sand Hills fish community is 14; most fish (n=159) of any Sand Hills site; 2 Intolerant Species present (Spotted Sucker and Dollar Sunfish); 2-
point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement resulted from a lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish in 2016 than in 2006 (Primarily
Redbreast Sunfish and Eastern Mosquitofish); Black Crappie and Pirate perch new to the site. 2001-2016 -- a species-rich community with 24 species known
from the site, including 0 exotic, 3 intolerant (Spotted Sucker, Mud Sunfish, and Dollar Sunfish), 1 darter (Tessellated Darter), 2 sucker (Creek Chubsucker and
Spotted Sucker), 10 sunfish, and 4 catfish (Yellow Bullhead, Flat Bullhead, Tadpole Madtom, and Margined Madtom) species; Dominant species is the Dusky
Shiner; no non-indigenous species have ever been collected at this site; consistently high Percentage of Key Sand Hills Fish (range 81-91%); high abundance
(range, n=100-238) and species richness for a Sand Hills stream may indicate some nutrient enrichment from the upstream WWTP; community has rated Good
2 out of the 3 assessments since 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document any impacts from the WWTP
discharge and the increasing development of its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species
Dusky Shiner (n=114,
72%)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/25/06 2006-23 21 10 Good-Fair
04/06/01 2001-04 13 11 Good
NCIBI Rating
04/13/16 2016-07 14 12 Good
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and coarse woody debris.
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)90
0 0
Bank Vegetation (10)8
Light Penetration (10)10
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Bottom Substrate (15)7
Pool Variety (10)10
Bank Erosion (10)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (15)15
Instream Habitat (20)20
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)43 49 85
pH (s.u.)6.3 5.8 5.4
Temperature (°C)13.0 18.9 15.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.8 6.8 8.3
14.0 1.0 0.6
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 30.0 21.4 5.8 8.3 24.9
2006 32.8 21.0 5.4 8.5 22.1 14.0 0.9 0.8
2001 35.5 20.7 5.2 7.8 20.2 14.4 1.0 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 67.2 9.8 no data 13.5 no data 3.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.9 5.7
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
City of Hamlet WWTP NC0047562 1
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Sand Hills 30.5 7 0.5
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040201 34.829722 -79.799722 207 No
MARKS CR SR 1104 QF133 04/13/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
STANLY 03040104 35.363333 -80.115833 384 No
MOUNTAIN CR SR 1720 QF135 04/26/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 13.8 6 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 55.3 7.1 no data 37.1 no data 0.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.0
2001 47.4 14.4 2.4 30.4 7.1 0.3 0.3 0.0
2006 48.1 14.5 2.5 29.8 6.7 0.3 0.4 0.0
0.3 0.4 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 47.8 14.7 2.6 29.7 7.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)96 133 101
pH (s.u.)6.8 6.3 6.8
Temperature (°C)8.5 20.8 19.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)12.0 6.0 8.6
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)89
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/26/16 2016-19 20 48 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock, boulder, cobble, and gravel.
05/27/11 2011-25 10 36 Fair
03/22/04 2004-01 16 50 Good
Watershed -- drains east-central Stanly County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Lake Tillery (Pee Dee River) at Morrow
Mountain State Park, site is ~ 3.4 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir; stream may become intermittent and completely dry-up during
low flow periods and prolonged droughts. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011; a typical extremely rocky
Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with angled, slick bedrock; open canopy at the bridge; open forested riparian zones; Justicia; pools in the upper reaches; cattle
fenced out from the stream; Total Habitat Scores range 77-89. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated under low flow conditions (2011) in contrast to
under normal-high flow conditions (1996, 2001, 2004, and 2016), range 74-133 µS/cm, within the norm for a stream whose watershed is roughly equally divided
between forested and agricultural/developed land uses. 2016 -- more than twice as many fish (n=356 vs. 138) and species collected in 2016 than in 2011; the
12-point increase in the NCIBI Score and a two NCIBI Ratings improvement were attributed to the high fish abundance, the increased total species diversity, the
increased diversities of sunfish and suckers, and the decrease in the Percentage of Tolerant Fish (from 44% in 2011 to 31% in 2016); Notchlip Redhorse, Yellow
Bullhead, and Golden Shiner new to the site. 1996-2016 -- 22 species known from the site including 2 exotic, 0 intolerant, 1 darter, and 3 sucker species; the
lack of Intolerant Species (e.g., Fieryblack Shiner, Highback Chub, and Piedmont Darter) and the low diversity of darters (Carolina Darter, Fantail Darter, and
Piedmont Darter are absent from this watershed) are the result of Lake Tillery serving as a barrier to recolonization following flow extremes and prolonged
droughts; dominant species is consistently the Bluehead Chub, along with Creek Chub and Redbreast Sunfish in 2011; depending upon flow conditions, the
community has rated from Fair to Good. Recommendation -- because the community is so affected by flow conditions and a lack of recolonization
opportunities, future assessment for Use Support is not advised, unless the assessment follows prolonged average- or above-average precipitation seasons.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=97,
27%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=34 and 9,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/17/01 2001-18 15 46 Good-Fair
04/18/96 96-23 13 50 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.289722 -81.275278 1292 Yes
N FK REDDIES R SR 1567 QF41 06/30/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.12.7 6 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 99.7 0.0 no data 0.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.1
2001 95.6 1.5 0.1 1.8 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.0
2006 95.8 1.5 0.1 1.6 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 95.6 1.5 0.1 1.5 1.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)33 31 30
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.0 5.7
Temperature (°C)21.5 16.6 17.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 8.8 8.6
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)2
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)88
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
NCIBI Rating
06/30/16 2016-70 13 50 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, boulder, bedrock, gravel.
06/30/11 2011-57 13 50 Good
08/04/06 2006-112 11 50 Good
Watershed -- drains northwest-north-central Wilkes County; no NPDES or municipalities in the watershed; has the greatest Percentage of Forested land
(95.6%) and lowest Percentage of Developed land (1.5%) in its watershed than any other fish community site in 2016; impervious land accounts for only 0.1%;
tributary to the Reddies River; site is within the section managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Habitat -- no change in the high quality
instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; riffles; swift bedrock and boulder chutes; side undercuts; bluff on the right; Podostemum
abundant in the riffles; Total Habitat Scores range 82-91. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable, range 28-33 µS/cm, typical of a stream whose
watershed is more than 95% forested. 2016 -- slight differences in the metrics between 2011 and 2016, but no overall changes in the NCIBI Score or Rating;
changes in metrics values resulted from the losses or gains of rare species (e.g., Northern Hog Sucker, Rock Bass, Redbreast Sunfish Rainbow Trout, and
Brown Trout); 1 of just 6 sites where only one species of sunfish was present; 1 of 5 sites where Redbreast Sunfish, a widely distributed and abundant species
was not found. 1999-2016 -- 18 species known from the site including 6 exotic, 6 intolerant, 2 darter, and 2 sucker species; dominant species are Redlip Shiner
(1999-2016) and Bluehead Chub (2001-2011); the intolerant Piedmont Darter was collected for the first time since 1999; few trout, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth
Bass collected because the stream is a popular fishing site with ease of access; trophic metrics have been stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range
22-35% and Percentage of Insectivores 62-73%); consistently low Percentage of Tolerant Fish, range 2-5%; community has rated Good since 2006.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference and HQW site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=361,
44%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller and
Northern Hogsucker (n=1,
each)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/19/01 2001-65 17 56 Excellent
05/05/99 99-33 14 58 Excellent
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 35.944167 -80.867778 830 No
OLIN CR SR 1892 QF9 06/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 9.5 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 52.0 0.0 no data 47.7 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
2001 42.0 5.5 0.6 46.0 6.3 0.1 0.1 0.0
2006 41.0 5.5 0.6 45.4 7.9 0.1 0.1 0.0
0.1 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 40.7 5.5 0.6 45.1 8.5
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)52 56 55
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.2 6.1
Temperature (°C)18.6 18.2 20.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 7.9 8.3
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)6
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)57
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
06/14/16 2016-52 12 50 Good
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Very slightly turbid, became extremely turbid
06/15/11 2011-39 12 46 Good-Fair
06/05/06 2006-74 10 44 Good-Fair
05/14/96 96-44 9 36 Fair
Watershed -- drains rural north-north-central Iredell County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in watershed; small tributary to Patterson Creek, then
Rocky Creek, and ultimately the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- same as in previous cycles with low quality instream habitats; a very sinuous channel; severe
bank blowout on the right bank; coarse woody debris; undercuts and snag pools; stick and gravel riffles; tributary near the bridge and on the right drains an open
livestock pasture; riparian zone on the left overgrown with bamboo and badly eroding in places; shallow sandy runs; Total Habitat Scores range 49-57. Water
Quality -- specific conductance generally low and stable for a stream whose watershed is more than 50% cultivation and grassland, range 35 (in 1996)-56
µS/cm. 2016 -- the absence of the piscivorous Largemouth Bass and an abundance of tolerant species such as Eastern Mosquito Fish, Redbreast Sunfish,
White Sucker, Golden Shiner, and Creek Chub where offset by the the first collection ever of the intolerant Piedmont Darter and a more balanced trophic
structure in 2016 than in 2011, ultimately yielding a 4 point increase in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class increase; Golden Shiner and Piedmont
Darter new to the site. 1996-2016 -- gradual increase in the total species richness since 1996; 15 species are now known from the site including 1 exotic, 1
intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; however, the 15 species represent the second fewest species of any site that was sampled in 2016; dominant species
is the Bluehead Chub (31-57%); two intolerant species now known from this site (Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter), but only four specimens have been
collected since 2006, none were collected in 1996; only one exotic fish has ever been collected at this site (one Fathead Minnow in 2006); NCIBI Scores and
NCIBI Ratings have gradually increased from Fair in 1996 to Good in 2016. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this small watershed in
2021; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=72,
31%)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.303333 -80.594722 532 No
REEDY CR SR 1136 QF94 07/19/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Cedar Park Estates, WWTP NC0034711 0.030
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 30.9 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 64.0 13.1 no data 19.3 no data 1.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.4 1.4
2001 49.3 31.7 4.4 12.6 4.6 1.5 0.3 0.0
2006 46.0 35.9 5.9 10.7 4.4 1.5 0.3 1.2
1.5 0.3 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 44.8 36.8 6.2 10.6 5.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)329 214 182
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.6 7.3
Temperature (°C)24.7 14.0 23.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)6.8 8.5 8.5
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)10
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)49
Bank Erosion (7)1
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
07/19/16 2016-86 18 48 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
04/08/11 2011-06 20 56 Excellent
07/18/06 2006-101 17 46 Good-Fair
04/18/01 2001-24 17 46 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains northeastern Mecklenburg and southwestern Cabarrus counties, including the northeast City of Charlotte metropolitan area; downstream
from three NPDES dischargers (Total Qw = 0.295 MGD); tributary to the Rocky River. Habitat -- coarse woody debris dams and large, fallen tree trunk dams
providing instream cover and snag pools; entrenched with severely eroding banks; soft, shifting sand and gravel bars; very sinuous channel; riffles created by
sticks in the current; shallow sandy runs; Total Habitat Scores range 33-51. Water Quality -- elevated specific conductance from point source dischargers and
nonpoint sources, range 182-329 µS/cm, but decreasing since 2006 (329, 214, and 182 µS/cm, respectively). 2016 -- most fish (n=346 ever collected at this site
(previous range = 204-254)); stable trophic metrics during the past two cycles (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 22-29% and Percentage of Insectivores
71-78%); an 8-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class decline resulted from the loss of two species of darters (Fantail Darter and the
intolerant Piedmont Darter), the loss of one species of sucker (Brassy Jumprock), and the slightly greater than expected Percentage of Tolerant (33%, primarily
Satinfin Shiner, Redbreast Sunfish, and Green Sunfish); Channel Catfish new to the site. 2001-2016 -- 26 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 2
intolerant, 3 darter, and 2 sucker species; dominant species are variable, including Bluehead Chub (2001), Spottail Shiner (2006), Tessellated Darter (2011), and
Speckled Killifish (2016); NCIBI Ratings have varied from a high Good-Fair to a low Excellent. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in
2021 to document the increasing urbanization of its watershed and any impacts from the WWTPs; sediment source identification and reduction within the
watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Speckled Killifish (n=93,
27%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Channel
Catfish (n=16 and 2,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northeast Davidson, southeast Forsyth, and southwest Guilford counties, including the west-southwest area of the City of High Point; two
additional dischargers (NC0046035 and NC0055212, Total Qw=0.026 MGD) located in the stream's headwaters in Forsyth County; tributary to Abbotts Creek and
ultimately High Rock Reservoir (Yadkin River). Habitat -- no change in the low quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; large,
coarse woody debris, deadfalls, and deep side snag pools; an abundance of submerged coarse woody debris in the current creating stick riffles; sand dipping
operation downstream and WWTP discharge at end of reach, Total Habitat Scores range 39-66, 4 of 5 scores < 60. Water Quality -- second greatest specific
conductance of any site in 2016, consistently elevated as a result of the WWTP discharge; range 314-410 µS/cm; chlorine smell from the WWTP effluent. 2016 -
- most species ever collected at this site and has been increasing since 1996; up until 2016, the community had been considered impaired (NCIBI Rating of Fair
or Poor); an 8-point increase in the NCIBI Score and 2 NCIBI Rating Class improvements between 2011 and 2016 were attributed to a slightly lower Percentage
of Tolerant Fish (23% vs. 27%), a more balanced trophic structure (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores 24% vs. 47% and Percentage of Insectivores, 75% vs.
51%), the presence of the Tessellated Darter, and a greater Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes indicating better recruitment (56% vs. 44%);
Fathead Minnow new to the site. 1996-2016 -- 24 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 0 intolerant, 1 darter, and 1 sucker species; dominant species
are variable, including Redbreast Sunfish (1996, 2006), Bluehead Chub (2001, 2016), Bluegill (2006), and Eastern Silvery Minnow (2011); Redlip Shiner, a wide-
spread species in the basin, has not been collected since 1996; suckers rare, only 7 out of 1,008 fish have been suckers and none have been collected since
2001. Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document if the improvement in the fish community is persistent, to document
any impacts from the urbanization of the watershed, and to document any impacts from the expanded WWTP and its discharge; sediment source identification
and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=35,
18%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Swallowtail
Shiner, Redear Sunfish, and
Fathead Minnow (n=15, 6, 4,
and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/01/01 2001-33 13 40 Fair
04/25/96 96-35 10 34 Poor
06/20/11 2011-45 16 40 Fair
05/10/06 2006-38 16 36 Fair
NCIBI Rating
05/11/16 2016-38 18 48 Good
Water Clarity Clear, easily silted
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)56
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)4
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)372 410 314
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.8 6.5
Temperature (°C)16.4 24.1 19.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 6.7 8.2
0.4 0.4 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 33.1 48.3 13.5 11.2 6.6
2006 35.0 47.4 13.0 11.5 5.2 0.4 0.4 0.0
2001 37.1 43.7 11.4 13.3 5.5 0.2 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 47.6 34.2 no data 17.8 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.1
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
City of High Point's Westside WWTP (Instream Waste Concentration = 93%)NC0024228 10
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 19.1 7 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIDSON 03040103 35.936815 -80.113083 699 No
RICH FK NC 109 QF29 05/11/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
04/17/01 2001-19 18 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains central Montgomery County; one tributary (Warner Creek) drains the Town of Troy; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the
Little River. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Slate Belt type stream; Fissidens in the cobble riffles and pools; silts atop the rocks; shallow runs and riffles; side
snags; both banks with poor quality (Oriental Privet) riparian zones; Total Habitat Scores range 70-78. Water Quality -- specific conductance greater under low
flow (62 µS/cm in 2011) than under normal flow conditions (46 or 47 µS/cm in 2001, 2006, and 2016), still typical for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is
more than 70% forested. 2016 -- slight change in several of the metrics (e.g., diversity of darters and suckers), but no change in the overall NCIBI Score or
NCIBI Rating; Redlip Shiner, dominant in 2001 and 2006, but absent in 2011, was collected once again in 2016; Carolina Darter and Warmouth new to the site.
2001-2016 -- 23 species known from the site, including including 2 exotic, 2 intolerant, 4 darter, 3 sucker species, and one Special Concern species (Carolina
Darter); dominant species are Redlip Shiner (2001, 2006) and Redbreast Sunfish (2011 and 2016); consistently stable trophic metrics (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 15-25% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 75-83%); Spotted Sucker and the intolerant Piedmont Darter have not been
collected since 2001; approximately 100 yards below the site is an open shelf/natural water slide which may be a barrier to fish dispersal and re-colonization of
the stream following persistent low flow events and droughts; community has been rated Good since 2011, but had been rated Excellent in 2001 and 2006.
Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this HQW site in 2021 to determine if local watershed changes and low flows may continue to impact the
community.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=58,
27%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=3)Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern,
n=1)
Data Analysis
06/06/11 2011-29 15 52 Good
05/09/06 2006-36 15 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
04/14/16 2016-13 15 52 Good
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - cobble, boulder, gravel, and sand. Clear/Slightly Tannic, became silty
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)78
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)6
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)47 62 46
pH (s.u.)6.5 6.2 6.1
Temperature (°C)14.1 24.1 13.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.0 6.6 10.5
0.5 0.1 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 71.5 7.5 1.6 6.3 13.9
2006 75.4 7.5 1.5 6.2 10.1 0.5 0.1 0.2
2001 75.9 7.5 1.4 6.4 9.5 0.5 0.1 0.2
Wetland Water Barren
1992 86.0 2.9 no data 1.8 no data 0.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 8.6
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 21.7 7 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.300000 -79.908056 396 No
ROCKY CR SR 1549 QF114 04/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
07/26/04 2004-135 19 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwestern Iredell County, one NPDES discharger (NC0028606, Qw = 0.018) located several miles upstream; no municipalities in the
watershed; site is ~ 4.7 miles upstream from the old mill dam at Turnersburg; tributary to the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- coarse woody debris in the current
creating riffles; bedrock shelves and slides; sandy runs; deep pools at the bends in the channel; entrenched with eroding banks; Total Habitat Score was 64 in
2004. Water Quality -- no change in the specific conductance since the last assessment in 2004. 2016 -- the loss of five species (Brassy Jumprock, Snail
Bullhead, Margined Madtom, Smallmouth Bass, and Piedmont Darter) contributed to the 6-point decline into he NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class
decrease; Creek Chub and Eastern Mosquitofish new to the site. 2004 & 2016 -- only 21 species known from this large watershed, including 2 exotic, 5
intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2004, 2016) and Redlip Shiner (2016). Recommendation -- continued
basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species Redlip Shiner (n=69, 34%)Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=2)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
06/14/16 2016-50 16 48 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)63
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---46 48
pH (s.u.)---5.8 5.8
Temperature (°C)---23.0 20.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.3 8.2
0.1 0.2 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2016 Site Photograph
2011 59.4 5.7 0.6 27.6 6.9
2006 60.8 5.7 0.6 27.8 5.3 0.1 0.2 0.0
2001 60.4 5.7 0.6 28.3 5.4 0.1 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.8 0.5 no data 28.5 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 61.1 11 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 35.929167 -80.813889 779 No
ROCKY CR SR 1890 QF7 06/14/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040201 35.035278 -79.701111 267 No
ROCKY FORK CR SR 1424 QF125 04/13/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Sand Hills 16.8 5 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 85.9 0.0 no data 7.7 no data 2.8
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 3.3
2001 62.5 7.2 0.5 7.9 15.8 6.2 0.3 0.0
2006 62.8 7.3 0.5 6.3 17.2 6.1 0.3 0.0
6.1 0.3 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 61.2 7.3 0.5 6.3 18.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)25 23 25
pH (s.u.)4.8 6.2 5.1
Temperature (°C)12.0 18.2 16.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)12.2 8.3 9.9
Bottom Substrate (15)13
Pool Variety (10)8
Bank Erosion (10)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (15)15
Instream Habitat (20)18
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)93
0 0
Bank Vegetation (10)9
Light Penetration (10)10
Left Riparian Score (5)5
NCIBI Rating
04/13/16 2016-10 8 11 Good
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, cobble, gravel, boulder, bedrock (silt, and muck upstream from the old mill site).
Watershed -- drains northeast Richmond County, including the Sand Hills Gamelands; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to
Ledbetter Lake (Hitchcock Creek) and ultimately the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- second highest scoring Total Habitat Score of any fish community site in 2016; a
typical Sand Hills type stream with gravel and cobble runs and riffles; boulder outcrops and swift flow near and downstream from the old mill site; wide riparian
zones; coarse woody debris; Total Habitat Score range 90-95. Water Quality -- specific conductance very low and stable for a Sand Hills stream whose
watershed is more than 60% forested, range 23-25 µS/cm; pH low and also typical. 2016 -- Note: maximum NCIBI Score for a Sand Hills fish community is 14;
no change in the NCIBI Score or the NCIBI Rating, but improvements were noted in the Percentage of Tolerant Fish which decreased from 32% to 4% and in the
Percentage of Invertivore Cyprinids which increased from 12% to 30%, 2 Intolerant Species present (Spotted Sucker and Dollar Sunfish); fewest species ever
collected; no new species collected in 2016. 2001-2016 -- 18 species known from the site, including 1 exotic (Yellow Perch), 3 intolerant (Spotted Sucker, Mud
Sunfish, and Dollar Sunfish), 1 darter (Tessellated Darter), 2 sucker (Creek Chubsucker and Spotted Sucker), 5 sunfish, and 4 catfish (Snail Bullhead, Yellow
Bullhead, Flat Bullhead, and Margined Madtom) species; Dominant species is the Dusky Shiner (2001 and 2016) and Redbreast Sunfish (2006); community has
consistently rated Good since 2001. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document any impacts from landuse changes
in its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species
Margined Madtom and
Dusky Shiner (n=15 and
13, respectively; 35% and
30%, respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/24/06 2006-20 11 11 Good
04/05/01 2001-02 14 11 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.474970 -80.779461 661 No
ROCKY R SR 1608 QF97 07/20/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Town of Mooresville's Rocky River WWTP (Instream Waste Concentration = 94%)NC0046728 7.5
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 13.3 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 56.8 16.9 no data 25.1 no data 1.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
2001 45.1 22.8 4.8 23.2 7.7 1.0 0.1 0.1
2006 42.4 28.2 6.2 19.9 8.4 1.0 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 40.8 30.4 6.9 18.9 8.6
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)362 410 361
pH (s.u.)6.6 7.1 7.5
Temperature (°C)13.7 17.9 23.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)6.6 8.1 8.3
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)11
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)50
Bank Erosion (7)1
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
NCIBI Rating
07/20/16 2016-89 13 48 Good
Water Clarity Clear, easily silted
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
05/10/11 2011-14 12 42 Good-Fair
05/12/06 2006-45 16 50 Good
Watershed -- drains small portions of southeastern Iredell, northeastern Mecklenburg, and northwestern Cabarrus counties, including the Town of Mooresville;
headwater site on a major tributary to the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- two large coarse woody debris dams across the channel; deeply entrenched with severe
bank erosion; evidence of past high-water events; riffles absent, except for a few stick riffles; soft, shifting sand; sand and gravel bars; wide and forested riparian
zones; Total Habitat Scores range 46-52. Water Quality -- specific conductance consistently elevated due to the upstream WWTP discharge and the urban
stormwater runoff; range 361-479 µS/cm, chlorine/treated effluent odor; flow, especially during droughts, is augmented by the WWTP discharge. 2016 -- most
fish ever collected at the site (n=217, previous range 81-150); a 6-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement was attributed to
the collection of one additional species, an abundance of fish, and the collection of one additional species of sunfish; Whitefin Shiner and Sunfish hybrid new to
the site. 1996-2016 -- generally, a depauperate community in terms of the number of fish collected (n=619 from 5 assessment cycles) and until 2016 much
lower than expected; 17 species known from the site including 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 1 darter, and 0 sucker species; dominant species are variable, including
Rosyside Dace (1996), Bluehead Chub (1999, 2006), Redlip Shiner (2006, 2011), and Speckled Killifish (2011, 2016); the Percentage of Species with Multiple
Age Classes has been less than or equal to 50% (scoring a "1" or a "3") indicating loss of age classes and poor recruitment often due to flow extremes and
impacts from WWTP discharges; however, the community has improved since the Poor ratings in 1996 and 1999. Recommendation -- continue basinwide
monitoring of this site in 2016 to document the continuing urbanization of its watershed and any impacts from the WWTP; sediment source identification and
reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Speckled Killifish (n=88,
41%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=2)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/14/99 99-14 11 32 Poor
04/17/96 96-18 10 34 Poor
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.336667 -80.834722 1057 No
S FK MITCHELL R SR 1301 QF49 07/12/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 24.5 10 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.8 2.0 no data 26.8 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.4
2001 60.4 7.2 0.7 27.8 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
2006 60.0 7.2 0.7 27.6 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 59.8 7.2 0.7 27.4 5.6
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)37 40 39
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.1 6.0
Temperature (°C)21.9 22.3 21.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 7.5 8.8
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)49
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)5
NCIBI Rating
07/12/16 2016-76 18 52 Good
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, bedrock and silt.
Watershed -- drains northwest-north central Surry County; one small discharger located ~ 3.9 miles upstream (NC0041866, Qw=0.0035); tributary to the Mitchell
River. Habitat -- same lower quality habitats as in previous assessments; bedrock shelves (riffles) and deep snag pool at the beginning of the reach;
Podostemum on the bedrock; silty runs; Total habitat Scores range 49-58. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, range 37-40 µS/cm, and typical of a
Piedmont stream whose watershed is still mostly forested. 2016 -- a substantial shift in the trophic metrics (an increase in the Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores from 26% to 51%, a decrease in the Percentage of Insectivores from 73% to 49%, and a decrease in the Percentage of Piscivores, from
1.6 to 0.6%) contributed to the 6-point decline in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class decrease; dominance by the omnivorous Bluehead Chub and
White Sucker may signify an increase in nonpoint nutrient runoff and a decline in water quality; large biomass of Smallmouth Bass and White Sucker; one
stocked Rainbow Trout (323 mm TL) netted and released. 2006-2016 -- 24 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 4 intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker
species; dominant species are Rosyside Dace (2006) and Bluehead Chub (2011, 2016). Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in
2021 to determine if the decline in the NCIBI Rating is persistent; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=217,
46%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Striped Jumprock,
Smallmouth Bass, and Green
Sunfish (n=5, 3, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
07/12/11 2011-63 18 58 Excellent
06/21/06 2006-90 19 60 Excellent
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.154711 -81.329614 1131 Yes
S PR LEWIS FK SR 1154 QF39 06/29/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 32.4 10 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 96.7 0.0 no data 3.3 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
2001 84.4 3.8 0.4 6.5 5.2 0.2 0.0 0.0
2006 83.7 3.8 0.4 6.6 5.6 0.2 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 83.2 3.8 0.5 6.4 6.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)35 30 30
pH (s.u.)6.4 6.1 6.1
Temperature (°C)22.3 20.0 19.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.6 8.2 8.5
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)81
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/29/16 2016-68 15 50 Good
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = bedrock, boulder, cobble, gravel, and sand.
06/28/11 2011-52 18 52 Good
08/04/06 2006-111 22 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwest Wilkes County, including the US 421 corridor; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; borders the Southern
Crystalline Ridges & Mtns. ecoregion; tributary to W. Scott Kerr Reservoir (Yadkin River). Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the
last assessment in 2011; riffles; swift and deep bedrock and boulder chutes and riffles; side boulder pools; Podostemum abundant in the riffles; Total Habitat
Scores range 71-92. Water Quality -- very low for a Piedmont stream, range 22-35 µS/cm, but typical for a stream whose watershed remains more than 80%
forested. 2016 -- 1 of just 2 sites where the Percentage of Tolerant Fish was only 1%; 1 of just 6 sites where only one species of sunfish was present; loss of
three species resulted in the 2-point decline in the NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI Rating. 1996-2016 -- an abundant and moderately species-rich community
with 23 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 5 intolerant, 3 darter, and 5 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (1996-20116), Redlip
Shiner (1996, 2006, 2016), and Margined Madtom (1996); consistently low Percentage of Tolerant Fish, range 1-4%; since 2006 the trophic structure
(Percentage of Insectivores and Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores) has shifted to a more balanced community, however, piscivores (e.g., Smallmouth Bass)
are exceedingly rare at this site, of the 3,318 fish collected since 1996, only 1 specimen was a Smallmouth Bass; community has rated Good 4 out of the past 5
cycles; no appreciable change in water quality during this time. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community regional reference
site in 2021,
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner and
Bluehead Chub (n=259
and 230, respectively;
31% and 28%,
respectively)
Non-indigenous
Species
Striped Jumprock and
Central Stoneroller (n=32 and
10, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/19/01 2001-63 17 48 Good
05/21/96 96-54 16 50 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
SURRY 03040101 36.527222 -80.710833 1114 No
STEWARTS CR SR 1622 QF59 07/13/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 24.1 9 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 82.3 1.8 no data 15.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 0.0
2001 72.7 8.4 1.0 15.4 2.9 0.0 0.4 0.1
2006 72.4 8.4 1.0 15.3 3.3 0.0 0.4 0.1
0.0 0.4 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 71.7 8.5 1.0 15.1 4.2
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)42 44 42
pH (s.u.)5.9 6.1 6.3
Temperature (°C)26.0 20.5 23.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.1 8.1 8.5
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)87
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
07/13/16 2016-80 16 52 Good
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, sand, and bedrock.
06/22/11 2011-49 17 54 Excellent
06/20/06 2006-86 20 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains north-central Surry County and southern Carroll County, VA; two small dischargers located on a tributary ~ 3.8 miles upstream at the state
line (NC0029190 and NC0039420, Total Qw=0.05 MGD); creek is impounded ~4.1 miles upstream by the Mountain View Watershed Dam; no municipalities in
the watershed; tributary to the Ararat River. Habitat -- no change in the high quality instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; riffles,
runs, Rhododendron -lined banks; riffles, runs, fast and deep chutes, and side pools; Rhododendron bluff on the right; Total Habitat Scores range 83-94. Water
Quality -- specific conductance low and typical for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is more than 70% forested, range 23-44 µS/cm with last four
measurements 42-44 S µS/cm. 2016 -- fewest species ever collected at the site, but still an abundant community (n=536); 1 of just 6 sites where only one
species of sunfish was present; a 2 point NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating decline resulted from the absence of the Bluegill which is extremely rare at this
headwater site (only 3 Bluegill out of 3,135 fish have been collected since 1996). 1996-2016 -- 23 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 3 intolerant, 3
darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species is the Redlip Shiner (33-47%); stable Percentage of Tolerant Fish (range 3-8%) and trophic metrics (Percentage
of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 22-30% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 70-78%); trout have never been collected at this site which is classified as WS-
IV; Tr; except for a insignificant 2-point NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating decline, the community has rated Excellent 4 out of the past 5 cycles.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; qualifies for HQW if so petitioned.
Most Abundant
Species Redlip Shiner (n=17933%)Non-indigenous
Species
Roanoke Hogsucker,
Mountain Redbelly Dace, and
Central Stoneroller (n=9, 8, 3,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/21/01 2001-69 17 54 Excellent
05/17/96 96-52 19 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains northwest Wilkes and southeast Watauga counties; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; tributary to W. Kerr Scott
Reservoir (Yadkin River). Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; cattle with access to the stream causing
severe erosion along both banks and cattle feces everywhere; riffles; deep runs and chutes; shallow along the banks; a few undercuts; embedded substrate;
active pastures throughout the watershed with narrow riparian zones and open canopy; Total Habitat Scores range 66-71. Water Quality -- specific
conductance low (35-38 µS/cm) and typical for a stream whose watershed is more than 80% developed, but surprisingly not elevated from the livestock wastes
in and near the stream; the affects of instream erosion and livestock wastes may be offset by the swift flow, the extremely rocky substrates, and stream gradient.
2016 -- a more stable trophic structure (26% Omnivores+Herbivores and 74% Insectivores) yielding metric scores of "5" were offset by an absence of
piscivores, yielding a metric score of "1", and ultimately no change in the NCIBI Score or NCIBI Rating between 2011 and 2016; Bluegill and White Sucker new
to the site. 2006-2016 -- 21 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 5 intolerant, 2 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are the Bluehead
Chub (2006, 2011) and Redlip Shiner (2016); low and stable Percentage of Tolerant Fish (3-4%); no appreciable change in water quality since 2006.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction and livestock exclusion from the stream
throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=150,
37%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Central Stoneroller and
Striped Jumprock (n=50 and
4, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
07/14/11 2011-68 15 52 Good
06/23/06 2006-96 18 54 Excellent
NCIBI Rating
06/28/16 2016-64 17 52 Good
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, gravel, and boulder.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)0
Total Habitat Score (100)67
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)37 38 35
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.2 8.2
Temperature (°C)21.5 21.2 20.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.1 7.8 5.6
0.3 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 82.8 4.5 0.4 8.1 4.2
2006 83.9 4.5 0.3 8.3 3.0 0.3 0.0 0.0
2001 84.0 4.5 0.3 8.3 2.9 0.3 0.0 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 96.8 0.0 no data 3.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.26.0 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.128056 -81.395278 1153 No
STONY FK SR 1170 QF37 06/28/16 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIDSON 03040103 35.938525 -80.146442 703 No
ABBOTTS CR SR 1800 QF28 05/11/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 37.2 9 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 50.1 11.6 no data 35.9 no data 1.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.8
2001 39.2 19.6 3.6 31.7 7.6 1.5 0.2 0.3
2006 39.0 20.6 4.0 30.2 8.0 1.6 0.2 0.4
1.6 0.2 0.4
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 37.5 21.4 4.3 29.7 9.2
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)138 143 137
pH (s.u.)6.2 5.9 6.5
Temperature (°C)15.0 20.4 19.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.9 7.3 8.4
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)11
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)55
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
05/11/16 2016-39 13 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand
04/28/11 2011-11 10 40 Fair
05/10/06 2006-37 14 40 Fair
Watershed -- drains the extreme southeastern corner of Forsyth and the northeastern corner of Davidson counties, including the southern portion of the City of
Kernersville; semi-rural/suburban; one discharger (NC0034452, Qw = 0.08 MGD) ~5.5 miles upstream; site is ~ 2.9 miles upstream from Lake Tom-a-Lex.
Habitat -- wide forested riparian zones providing good canopy over the creek, but deeply entrenched with vertical banks (up to 4 m high) and severe bank
erosion, channel instability, and sediment (sand) transport; bank blowouts, large coarse woody debris, deadfalls, plunges, and snags in the channel; riffles
formed by sticks in the current; total habitat score range 42-63 with last three scores 53-55. Water Quality -- specific conductance has been stable during the
past three assessments, range 137-143 µS/cm. 2016 -- in 2006 and 2011, the community had been considered impaired (NCIBI Rating of Fair), but a very slight
4-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement were attributed to a lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish (25% vs. 43%) and a very
slightly more balanced trophic structure (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores 35% vs. 38%); Warmouth new to the site. 1996-2016 -- fewer species than
expected for a stream of this size, only 20 species known from the site including 1 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species is the
Bluehead Chub, an indicator of nonpoint source nutrient enrichment; frequency of droughts and extreme flows (based upon USGS gauge site at East Center
Street Extension) may also be a factor as avenues for fish re-colonization from nearby streams are limited by downstream Lake Tom-a-Lex; NCIBI Rating has
fluctuated between Fair and Good-Fair. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021 to determine if the improvement in the fish
community is permanent and to document any impacts from the increasing urbanization of its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=93,
35%)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/01/01 2001-32 15 46 Good-Fair
04/24/96 96-34 15 44 Good-Fair
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIE 03040102 35.825671 -80.584935 660 No
BEAR CR SR 1116 QF13 05/16/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 29.4 6 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 56.7 4.7 no data 37.8 no data 0.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.3
2001 46.1 10.0 2.3 36.4 6.7 0.4 0.3 0.1
2006 46.1 10.5 2.6 34.7 6.9 0.9 0.8 0.1
0.9 0.8 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 45.6 10.6 2.7 34.2 7.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)150 122 125
pH (s.u.)6.7 6.2 6.5
Temperature (°C)23.4 21.6 14.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)6.3 6.9 9.0
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)59
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
05/16/16 2016-44 12 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate =sand, gravel, cobble, and boulder
Watershed -- drains west-central Davie County, including the western area of the Town of Mocksville; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; site is ~ 1 mile
above the creek's confluence with the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitat characteristics since the last assessment in
201; riffles absent, except for an artificial riffle upstream of the bridge from rip/rap and rubble; wide riparian zones vegetated with Pawpaw trees providing good
canopy over the creek; slick, clay banks; entrenched with steep and eroding banks contributing coarse woody debris to the stream, but otherwise, poor instream
habitats; Total Habitat Scores range 56-66. Water Quality -- specific conductance typical for a stream draining an agricultural/rural Piedmont watershed;
ranging from 122 to 150 µS/cm. 2016 -- second fewest fish (n=93) collected from any site in 2016 resulted in the 2-point decrease in the NCIBI Score; lower
than expected metric scores ("1" or "3") noted for the total species diversity, number of fish, number of species of darters, an absence of Intolerant Species, and
a very high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (55%, primarily Redbreast Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Satinfin Shiner, and Eastern Mosquitofish); Redear Sunfish, Eastern
Mosquitofish, and Black Crappie new to the site. 2004 & 2016 -- only 18 species are known from this site, including 2 exotic, 0 intolerant, 1 darter, and 4 sucker
species, but few minnow species, and no species of Notropis (e.g., Redlip Shiner, a ubiquitous species in the basin that is considered Intermediate in terms of
its tolerance to pollution); dominant species is the Redbreast Sunfish, but its dominance has steadily declined from 47% to 35% to 20% since 2004; Intolerant
Species are absent from this system; consistently low total species diversity for its size stream and a consistently high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (~ 55%);
trophic metric generally stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 8-28%, Percentage of Insectivores, 70-89%, and Percentage of Piscivores 2.0-3.2%); the
low species diversity, the low diversity of darters, the low fish abundance (n=100 and 93 in 2011 and 2016, respectively), an absence of intolerant species, and a
high percentage of tolerant fish continue to suggest some level of degradation to this community from nonpoint source erosion. Recommendation -- continue
basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=19,
20%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=10 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/14/11 2011-37 12 44 Good-Fair
07/09/04 2004-117 15 40 Fair
Watershed -- drains a small, rural area in east-central Montgomery County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little
River. Habitat -- a typical high Carolina Slate Belt type stream with high quality instream and riparian habitats; wide riparian zones; riffles; shallow pools;
Fissidens growing on the rocks and logs; undercuts; evidence of extremely high water, widespread and high debris line throughout the floodplain from the
flooding Winter 2016 rains; stream may become intermittent and completely dry-up during low flow periods and prolonged droughts; Total Habitat Scores range
88-91. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, range 60-74 µS/cm. 2016 -- fewest fish (n=83) collected from any site in 2016 and was one-half the
number of fish collected in 2006 (n=160); fewest species ever collected; the 12-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and a two NCIBI Ratings decline were
attributed to the low fish abundance, the loss of 2 species of darters, the skewed trophic structure (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 48% and the
Percentage of Insectivores, 48%), and the low Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (45%, indicating loss of age classes and poor recruitment often
seen following extremes in flows); species absent in 2016 which were present in 2006 included Pirate Perch, Pumpkinseed, Rosyside Dace, Yellow Bullhead,
Margined Madtom, Fantail Darter, and Tessellated Darter; Redear Sunfish new to the site. 1996-2016 -- a speciose community for such a small stream with 20
species known from the site, including 2 exotic, 0 intolerant, 3 darter, 2 sucker species, and one Special Concern species (Carolina Darter, which has been
collected in every assessment); the absence of Intolerant Species maybe related to flow and size of stream, Fieryblack Shiner, Highback Chub, and Piedmont
Darter may not inhabit very small Carolina Slate Belt streams; site has only been sampled when there is sufficient water present and was not sampled in 2011
due to low flow conditions. Recommendation -- despite is supplemental water quality classification as High Quality Waters, the fish community in this very
small Carolina Slate Belt stream is severely affected by flow extremes which over shadows the usefulness of the NCIBI as an accurate water quality monitoring
tool at this site. For this reason, the site should be discontinued as a basinwide site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehad Chub (n=32,
40%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=7 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
6)
Data Analysis
04/26/06 2006-28 15 54 Excellent
04/22/96 96-27 17 52 Good
NCIBI Rating
04/26/16 2016-16 11 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Clear/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, boulder, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)89
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)60 74 69
pH (s.u.)7.2 5.8 5.9
Temperature (°C)24.0 19.4 15.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.9 8.9 8.9
2.5 0.4 0.4
Water Quality Parameters 1996 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 62.4 3.8 0.3 11.1 19.5
2006 62.6 3.8 0.3 13.0 16.9 2.5 0.4 0.9
2001 61.1 3.8 0.3 10.0 21.1 2.5 0.4 1.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 76.3 0.2 no data 13.7 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 9.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 6.9 5 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MONTGOMERY 03040104 35.326944 -79.850278 380 Yes
BRIDGERS CR SR 1519 QF112 04/26/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- originates in the Town of Pageland in Chesterfield County, SC and flows through the southeastern corner of Union County into southwestern
Anson County; site is in the upper part of the watershed and borders the Carolina Slate Belt and Sand Hills ecoregions; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed;
direct tributary to the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- coarse woody debris deadfalls and snags; gravel riffles; entrenched; evidence from bank overflow events in
Winter 2016; wide blowout pool downstream from culverts; fairly straight channel with a berm along the east side, may have been channelized a long time ago.
Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated, but stable, range 92-126 µS/cm. 2016 -- the most fish (almost twice as many collected in 2016 than in
2011, 305 vs. 143, respectively) and the most species ever collected; 1 of 5 sites where 7 species of sunfish and bass were collected; a 12-point increase in the
NCIBI Score and two NCIBI Rating class improvements resulted from the increase in total species richness and the richness of darters, the increase in the
number of fish collected, the lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish (24% vs. 56%), and a greater Percentage of Insectivores (90% vs. 36%) in 2016 in contrast to
those metric values in 2011; 1 of 5 sites where Bluehead Chub, a widely distributed and abundant species was not found; Red Shiner and Fathead Minnow new
to the site. 1996-2016 -- a very species-rich headwater site with 28 species known from the site including 5 exotic, 0 intolerant, 3 darter, 1 sucker, 9 sunfish, and
one state-listed species of Special Concern (Carolina Darter which has been collected during every assessment); Intolerant Species (Highback Chub, Fieryblack
Shiner, and Piedmont Darter are unknown from this watershed); Bluehead Chub, a very common and wide-spread species in the basin is extremely rare at this
site, only 2 specimens have been collected, both in 1996, and none since then; dominant species variable, including Redbreast Sunfish (1996), Whitemouth
Shiner (1996), Pirate Perch (2001), Bluegill (2006, 2016), and Golden Shiner (2011); except in 2011, Percentage of Tolerant Fish have been stable (range 16-
30% as have the trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 11-16%, except in 2016 (6%) and Percentage of Insectivores, range 82-90%); a
Triassic Basin stream which is subject to extremes in flows which can influence the fish community. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this
site in 2021 because it is the only site that can be waded in this large tributary.
Most Abundant
Species Bluegill (n=82, 27%)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Redear
Sunfish, Red Shiner, and
Fathead Minnow (n=12, 7, 2,
and 1, respectively).
Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
12)
Data Analysis
04/10/01 2001-09 20 52 Good
04/16/96 96-16 17 50 Good
04/07/11 2011-05 11 34 Poor
04/12/06 2006-14 18 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
04/12/16 2016-06 21 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = clay, gravel, sand, boulder, bedrock.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)60
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)9
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)10
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)126 119 104
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.3 6.3
Temperature (°C)14.0 16.5 14.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 8.7 8.7
2.2 0.2 0.4
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 55.0 4.9 0.7 28.3 8.9
2006 58.4 4.8 0.7 27.9 5.9 2.2 0.2 0.6
2001 54.9 4.8 0.7 32.9 4.7 2.4 0.2 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 64.0 0.2 no data 33.5 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 2.1
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Triassic Basins 24.4 6 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ANSON 03040104 34.881111 -80.301667 311 No
BROWN CR SR 1230 QF99 04/12/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIDSON 03040103 35.568333 -80.179444 566 No
CABIN CR SR 2536 QF32 05/12/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 18.8 7 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 73.8 0.2 no data 25.8 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 67.4 4.4 0.5 22.1 5.7 0.3 0.1 0.1
2006 68.8 4.4 0.5 20.9 5.6 0.3 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 65.5 4.4 0.5 20.9 8.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)102 116 107
pH (s.u.)6.3 5.7 6.2
Temperature (°C)16.0 22.0 18.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.0 6.4 7.6
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)68
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
05/12/16 2016-41 11 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt-types -- cobble, boulder, gravel, and sand.
04/28/11 2011-13 12 42 Good-Fair
05/11/06 2006-41 16 38 Not Rated
Watershed -- drains southeast Davidson County, including the southern portion of the Town of Denton; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to
Tuckertown Reservoir, site is ~ 0.8 mi. upstream of the reservoir. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream but periodically impacted by beaver dams
and low flow events; one cobble/boulder riffle and two long pools; little coarse woody debris in the straight channel stream; Fissidens in the riffle; riparian zones
bordered by NCWRC Gamelands; total habitat score range 68-74. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, but slightly elevated for a Piedmont stream,
range 98-116 µS/cm. 2016 -- fewest species ever collected at this site with more than half of them species of sunfish; 1 of 5 sites where seven species of
sunfish and bass were collected; a greater than expected Percentage of Tolerant Fish present in 2016 than in 2011 (35% vs. 3%); a 4-point decline in the NCIBI
Score but not the NCIBI Rating; 1 of 5 sites where Bluehead Chub, a widely distributed and abundant species was not found. 1996-2016 -- species richness is
moderate with 24 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, 3 sucker, and 7 sunfish species, but only 3 species of minnows; no
Intolerant Species nor Redlip Shiner (a wide-spread species in the basin) have ever been collected at this site, consistently a high number of sunfish species at
this site (6 or 7 species/assessment); dominant species are variable, including Bluegill (1996, 2006, 2011, 2016), Bluehead Chub (2001), and Redbreast Sunfish
(2001); Creek Chub, White Sucker, and Carolina Fantail Darter have not been collected since 1996; proximity to reservoir influences species assemblage and is
a barrier to recolonization after prolonged droughts; community has rated Good-Fair during the past two cycles. Recommendation -- continue basinwide
assessment of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species Bluegill (n=95, 52%)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=42 and 5,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/01/01 2001-34 15 48 Good
04/24/96 96-32 12 52 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIE 03040101 35.986111 -80.525556 689 No
CEDAR CR SR 1437 QF5 05/16/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 11.1 5 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 54.7 3.6 no data 40.2 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
1.2 0.0
2001 47.1 6.6 0.8 38.0 6.8 0.4 1.0 0.0
2006 47.4 6.6 0.8 37.6 6.5 0.7 1.2 0.0
0.7 1.2 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 47.0 6.6 0.8 37.8 6.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)222 192 204
pH (s.u.)6.9 6.1 6.3
Temperature (°C)16.8 21.4 14.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)5.8 5.7 6.5
Bottom Substrate (15)2
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)63
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
05/16/16 2016-42 16 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid (dark water)
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = gravel, sand, silt, boulder, bedrock, and cobble.
04/27/11 2011-10 11 36 Fair
05/04/01 2001-43 11 50 Good
05/13/96 96-41 11 46 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains northeast Davie County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; site is ~ 1.9 miles downstream from the Cedar Creek
Soil & Water Dam/Reservoir No. 8; tributary to Dutchman Creek and eventually the Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitat
characteristics since the last assessment in 2011; with shallow, but embedded gravel riffles; pools, side snags and undercuts; wide and forested riparian zone
along the right bankt; Total Habitat Score range 60-75 with last three scores of 60, 66, and 63. Water Quality --specific conductance greatly elevated for a
Piedmont stream due to nonpoint source runoff, range 192-222 µS/cm; dark water and soils. 2016 -- most species ever collected at this site; an 8-point
increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class improvement resulted from the increase in the total species diversity and a balanced trophic structure
(Percentage of Omnivores+ Herbivores, 23%, Percentage of Insectivores, 76%, and Percentage of Piscivores, 1.4%), but this was slightly offset by the
Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (31%) which was very much lower than expected, indicating poor recruitment; the Percentage of Tolerant Fish
was very high (60%, primarily due to the abundance of Redbreast Sunfish, Green Sunfish, and White Sucker); Intolerant Species absent; Threadfin Shad, Black
Crappie, Brown Bullhead, and Golden Shiner new to the site (probably migrated downstream from the reservoir). 1996-2016 -- 22 species known from the site
including 4 exotic, 1 intolerant, 1 darter, and 3 sucker species; Intolerant Species are rare at this site, only one species, Highback Chub, has been collected and
only in 2001 (n=3); dominant species is the tolerant Redbreast Sunfish (28-78%); consistently high Percentage of Tolerant Fish, range 52-84%; NCIBI Ratings
vary between Fair and Good. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=58,
28%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Threadfin
Shad, and Spotted Bass, n=
44, 3, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.415833 -80.555833 556 No
COLDWATER CR NC 73 QF96 07/21/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 34.6 8 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 52.2 28.8 no data 16.5 no data 0.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
1.7 0.3
2001 39.2 36.8 8.3 14.8 7.4 0.4 1.3 0.1
2006 37.5 39.2 9.4 13.0 7.7 0.4 2.2 0.1
0.4 2.1 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 36.9 39.8 9.7 12.7 8.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)202 123 127
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.0 7.0
Temperature (°C)15.1 16.1 24.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.7 9.3 7.0
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)7
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)11
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)55
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
07/21/16 2016-91 17 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
04/08/11 2011-07 18 48 Good
05/12/06 2006-47 14 36 Fair
Watershed -- drains southwestern Rowan and northern Cabarrus counties, including the cities of Kannapolis and Concord; no NPDES dischargers in the
watershed; impounded upstream by Fisher and Concord lakes; tributary to the Rocky River. Habitat -- the large blow-out/deadfall which was present in 2011
was gone; deeply entrenched in places; side undercuts and snags; sandy runs; riffles formed from sticks in the current; lower quality habitats; Total Habitat
Score range 40-55. Water Quality -- much lower specific conductance at the higher flows in 2016 and 2011 than in the lower flow years of 2001 and 2006, but
still moderately to greatly elevated, range 123-202 µS/cm. 2016 -- number of fish collected has been increasing during the past three cycles (190, 344, 524) with
the most ever collected at the site in 2016; high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (52%); suckers and piscivores absent; a 4-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and
one NCIBI rating Class decline were attributed to absence of suckers and piscivores and a lower than expected Percentage of Species with Multiple Age
Classes (47%). 1996-2016 -- 24 species known from the site including 1 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; dominant species are variable,
including Redbreast Sunfish (1996, 2016), Speckled Killifish (2001), Whitemouth Shiner (2006), and Satinfin Shiner (2011); only one Intolerant Species
(Highback Chub) known from this site and it has become rare with only 1 specimen being collected during the past three cycles, 27 had been collected in 2001;
Percentage of Tolerant Fish has been steadily increasing since 2001 (24, 30, 43, 52%, respectively) with the increase attributed to the abundance of Redbreast
Sunfish, Satinfin Shiner, and Eastern Mosquitofish; NCIBI Ratings have varied between a low Fair and a medium Good. Recommendation -- continue
basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021 to document the increasing urbanization of its watershed; sediment source identification and reduction within the
watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Whitemouth Shiner
(n=100, 19%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=3)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/18/01 2001-23 17 44 Good-Fair
04/17/96 96-19 19 52 Good
07/16/04 2004-127 14 42 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains southern Rowan and eastern Cabarrus counties, including the Town of Mount Pleasant; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary
to the Rocky River, site is ~ 0.6 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- low quality instream habitats; gravel and sand bars; snags;
sloughing banks; riffles created by sticks in the current; buried and submerged coarse woody debris. Site at SR 2622 could not be sampled because the water
was deep and stagnant; beaverdams? Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated, but within the norm for a stream whose watershed is about 50%
forested and 50% agriculture and developed, was 157 µS/cm in 2004; was 130 µS/c and 152 µS/cm at the SR 2622 site in 1996 and 2001. 2016 -- most species
collected from any site (along with Island Creek) and most ever collected from this site; 1 of 5 sites where 7 species of sunfish and bass were collected; the
highly invasive, non-indigenous, and tolerant Red Shiner, collected for the first time in 2016, already comprises 21% of all the fish collected; a very high
Percentage of Tolerant Fish (62%, primarily Red Shiner, Satinfin Shiner, Redbreast Sunfish, and Eastern Mosquitofish) and a very skewed trophic structure
(Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores = 5%, Percentage of Insectivores = 94%, and Percentage of Piscivores = 0.2%); Warmouth, Whitefin Shiner, Red Shiner,
Comely Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Brassy Jumprock, Speckled Killifish, Notchlip Redhorse, Creek Chubsucker, Eastern Mosquitofish, and Sandbar Shiner new
to the site. 2004 & 2016 -- 25 species known from the site, including 4 exotic, 1 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are Spottail Shiner
(2004) and Red Shiner (2016); community as rated Good-Fair in 2004 and 2016. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site, rather than
the SR 2622 site, in 2021 to document any impacts from changing landuse practices in its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species Red Shiner (n=96, 21%)Non-indigenous
Species
Red Shiner, Green Sunfish,
Redear Sunfish, and Comely
Shiner; n=96, 8, 1, and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/18/01 2001-22 @ SR 2622 19 52 Good
04/17/96 96-21 @ SR 2622 17 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
04/27/16 2016-22 24 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Clear, but easily silted and became very turbid
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)50
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---157 169
pH (s.u.)---6.9 6.8
Temperature (°C)---22.5 20.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---6.3 6.5
0.6 1.8 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2016 Site Photograph
2011 47.8 7.3 0.9 32.9 9.6
2006 49.9 7.3 0.9 32.9 7.4 0.6 1.8 0.1
2001 50.0 7.3 0.8 34.4 7.4 0.5 0.4 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 56.7 3.0 no data 39.5 no data 0.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.4 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 97.7 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.314167 -80.465278 480 No
DUTCH BUFFALO CR NC 200 QF70 04/27/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north-central Davie, southern Yadkin, and northeast Iredell counties, including the I-40 corridor; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in
the watershed; tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the low quality instream habitats since the last assessment in 2011; sand delta at the mouth
of the unnamed tributary; submerged, coarse wood debris in the channel; boulders on the left; a few stick riffles; pools were primarily side snags with undercuts;
stick riffles and an artificial riffle (bridge rubble) beneath the bridge; left riparian zone with sewer right-of-way and lift station at the bridge; Total Habitat Scores
range 44-61 with last three cycle scores of 61, 59, and 60. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly to moderately elevated, range 104-140 µS/cm. 2016 --
Intolerant Species absent; only one species of sucker present, but a lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish present than in 2011 (35% vs. 51%); White Crappie new
to the site. 1996-2016 -- a very speciose community with 30 species known from the site including 8 exotic (the most exotic species at any site (along with
Fourth Creek) in the basin in 2016), 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 5 sucker species; Intolerant Species are rare at this site, only one species, Highback Chub, has
ever been collected at this site and it was last collected in 2001 (n=2); Redlip Shiner, a widespread species in the basin, has not been collected since 2001 when
8 specimens were collected; dominant species are Redbreast Sunfish (1996, 2006, 2011, 2016) and Bluehead Chub (2001); Percentage of Tolerant Fish greater
than expected, range 21-58%; no change in any of the three trophic metrics during the past three cycles; NCIBI Rating has not changed since 2001.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=36,
20%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Spotted Bass,
and White Crappie (n=2, 1,
and 1 respectively).
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/04/01 2001-42 17 44 Good-Fair
05/13/96 96-40 12 38 Fair
06/14/11 2011-36 19 46 Good-Fair
06/05/06 2006-73 20 46 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
05/16/16 2016-43 15 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = boulder, bedrock, gravel, sand, silt.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)60
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)140 121 124
pH (s.u.)6.0 7.1 6.4
Temperature (°C)19.4 21.7 14.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.0 6.5 8.5
0.9 1.6 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 42.6 6.9 0.8 40.2 7.7
2006 43.4 6.9 0.8 40.2 6.9 0.9 1.6 0.1
2001 43.6 6.8 0.8 41.3 7.0 0.6 0.6 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 54.1 1.7 no data 42.9 no data 0.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.7 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 57.5 11 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIE 03040101 35.946897 -80.536010 671 No
DUTCHMANS CR US 158 QF3 05/16/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
WILKES 03040101 36.280833 -80.879444 989 No
ELKIN CR SR 2044 QF48 07/11/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 25.5 12 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 63.3 1.1 no data 35.5 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.1
2001 51.5 7.5 0.8 36.5 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
2006 51.5 7.5 0.8 36.1 4.7 0.0 0.1 0.0
0.0 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 51.0 7.5 0.8 36.0 5.4
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---42 44
pH (s.u.)---6.0 6.1
Temperature (°C)---20.6 20.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.6 9.0
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)15
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)80
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
07/11/16 2016-73 12 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid, became very turbid.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = cobble, boulder, bedrock shelves, gravel, sand, and silt.
06/22/06 2006-91 14 48 Good
Watershed -- drains the extreme northeast corner of Wilkes County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; site is ~ 0.5 mile upstream of an
old mill pond and dam with two additional dams and extensive shelves downstream; direct tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitats -- moderate quality instream
and riparian habitats; bedrock shelves, pools, riffles; very rocky; old mill site with steep banks, as high as 15 m above the channel (old reservoir mill pond?);
Total Habitat Score was 87 in 2006. Water Quality -- no change in the specific conductance since the last assessment in 2006. 2016 -- the absences of Brassy
Jumprock, Bluegill, and Carolina Fantail Darter offset the improvements in the trophic structure, yielding a 2-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI
Rating Class decline; low total species and diversities of darters, sunfish, and suckers; 1 of just 6 sites where only one species of sunfish (Redbreast Sunfish)
was present; few big fish present in the pools; Snail Bullhead and Flat Bullhead new to the site. 2006 & 2016 -- a very abundant community (n=860 and 719,
respectively for 2006 and 2016), but species-poor site considering the size of the watershed; only 16 species present, including 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 3 darter,
and 2 sucker species; total species diversity and diversities of suckers and sunfish may be limited by habitat fragmentation and altered avenues of recolonization
because of the downstream dams on Elkin Creek; Percentage of Tolerant Fish low (4-5%); piscivores absent; dominant species are Bluehead Chub and Redlip
Shiner, these two species accounted for 81% and 77% of all the fish collected in 2006 and 2016, respectively; no substantial change in the water quality since
2006. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are
needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redlip Shiner (n=332,
46%)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ROWAN 03040102 35.797500 -80.602778 651 No
FOURTH CR SR 1985 QF18 06/13/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
City of Statesville's Fourth Creek WWTP NC0031836 6
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 81.6 15 4.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 43.4 14.1 no data 42.0 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.1
2001 33.8 22.4 5.4 38.0 5.1 0.2 0.2 0.2
2006 33.7 23.2 5.7 36.5 5.2 0.4 0.8 0.2
0.4 0.8 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2009 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 33.3 23.5 5.9 36.0 5.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)160 159 169
pH (s.u.)6.8 6.7 6.7
Temperature (°C)20.9 21.5 23.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.3 7.3 7.6
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)3
Instream Habitat (20)9
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)50
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
NCIBI Rating
06/13/16 2016-49 16 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
05/25/11 2011-20 18 44 Good-Fair
07/07/09 2009-83 16 42 Good-Fair
07/29/03 2003-42 11 34 Poor
06/03/03 2003-19 8 26 Poor
05/02/01 2001-38 12 28 Poor
Watershed -- drains central Iredell and northwestern Rowan counties, including the City of Statesville and the I-40 and I-77 corridors; one additional discharger
(NC0082821, Qw=0.144) located ~0.7 mile downstream of NC0031836, both facilities are located~ 14 miles upstream of the site; tributary to the South Yadkin
River. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; shallow with stick and snags in the channel creating riffles;
some coarse woody debris and snags along the banks; wide riparian Pawpaw forest along the left bank; entrenched with eroding banks; old channelization with
a berm along the left bank; undercuts; Total Habitat Score range 43-64. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, but elevated for Piedmont stream, range
125-169 µS/cm, resulting from the upstream WWTP discharge and the developed watershed. 2016 -- slight decrease in the NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI
Rating; Carolina Fantail Darter and Pumpkinseed new to the site. 1996-2016 -- the species richness and abundance were lower than expected for a stream of
its size, less than 700 fish have been collected in seven attempts; 29 species are known from the site including 8 exotic (the most exotic species at any site in
the basin in 2016), 0 intolerant, 1 darter, 2 sucker, and 10 tolerant species; few species consistently collected except for Bluehead Chub, Bluegill, and Redbreast
Sunfish; dominant species are Bluegill (1996, 2011, 2016) and Bluehead Chub (2001, 2003, 2009); Intolerant Species (e.g. Highback Chub, Fieryblack Shiner,
and Piedmont Darter) and Redlip Shiner, a wide-spread species in the basin, have never been collected at the site; the Percentage of Species with Multiple Age
Classes has for the majority of times been less than expected, indicating poor recruitment; Percentage of Tolerant Fish greater than expected, range 27-39%;
NCIBI Rating has been Good-Fair since 2009; site was part of a turbidity TMDL study in 2003 and was a random Ambient Monitoring site in 2009-2010.
Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document the urbanization of the watershed and any WWTP discharge impacts;
sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species Bluegill (n=21, 22%)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Redear
Sunfish, Spotted Bass, and
Rosefin Shiner (n=14, 6, 1,
and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
04/26/96 96-39 9 32 Poor
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
RICHMOND 03040201 35.007778 -79.660833 252 No
HITCHCOCK CR SR 1486 QF123 04/13/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Sand Hills 23.2 5 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 77.4 0.7 no data 9.0 no data 7.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.6 4.7
2001 56.4 9.4 0.9 5.1 17.2 11.2 0.5 0.1
2006 57.1 9.8 1.1 4.7 16.8 11.0 0.5 0.1
11.0 0.5 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 55.7 9.8 1.1 4.7 18.2
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)20 18 20
pH (s.u.)5.4 5.2 4.8
Temperature (°C)11.0 20.8 14.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)11.3 7.8 9.0
Bottom Substrate (15)13
Pool Variety (10)10
Bank Erosion (10)10
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (15)15
Instream Habitat (20)18
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)93
0 0
Bank Vegetation (10)7
Light Penetration (10)10
Left Riparian Score (5)5
NCIBI Rating
04/13/16 2016-08 7 10 Good-Fair
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Clear/Darkly Tannin Stained
Watershed -- drains east-central Richmond County, including the Sand Hills Gamelands; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; site is ~ 2
miles downstream from McKinney Lake (and its fish hatchery) and ~ 2 miles upstream of Ledbetter Lake; tributary to the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- challenging
to sample -- Cat Brier everywhere; a typical Sand Hills type stream with very high quality instream and riparian habitats; deep runs; wide riparian zones;
submerged and floating coarse woody debris; undercuts; roots; second greatest Total Habitat Score of any fish site in 2016; Total Habitat Scores range 87-96.
Water Quality -- lowest specific conductance and pH of any fish community site in 2016; both variables stable (range 18-20 µS/cm and 4.8-5.4 s.u. for specific
conductance and pH, respectively); both variables typical of mostly forested Sand Hills streams. 2016 -- Note: maximum NCIBI Score for a Sand Hills fish
community is 14; fewest fish (n=32) of any Sand Hills site; intolerant species absent; 2-point increase in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class
improvement resulted from an increase in the Percentage of Key Sand Hills Species (from 53% to 71%), an increase in the Percentage of Key Sand Hills Fish
(from 24% to 72%), and an increase in the Percentage of Invertivore Cyprinids (from 1% to 53%); Redfin Pickerel new to the site. 2001-2016 -- 18 species
known from the site, including 1 exotic (Yellow Perch), 3 intolerant (Spotted Sucker, Dollar Sunfish, and Sawcheek), 1 darter (Sawcheek Darter, which has not
been collected since 2001), 2 sucker (Creek Chubsucker and Spotted Sucker), 7 sunfish, and 1 catfish (Margined Madtom) species; Dominant species is the
Dusky Shiner (2001 and 2016) and Yellow Perch (2006); community maybe influenced from by escapees (e.g., Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Bluegill) from
the upstream fish hatchery. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to document any impacts from landuse changes in its
watershed.
Most Abundant
Species Dusky Shiner (n=17, 53%)Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/24/06 2006-21 15 8 Fair
04/05/01 2001-01 12 12 Good
04/11/06 2006-09 23 50 Good
Watershed -- drains the southern area of the City of Wadesboro, including the Bailey Creek watershed in southeast Anson County; no NPDES dischargers in
the watershed; tributary to Jones Creek and ultimately the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- although within the ecoregion, an atypical Carolina Slate Belt stream with
sandy and gravelly runs and riffles; some snags, undercuts, and bedrock outcrops; gravel and sand bars; wide riparian zones; Fissidens; Cat Brier and Oriental
Privet in the riparian zones. Water Quality -- no substantial change in the specific conductance since the last assessment in 2006. 2016 -- the loss of the
intolerant Piedmont Darter and the greater than expected Percentage of Tolerant Fish (34% vs 17% in 2006) contributed to the 4-point decrease in the NCIBI
Score and one NCIBI Rating class decline; few fish collected for this size of stream (n=152, but still scored a "5") and very few species represented by multiple
ages class (35%) indicative that this stream possibly dries-up even though the drainage area is > 35 mi2 or it continues to suffer the impacts from a flood event --
woody debris was lodged up and underneath the bridge girders at least 20 ft. above head-height. 2006 & 2016 -- 24 species known from the site, including 1
exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub; trophic metrics did not change between 2006 and 2016 (Percentage
of Omnivores+Herbivores, 31-36%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 61-66%, and the Percentage of Piscivores 2.6-2.9%). Recommendation -- continue
basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=45,
30%)
Non-indigenous
Species Redear Sunfish (n=2)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
04/12/16 2016-04 17 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Clear/Tannic, became slightly turbid
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)65
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---86 102
pH (s.u.)---6.9 6.2
Temperature (°C)---11.6 14.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.8 9.1
1.3 0.7 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 57.8 14.7 2.8 12.9 12.5
2006 59.1 14.7 2.8 12.7 11.4 1.3 0.7 0.2
2001 59.4 14.7 2.8 12.9 10.8 1.3 0.7 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 72.6 8.4 no data 16.4 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.6 2.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 35.2 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ANSON 03040201 34.904167 -79.999167 238 No
N FK JONES CR SR 1121 QF129 04/12/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north-central Iredell, southeast Wilkes, and southwest Yadkin counties; bisected by I-77; part of the catchment lies within the Brushy
Mountains of Wilkes County; site is at at the lowermost crossing (0.2 miles distant) before the creek's confluence with Hunting Creek; no municipalities in
watershed; one small discharger (NC0028614; Qw=0.018 MGD) located on a tributary in the creek's upper reaches. Habitat -- no change in the lower quality
instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; wide and shallow channel filled with shifting sand; Podostemum rare in the few gravel and
sticks in the current riffles; boulders and bedrock at the bend in the stream; runs; a few snags and chutes along the eroding left bank; undercuts and woody
debris along the right bank; bank height 5+ meters high in some places; Total Habitat Score ranges 32-55. Water Quality -- specific conductance low for a
Piedmont stream whose watershed is less than 50% forested, but very gradually increasing from 37 µS/cm in 1996 to 73 µS/cm in 2016; pH also gradually
decreasing from 7.3 s.u. in 1996 to 5.8 s.u. in 2016. 2016 -- metrics scoring a "3" or a "1" such as the total species diversity, the diversity of darters, and the
trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores and Percentage of Insectivores) were still not what were to be expected in contrast to those metrics at
regional reference sites and resulted in a 6-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class decrease; Percentage of Tolerant Fish did
decrease from 41% to 23% (from a "1" to a "5"); Eastern Mosquitofish new to the site. 1996-2016 -- 26 species are known from the site including 3 exotic, 5
intolerant, 3 darter, and 4 sucker species; generally poor habitats for darters who are rare in this stream; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (38-49%);
continual indications of nutrient enrichment by the consistently high abundance of the omnivorous Bluehead Chub and the moderately high Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 40-54%; NCIBI ratings continue to alternate between medium Good-Fair and medium Good. Recommendation -- continue
basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=129,
47%)
Non-indigenous
Species Spotted Bass (n=5)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/03/01 2001-41 21 50 Good
05/14/96 96-43 17 44 Good-Fair
06/15/11 2011-40 20 50 Good
06/06/06 2006-77 16 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
06/15/16 2016-55 18 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and boulders.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)55
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)5
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)66 69 73
pH (s.u.)6.6 6.0 5.8
Temperature (°C)20.0 21.4 20.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.5 7.9 8.6
0.1 0.1 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 43.6 9.1 1.4 42.0 5.1
2006 44.0 9.1 1.4 42.3 4.4 0.1 0.1 0.0
2001 44.2 8.6 1.3 43.0 4.1 0.1 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 51.5 2.6 no data 45.6 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.1
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 54.5 9 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 36.020278 -80.766944 754 No
N LITTLE HUNTING CR SR 1829 QF12 06/15/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ROWAN 03040102 35.696944 -80.611667 654 No
N SECOND CR SR 1526 QF19 06/13/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 63.2 8 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 38.8 2.6 no data 58.0 no data 0.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 33.6 7.9 1.3 52.0 5.8 0.5 0.1 0.1
2006 32.7 8.7 1.6 50.4 6.2 0.6 1.0 0.3
0.6 1.0 0.3
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 32.3 9.0 1.7 50.1 6.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)123 133 139
pH (s.u.)6.4 6.4 6.9
Temperature (°C)17.7 18.8 21.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.7 8.0 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)3
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)50
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
06/13/16 2016-48 14 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
05/25/11 2011-18 13 44 Good-Fair
05/11/06 2006-43 12 46 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains eastern Iredell and western Rowan counties, including the northeast part of the Town of Mooresville; no NPDES dischargers in the
watershed; tributary to the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the low quality instream habitats since the last assessment in 2011; old channelization,
channel fairly straight and deeply entrenched with eroding banks; shallow sandy runs; side snags; a few sticks and some large coarse woody debris in the
current providing habitat for darters; sand dipping operation downstream from the bridge; row crops beyond the narrow riparian zones; Total Habitat Scores
range 22 (in 2001)-50. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated and very gradually increasing from 99 µS/cm in 1996 to 139 µS/cm in 2016. 2016 -- high
Percentage of Tolerant Fish (52%, primarily Redbreast Sunfish, Satinfin Shiner Green Sunfish, Creek Chub, and Eastern Mosquitofish); Eastern Silvery Minnow
and Red Shiner new to the site. 1996-2016 -- since 2006 the number of fish collected has steadily been increasing and since 2001 so has the species richness;
however, for a stream of its size, the species diversity, and until 2016 the fish abundance, were consistently lower than expected; 20 species known from the site
including 5 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 2 sucker species; few species consistently collected except for Bluehead Chub, Rosyside Dace, Carolina Fantail
Darter, Tessellated Darter, and Redbreast Sunfish; dominant species are Bluegill (1996, 2011), Bluehead Chub (2001, 2006), and Redbreast Sunfish (2016);
Redlip Shiner, a wide-spread species in the basin, has never been collected at the site; Highback Chub, an intolerant species, has become rare at the site
decreasing from 43 in 2001 to 2 to 0 to 3 in 2016; no appreciable change in the NCIBI Scores or NCIBI Ratings in the past 15 years. Recommendation --
continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species Redbreast Sunfish (n=51)Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Red
Shiner (n=13 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/02/01 2001-36 9 42 Good-Fair
04/25/96 96-37 13 40 Fair
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 35.923611 -80.823333 780 No
PATTERSON CR SR 1890 QF8 06/14/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 35.3 8 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 46.7 1.1 no data 51.7 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 38.3 6.4 0.9 48.7 6.2 0.3 0.1 0.0
2006 38.2 6.4 0.9 47.4 6.9 0.3 0.6 0.2
0.3 0.6 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2004 2016 Site Photograph
2011 37.5 6.4 0.9 47.0 8.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---68 74
pH (s.u.)---5.8 6.0
Temperature (°C)---20.7 19.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.0 8.1
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)4
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)10
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)53
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/14/16 2016-51 16 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
07/09/04 2004-116 12 52 Good
Watershed -- drains northwest Iredell County; one NPDES discharger (NC0037371, Qw = 0.0125) located ~ 3 miles upstream from the site; no municipalities in
the watershed; site is ~ 3.6 miles upstream from the old mill dam at Turnersburg; tributary to Rocky Creek and ultiamtely the South Yadkin River. Habitat --
lower quality instream and riparian habitats; slow moving run and pool; side snags; riffles absent and no logs in the current; sand dipping operation along the left
bank; narrow riparian zones; boulders and bedrock at an old mill site with a breached dam immediately downstream from the bridge; Total Habitat Score was 57
in 2004. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is less than 40% forested. 2016 -- the high Percentage
of Tolerant Fish (45%, Redbreast Sunfish, White Sucker, Creek Chub, Green Sunfish, Satinfin Shiner, Eastern Mosquitofish, and Flat Bullhead) and an absence
of piscivores contributed to the 8-point decline in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating Class decrease; 1 of only 2 sites were no species of darters were
collected; catostomids (White Sucker, Notchlip Redhorse, and Brassy Jumprock) abundant with large specimens and biomass; large specimens of Creek Chub;
Thicklip Chub, Rosyside Dace, Redear Sunfish, Creek Chub, Warmouth, Flat Bullhead, and Eastern Mosquitofish new to the site. 2004 & 2016 -- only 20
species known from the site, including 2 exotic, 2 intolerant, 1 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species is the Notchlip Redhorse (2004) and the
Redbreast Sunfish (2016). Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine if the decrease in the NCIBI Rating is
persistent; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=60,
28%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=4 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains eastern Union County, including the north side of the Town of Marshville, including the US 74 corridor; no NPDES dischargers in the
watershed; tributary to Richardson Creek and ultimately the Rocky River; stream may become intermittent and completely dry-up during low flow periods and
prolonged droughts. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Slate Belt-type stream with moderate quality instream and riparian habitats; very rocky substrate; long pools;
shallow riffles and pools, side snags; Fissidens in the riffles; Total Habitat Scores range 70-81. Water Quality -- greatly elevated specific conductance under
low flow conditions (e.g., 2006 and 2011); urban and nonpoint source runoff contribute to elevated conductivity, range 134-249 µS/cm. 2016 -- fewest fish ever
collected at this site (n=143, representing a 76% decline from the number collected in 2011, n=607); low Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (39%)
indicative of poor recruitment and flow extremes; an 8-point decline in the NCIBI and one NCIBI Rating Class decrease resulted from fewer fish being collected,
a high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (38%, primarily Green Sunfish), a slightly skewed trophic structure (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores = 9%), and a low
Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes; Redear Sunfish and Coastal Shiner new to the site. 1996-2016 -- a species-rich community with 29 species
known from the site including 3 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 3 sucker species; dominant species are variable and include Redbreast Sunfish (1996), Highfin
Shiner (2001), Green Sunfish (2006, 2016), and Pirate Perch (2011); since 1996, the non-indigenous Green Sunfish (30% of all fish in 2016) has displaced the
indigenous Redbreast Sunfish (1% of all fish in 2016); Redlip Shiner, a widely distributed species in the basin, is rare at the site, only 4 specimens collected in
five monitoring cycles; Intolerant species (Fieryblack Shiner, Highback Chub, and Piedmont Darter) are absent from this medium-size Carolina Slate Belt
stream; trophic metric generally stable (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 8-17% and Percentage of Insectivores, range 83-91%); NCIBI Ratings
range from Fair to Good, depending upon the flow. Recommendation -- continue basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021 to document any future urbanization
of its watershed.
Most Abundant
Species
Green Sunfish (n=43,
30%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=43 and 3,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/11/01 2001-12 18 48 Good
06/10/96 96-68 19 36 Fair
05/26/11 2011-22 16 50 Good
04/12/06 2006-16 17 46 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
07/18/16 2016-83 18 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = silt covered Carolina Slate Belt types - cobble, boulder, and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)70
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)195 249 134
pH (s.u.)6.4 5.9 7.0
Temperature (°C)17.6 21.3 23.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)11.2 2.9 7.7
0.1 0.2 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 34.8 8.9 2.1 52.9 2.8
2006 35.6 8.9 2.1 52.4 2.7 0.1 0.2 0.2
2001 33.9 8.9 2.0 54.4 2.5 0.1 0.2 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 34.0 2.1 no data 63.6 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 23.7 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
UNION 03040105 35.075000 -80.368333 399 No
SALEM CR SR 1006 QF83 07/18/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 35.896111 -80.922778 761 No
SNOW CR SR 1905 QF20 06/14/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 29.5 7 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 58.8 0.2 no data 40.8 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 48.7 6.0 0.7 39.1 6.1 0.1 0.1 0.0
2006 48.6 6.0 0.7 38.2 6.8 0.1 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 47.8 6.0 0.7 38.0 7.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---73 74
pH (s.u.)---6.6 6.4
Temperature (°C)---15.9 22.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---6.7 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)6
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)60
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
06/14/16 2016-53 14 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.Very slightly turbid, easily silted.
06/06/06 2006-76 12 38 Fair
Watershed -- drains northwest Iredell and extreme northeast Alexander counties; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in watershed; tributary to the South
Yadkin River, site is ~ 1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- very shallow; gravel riffles; good riparian zones; steep banks; sand
and gravel bars; channel filled with sediment from upstream sediment sources; Total Habitat Score was 62 in 2006. Water Quality -- specific conductance
stable and within the norm for a stream whose watershed is roughly equally forested and in agricultural uses. 2016 -- a more balanced trophic structure
(Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 46% and Percentage of Insectivores, 54%) along with the collection of Green Sunfish helped in increasing rhe NCIBI
Rating by 8 points and improving the NCIBI Rating by one class; metrics scoring a "3" such as the trophic metrics and several diversity metrics (total species
diversity and diversity of darters and suckers) were still not what were to be expected in contrast to those metrics at regional reference sites; Green Sunfish, Flat
Bullhead, Highback Chub, and Rosyside Dace new to the site. 2006 & 2016 -- low total species richness for a stream of its size, only 16 species are known from
the site, including 2 exotic, 3 intolerant, 2 darter, and just 1 sucker (Striped Jumprock, an non-indigenous species) species; dominant species is the omnivorous
Bluehead Chub (60% and 46% of all the fish collected in 2006 and 2016, respectively) an indicator of nonpoint soruce nutrient enrichment; a substantial
improvement in the NCIBI Rating between 2006 and 2016. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine if the
improvement in the NCIBI Rating is persistent; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=105,
46%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Striped
Jumprock (n=18 and 3,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
YADKIN 03040101 36.097388 -80.675932 759 No
S DEEP CR SR 1152 QF62 06/15/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 50.5 10 0.4
Wetland Water Barren
1992 54.3 2.2 no data 43.2 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
2001 42.9 8.7 1.1 41.7 6.3 0.2 0.2 0.1
2006 42.9 8.7 1.2 41.0 6.5 0.2 0.5 0.2
0.2 0.5 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 41.8 8.7 1.2 40.8 7.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)68 74 72
pH (s.u.)6.7 6.0 6.2
Temperature (°C)20.7 19.3 21.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 7.7 8.2
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)57
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
06/15/16 2016-56 17 46 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid (greenish)
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and boulders (along the left bank).
06/16/11 2011-42 21 50 Good
06/06/06 2006-78 17 52 Good
Watershed -- drains west-central Yadkin County, no municipalities in the watershed; one small NPDES discharger located in the headwaters (NC0070459,
Qw=0.026 MGD); tributary to Deep Creek and ultimately the Yadkin River; site is ~ 5.8 miles downstream from the Hampton Lake Dam which was constructed in
the late 1990s-early 2000s and has a minimum flow of 4 cfs. Habitat -- no change in the instream and riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; bluff
and boulder outcrop on the left creating a deep chute and pool; sticks in the current creating small riffles; sandy runs and side snags; coarse woody debris; Total
Habitat Scores range 50-59. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable for a Piedmont stream whose watershed is less than 50% forested, range 48-
74 µS/cm, with last four measurements ranging 64-74 µS/cm. 2016 -- the absence of Fieryblack Shiner, Brassy Jumprock, Green Sunfish, Warmouth, and
Carolina Fantail Darter resulted in the 4-point decrease in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating Class decline; the Percentage of Tolerant Fish (24%)
declined back down to levels observed in 2001 and 2006 (20%); the Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes was lower than expected (35%) which
often results from extremes in flows (e.g., scouring flood events or droughts) or altered flow regimes. 1996-2016 -- 27 species known from the site including 3
exotic, 3 intolerant, 3 darter, and 3 sucker species; intolerant species (i.e., Fieryblack Shiner, Highback Chub, and Piedmont Darter) are uncommon at this site,
only 12 of the 1,229 fish collected have been 1 of these 3 species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (27-38%); consistent trophic metrics (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, range 30-38%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 61-69%, and Percentage of Piscivores, range 0.4-1.5%); except for in 2016, site has
rated Good since 1996. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction throughout the
watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=64,
31%)
Non-indigenous
Species Spotted Bass (n=1)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/22/01 2001-73 19 52 Good
05/15/96 96-47 17 48 Good
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
IREDELL 03040102 35.886389 -80.990000 803 No
S YADKIN R SR 1561 QF6 06/15/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 69.2 12 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.5 2.2 no data 26.9 no data 0.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.2
2001 55.6 6.6 1.1 31.2 6.3 0.2 0.1 0.1
2006 55.9 6.7 1.1 30.7 6.4 0.2 0.1 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 55.1 6.7 1.1 30.5 7.4
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)54 65 65
pH (s.u.)5.6 5.6 6.0
Temperature (°C)15.6 18.3 21.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.9 7.9 8.5
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)7
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)45
Bank Erosion (7)1
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)8
NCIBI Rating
06/15/16 2016-54 15 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Clear, but easily silted.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and coarse woody debris.
06/15/11 2011-38 14 44 Good-Fair
06/06/06 2006-75 14 42 Good-Fair
Watershed -- drains the northeast quadrant of Alexander County, including the Town of Taylorsville; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; headwater site on
a tributary to the Yadkin River. Habitat -- no change in the very low quality instream habitats since the last assessment in 2011; straight, wide, and shallow
channel of uniform depth; little instream structures; deeply entrenched with severe bank erosion and bank failure; very large coarse woody debris (stumps and
tree roots); only pool in the reach was at the old bridge pilings on the right; one chute and a few stick riffles; Total Habitat Scores range 40-49. Water Quality --
specific conductance stable and generally low for a Piedmont stream, range 47-65 µS/cm. 2016 -- second greatest Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores (58%)
of any site; metrics scoring a "3" or a "1" such as the total species diversity, the diversity of darters, and the trophic metrics were still not what were to be
expected in contrast to those metrics at regional reference sites; still indications of nutrient enrichment by the consistently high abundance of Bluehead Chub; no
change in the NCIBI Rating. 1996-2016 -- very low total species richness for a stream of its size, only 20 species known from the site including 2 exotic, 3
intolerant, 2 darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (31-61%); Tessellated Darter has never been collected from the site; only one
Largemouth Bass has ever been collected because of the lack of instream cover and deep pools; consistently rated Good-Fair since 2001. Recommendation --
continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=197,
57%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Striped Jumprock and Green
Sunfish (n=5 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/03/01 2001-39 16 46 Good-Fair
05/14/96 96-45 11 40 Fair
Watershed -- drains southeast Alexander, central Iredell, and northwest Rowan counties, including the southern edge of the City of Statesville; nine additional
NPDES dischargers are located upstream (Total Qw = 8.079 MGD); tributary to Fourth Creek and ultimately the South Yadkin River. Habitat -- an abundance of
coarse woody debris in the channel; riffles created by sticks in the current; wide riparian zones with bluff on the left bank; entrenched with eroding banks; lower
flow than in previous assessments; Total Habitat Scores range 42-60. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, but elevated from point source discharges
and urban nonpoint source stormwater runoff, except for one elevated measurement in 2001 (262 µS/cm), measurements have ranged from 130-149 µS/cm.
2016 -- the species richness was consistently lower than expected for a stream of its size, but increasing since 2006; six non-indigenous species collected, the
most of any site; more fish were collected in 2016 (n=209) than in the previous four assessments combined (n=194); Redlip Shiner, an abundant and wide-
spread species in the basin, was collected for the first time in 2016 (n=1); Red Shiner, Redear Sunfish, and Carolina Fantail Darter also new to the site. 1996-
2016 -- the species richness and until 2016, the fish abundance were consistently lower than expected for a stream of its size, 27 species known from the site
including 7 exotic, 1 intolerant, 2 darter, and 2 sucker species; Intolerant Species are rare, only four Fieryblack Shiner have ever been collected at the site and
that was in 2001; few species consistently collected except for Bluehead Chub, Channel Catfish, and Redbreast Sunfish; dominant species are Bluegill (1996,
2011) and Bluehead Chub (2001, 2006, 2016). Recommendation -- continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine if the improved NCIBI
rating continues to persist, to document the urbanization of the watershed, and any WWTP discharge impacts; sediment source identification and reduction
within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluhead Chub (n=67,
32%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Redear
Sunfish, Red Shiner, Yellow
Perch, Channel Catfish,
Spotted Bass; n=27, 3, 2, 2,
and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/02/01 2001-37 11 34 Poor
04/25/96 96-38 13 40 Fair
05/25/11 2011-19 13 44 Good-Fair
05/11/06 2006-44 10 32 Poor
NCIBI Rating
06/13/16 2016-47 20 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and some bedrock boulders.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)57
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)149 130 131
pH (s.u.)6.2 6.5 6.6
Temperature (°C)17.5 20.9 22.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.9 7.3 7.6
0.9 1.0 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 38.7 17.3 4.2 34.0 8.0
2006 39.6 17.1 4.1 34.3 7.1 0.9 1.0 0.2
2001 40.2 16.6 3.9 35.7 6.5 0.7 0.3 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 48.0 7.7 no data 43.1 no data 0.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
City of Statesvile's Third Creek WWTP NC0020591 8
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 96.7 12 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ROWAN 03040102 35.767500 -80.625833 673 No
THIRD CR SR 1970 QF14 06/13/16 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
STANLY 03040105 35.180278 -80.167778 231 No
HARDY CR SR 1934 QF90 04/27/16 Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 14.9 6 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 53.0 0.1 no data 46.2 no data 0.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.3
2001 45.2 5.2 0.5 42.8 6.4 0.3 0.0 0.1
2006 46.3 5.2 0.5 39.7 8.3 0.3 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 45.6 5.2 0.5 40.5 8.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---109 159
pH (s.u.)---6.2 6.4
Temperature (°C)---18.9 17.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---11.0 7.1
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)76
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
04/27/16 2016-20 16 38 Fair
Water Clarity Clear, easily silted.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - bedrock, boulders, cobble, and gravel.
04/13/06 2006-19 14 50 Good
Watershed -- drains southeastern Stanly County, including in its headwaters the small Town of Aquadale; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to
the Rocky River, site is ~ 1.6 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the river; a low-flow affected stream, stream may become intermittent and completely
dry-up during low flow periods and prolonged droughts. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Belt type stream with moderately high quality instream and riparian habitats;
wide riparian zones; extremely rocky; low flow; shallow pools, short riffles; silts atop the rocks; Total Habitat Score was 92 in 2006. Water Quality -- specific
conductance elevated, but within the norm for a stream whose watershed is about equally forested and in agricultural uses, was 109 µS/cm in 2006. 2016 --
community was dominated by two tolerant and nonindigenous species -- Red Shiner and Green Sunfish, 49% of all the fish collected were non-indigenous (157
out of 320), the greatest percentage of any site sampled in 2016; the highly invasive and non-indigenous Red Shiner collected for the first time in 2016 already
comprised 28% of all the fish collected; Intolerant Species absent, a very high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (66%), and a very skewed trophic structure
(Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 6%, Percentage of Insectivores, 94%, and Percentage of Piscivores, 0%) all resulted in metric scores of "1" and lead to
the 12-point decline in the NCIBI Score and two NCIBI Rating Class decreases; Red Shiner, Bluegill, and Eastern Mosquitofish new to the site. 2006 & 2016 --
18 species known from the site, including 2 exotic, 1 intolerant, 3 darter, and 2 sucker species; the Green Sunfish has displaced the Redbreast Sunfish; Redlip
Shiner, a widespread species in the basin, was absent in both years; consistently high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (66% and 69% in 2006 and 2016,
respectively); consistently skewed trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 6-9% and Percentage of Insectivores, 90-94%). Recommendation --
continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021, but should be conducted under greater flows than those experienced in 2016.
Most Abundant
Species Red Shiner (n=91, 28%)Non-indigenous
Species
Red Shiner and Green
Sunfish (n=91 and 66,
respectively; 28% and 21%,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeast corner of Davidson County, including the Town of Denton; site is ~ 2.3 miles downstream from the town's WWTP (NC0026689,
Qw = 0.8 MGD) outfall which provides constant flows during droughts; tributary to Tuckertown Reservoir (Yadkin River), site is ~ 3 miles above the creek's
confluence with the reservoir. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitat characteristics since the last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate
Belt-type stream with moderate quality instream and riparian habitats; flat, slick rocks; root mats; side snags and pools; short and shallow riffles with
Podostemum common; island at the end of the reach; Total Habitat Scores range 67-81. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated as a result of
upstream WWTP discharge and gradually increasing since 2006, range 91-182 µS/cm. 2016 -- a more balanced trophic structure (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, 16%, Percentage of Insectivores, 83%, and Percentage of Piscivores, 0.6%) was offset by the very high Percentage of Tolerant Fish
(67%, primarily Redbreast Sunfish and Green Sunfish) and only one species of sucker (Creek Chubsucker) collected during this cycle; Redear Sunfish new to
the site. 1996-2016 -- an abundant (n= 343-625) and moderately species-rich community with 23 species known from the site including 4 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2
darter, and 4 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (1996, 2001, 2011) and Redbreast Sunfish (2001, 2006, 2016); Carolina Fantail Darter has
been absent during the past three cycles, despite favorable instream habitats; Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter, two intolerant species, are absent from this
Carolina Slate Belt stream; recolonization avenues and source populations are affected by proximity to Tuckertown Reservoir; a low flow- and nutrient
enrichment from the WWTP effluent-affected stream; community has been rated as Fair since 2011. Recommendation --continue basinwide assessment of
this site in 2021 to document continued impacts from the WWTP discharge.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=189,
55%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Redear
Sunfish (n=33 and 1,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/19/01 2001-27 16 44 Good-Fair
04/23/96 96-31 14 44 Good-Fair
04/28/11 2011-12 12 38 Fair
05/10/06 2006-40 14 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
05/12/16 2016-40 13 40 Fair
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt-types - cobble, boulder, gravel, and sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)71
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)123 172 182
pH (s.u.)6.5 5.7 6.0
Temperature (°C)15.8 21.2 18.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.7 4.6 6.5
0.6 0.8 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 56.5 9.1 1.6 24.8 8.2
2006 58.4 9.1 1.5 24.9 6.3 0.6 0.8 0.0
2001 56.9 9.0 1.4 26.2 7.4 0.4 0.1 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 67.0 3.4 no data 29.4 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 27.9 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
DAVIDSON 03040103 35.613056 -80.173333 585 No
LICK CR NC 8 QF31 05/12/16 Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
04/30/01 2001-30 8 30 Poor
Watershed -- drains south-central Forsyth County, including the City of Winston-Salem metropolitan area; six NPDES dischargers upstream (Total Qw = 0.623
MGD); has the greatest percentage of impervious land (20%) in its watershed than any other fish community site sampled in 2016; tributary to Muddy Creek and
ultimately the Yadkin River. Habitat -- evidence of old channelization; narrow riparian zones; rip-rap along the right bank to protect the sewage lagoons beyond
the riparian zone; riffles absent; cans, bottles, and tires in the creek; evidence of high water from previous week's rains; Total Habitat Score in 2001 was 30.
Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated from urban point source discharges and nonpoint source stormwater runoff, was 178 µS/cm in 2001. 2016 -- 1
of only 4 sites where just 10 species of fish were collected; 1 of only 2 sites were no species of darters were collected; metrics scoring a "1" include Number of
Species of Darter (0), Number of Intolerant Species (0), and Percentage of Tolerant Fish (43%); Metrics scoring a "3" included Number of Species, Number of
Fish (n=143), Number of Species of Sucker (1), Percentage of Piscivores (0.7%), and Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (50%); collectively these
metrics all scoring less than expected are evidence of a degraded fish community which is not unexpected considering the stream's watershed is more than 70%
developed; Rosefin Shiner, White Sucker, Warmouth, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Sucker, and Satinfin Shiner new to the site. 2001 & 2016 -- a species-poor
community given the size of the stream with only 14 species are known from the site, the fewest species of any site in 2016 and includes 5 exotic species, 0
intolerant, 0 darter, and 1 sucker species; no darters or Intolerant Species have ever been collected at this site; dominant species is the omnivorous Bluehead
Chub. Recommendation -- the likelihood that watershed and water quality enhancement projects would be implemented throughout the watershed are slim,
thus continued basinwide monitoring of this site in 2021 is unnecessary because no improvements are to be expected in the fish community.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=48,
33%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Redear Sunfish, Rosefin
Shiner, and Spotted Bass
(n=11, 3, and 1, respectively).
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
05/10/16 2016-35 10 38 Fair
Water Clarity Very slightly turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)50
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)6
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---178 151
pH (s.u.)---7.2 6.4
Temperature (°C)---18.2 20.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---8.7 7.3
0.7 0.9 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 1900 2001 2016 Site Photograph
2011 18.7 71.0 20.0 6.0 2.6
2006 19.2 70.0 19.3 6.4 2.7 0.7 0.9 0.0
2001 20.3 68.2 18.3 7.3 2.5 0.7 0.9 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 31.1 55.1 no data 11.6 no data 0.6
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
1.1 0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 63.1 8 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FORSYTH 03040101 36.039099 -80.304027 701 No
SALEM CR off SR 1120 QF65 05/10/16 Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
04/10/01 2001-08 18 54 Excellent
Watershed -- drains south-central Anson County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; borders the Triassic Basins ecoregion; tributary to
Jones Creek and ultimately the Pee Dee River. Habitat -- an atypical Carolina Slate Belt stream with no angular or slick rocks; wide riparian zones; large coarse
woody debris and deadfalls in the channel; large Hackberry trees; gravel and stick riffles; Fissidens on the boulders; Cat Brier and Oriental Privet in the riparian
zones; Total Habitat Scores range 50-66. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and typical for a Piedmont stream, range 59-73 µS/cm. 2016 -- fewest
fish ever collected at this site (n=104), lowest Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (18%) of any site; the low abundance of fish for this size of
stream and the very few species represented by Multiple Age Classes were indicative that this stream possibly dries-up even though the drainage area is > 35
mi2 or it continues to suffer the impacts from a flood event -- woody debris was lodged underneath the bridge girders at least 20 ft. above head-height at nearby
North Fork Jones Creek; as evidence of an unstable community, 8 of the 12 metrics either increased or decreased between 2011 and 2016 -- Number of
Species, Number of Fish, No. Sunfish Species, Number of Sucker Species, Number of Intolerant Species, Percentage of Tolerant Fish, Percentage of Diseased
Fish, and Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes; Green Sunfish, Flier, Satinfin Shiner, and Flat Bullhead new to the site. 2001-2016 -- a very
speciose community with 28 species known from the site including 1 exotic, 2 intolerant, 2 darter, 2 sucker, and 10 minnow species; dominant species is the
omnivorous Bluehead Chub, except in 2006 when the Redlip Shiner was co-dominant; trophic metrics indicative of slight nutrient enrichment, but very stable
(Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, range 35-42%, Percentage of Insectivores, range 51-62%, and the Percentage of Piscivores 2.4-9.6%); community may
be affected by persistent low conditions alternating with extremely high flows, both typical of Carolina Slate Belt and Triassic Basins creeks, rather than nonpoint
source runoff impacts; NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating have declined substantially from the Excellent rating in 2001. Recommendation -- continue basinwide
monitoring of this site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=39,
38%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=3)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/07/11 2011-03 15 42 Good-Fair
04/11/06 2006-10 15 44 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
04/12/16 2016-03 17 38 Fair
Water Clarity Very Slightly Turbid/Tannic
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and gravel.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)66
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)4
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)65 73 66
pH (s.u.)6.2 5.8 5.9
Temperature (°C)12.0 12.2 14.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.0 8.9 9.2
4.5 0.5 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 51.9 5.1 0.6 22.7 15.3
2006 54.4 5.1 0.6 22.5 12.8 4.5 0.5 0.1
2001 54.1 5.1 0.6 23.6 11.9 4.6 0.5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 63.9 0.1 no data 32.7 no data 0.9
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 2.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 35.2 6 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ANSON 03040201 34.896111 -80.011389 227 No
S FK JONES CR SR 1821 QF131 04/12/16 Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
No Picture Available
05/11/06 2006-42 (off SR 2118)14 38 Fair
Watershed -- drains northeastern Rowan County, including the cites of East Spencer and Salisbury and the I-85 corridor; no NPDES dischargers in the
watershed, downstream from the City of Salisbury's de-activated WWTP; tributary to High Rock Lake (Yadkin River), site is ~ 1.2 miles upstream from the
backwaters of High Rock Lake. Habitat -- low quality instream habitats; sandy and gravely runs; side snags; infrequent riffles, one man-made riffle at the end of
the reach; Oriental Privet along the banks. Water Quality -- very high specific conductance measurements in 2006 and 2016 resulting from urban stormwater
runoff. 2016 -- 1 of 2 sites (along with Clarke Creek) with the lowest Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores (1%) and greatest Percentage of Insectivores (99%)
of any site; an absence of intolerant species, a very high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (67%), and a very skewed trophic structure (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores, 1%, Percentage of Insectivores, 99%, and Percentage of Piscivores, 0%) all resulted in metric scores of "1" and lead to an NCIBI Rating
of Fair; 1 of 5 sites where Bluehead Chub, a widely distributed and abundant species was not found. 2006 & 2016 -- 16 species known from the two sites,
including 3 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; Redlip Shiner, a widespread species in the basin, was absent in both years; dominant species
are the tolerant Green Sunfish (2006) and Redbreast Sunfish (2016); no Intolerant Species have ever been collected from these two sites; consistently high
Percentage of Tolerant Fish (67% and 73% in 2006 and 2016, respectively); consistently skewed trophic metrics (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores, 1-7%
and Percentage of Insectivores, 93-99%). Recommendation -- until stormwater quality enhancement projects are implemented throughout the watershed,
continued basinwide monitoring of this site is unnecessary because no improvements are to be expected in the fish community; sediment source identification
and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Redbreast Sunfish (n=270,
51%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Red Shiner,
and Redear Sunfish (n=40,
21, and 11, respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
05/16/16 2016-45 11 36 Fair
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand, gravel, some cobble.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)56
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)---262 293
pH (s.u.)---6.8 7.5
Temperature (°C)---17.0 16.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)---7.7 10.0
1.1 0.3 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 34.0 44.0 15.9 11.7 8.8
2006 35.4 42.6 15.1 12.6 7.8 1.1 0.3 0.1
2001 35.8 41.8 14.1 12.9 8.4 1.0 0.1 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 51.6 31.1 no data 16.0 no data 1.2
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 17.9 7 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ROWAN 03040103 35.686364 -80.405228 628 No
TOWN CR I-85 QF171 05/16/16 Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
STANLY 03040105 35.382500 -80.342778 493 No
BIG BEAR CR NC 73 QF79 04/27/16 Poor
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 19.0 7 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 50.7 0.3 no data 48.4 no data 0.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 47.3 4.9 0.4 40.7 6.4 0.5 0.1 0.1
2006 48.7 4.9 0.4 39.4 6.0 0.5 0.1 0.4
0.5 0.1 0.4
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 46.9 4.9 0.4 39.4 7.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)110 168 127
pH (s.u.)7.0 6.1 6.6
Temperature (°C)9.0 20.8 22.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.0 3.4 6.5
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)71
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)7
NCIBI Rating
04/27/16 2016-23 13 34 Poor
Water Clarity Clear
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = Carolina Slate Belt types - boulder, cobble, gravel, and silt.
05/27/11 2011-24 13 36 Fair
04/18/01 2001-21 13 48 Good
04/18/96 96-22 15 52 Good
Watershed -- drains west-central Stanly and northeastern Cabarrus counties; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; site is in the creek's
headwaters; tributary to the Rocky River. Habitat -- no change in instream or riparian habitats since the last assessment in 2011; a typical Carolina Slate Belt
type stream with moderately high quality instream and riparian habitats; angular bedrock; shallow pools and riffles; slick and silty rocks; thick periphyton; sun-lit at
the bridge; a low-flow affected stream, may become intermittent and completely dry-up during low flow periods and prolonged droughts; Total Habitat Scores
range 71-82. Water Quality -- elevated specific conductance and low dissolved oxygen concentration under low flow conditions (2011); specific conductance
has ranged from 81-168 µS/cm. 2016 -- metrics scoring very low ("1") included Number of Intolerant Species (0), Percentage of Tolerant Fish (70%, due to the
abundance of Eastern Mosquitofish and Green Sunfish), and an extremely skewed trophic structure (Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores = 4%, Percentage of
Insectivores = 96%, and Percentage of Piscivores = 0%); only one Whitemouth Shiner was collected, it had been the dominant species in 2011 (n=176); Sunfish
hybrid, Redear Sunfish, Golden Shiner, and Fathead Minnow new to the site; 1 of 2 sites where Bluehead Chub and Redbreast Sunfish, two widely distributed
and abundant species were not found. 1996-2016 -- 25 species known from the site including 3 exotic, 0 intolerant, 3 darter, 1 sucker species, and 1 state-listed
species of Special Concern (Carolina Darter which has been collected in every cycle since 2001); dominant species are Whitemouth Shiner (1996, 2011),
Highfin Shiner (2001), and Eastern Mosquitofish (2016); the intolerant Fieryblack Shiner, Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter seem to be absent from Carolina
Slate Belt streams that become intermittent or go dry; Redbreast Sunfish which was absent in 2011 and 2016 has been displaced by Green Sunfish in
intermittent Carolina Slate Belt streams such as Big Bear Creek, its abundance has steadily increased from 1%-7%-11%-17% since 1996; Bluehead Chub, a
very common and wide-spread species in the basin, is absent from this site; a very abundant community (n=256-535), but consistently lower than expected total
species richness (scored a "3"); impacts from persistent low flow conditions in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2016 and slow recolonization of the stream by several
species (i.e., Margined Madtom and Fantail Darter) seem to be affecting the community more so than any gross water quality changes. Recommendation --
because the community is so strongly affected by flow conditions, future assessment for Use Support is not advised, unless the assessment follows prolonged
average- or above-average precipitation seasons.
Most Abundant
Species
Eastern Mosquitofish
(n=278, 52%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish, Fathead
Minnow, and Redear Sunfish
(n=91, 2, and 1, respectively)
Imperiled
Species
Carolina Darter (Special Concern, n =
44)
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northeastern Mecklenburg County, including the eastside of the Town of Huntersville; one small discharger (NC0073539, Qw=0.048 to
Ramah Creek, a tributary to Clarke Creek) is located ~ 5.6 miles upstream; tributary to the Rocky River. Habitat -- no change in instream and riparian habitats
since last assessment in 2011; lowest habitat score of any fish community site in 2011 and 2016; evidence of past channelization, poor quality instream habitats,
moderate bank erosion, primarily one long shallow pool; riffles absent; open canopy throughout much of the reach, except for the last 75 ft.; very shallow and full
of sediment; stick riffles; sand bars; low flow. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, but greatly elevated for a Piedmont stream, range 194-209 µS/cm.
2016 -- most species ever collected at this site, but with the greatest Percentage of Tolerant Fish (77%, including Satinfin Shiner, Red Shiner, Yellow Bullhead,
Eastern Mosquitofish, Redbreast Sunfish, and Green Sunfish ) collected from any site in 2016; number of species and fish had increased between 2011 and
2016, but intolerant species and species of suckers were still absent; 1 of 2 sites (along with Town Creek) with the lowest Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores
(1%) and greatest Percentage of Insectivores (99%) of any site in 2016; along with North Deep Creek; Clarke Creek had the lowest NCIBI Score (30) of any site
in 2016; Red Shiner, Yellow Bullhead, Bluehead Chub, Satinfin Shiner, and Speckled Killifish new to the site. 2006-2016 -- only 15 species are known from the
site, the second fewest species of any site in 2016, including 2 exotic, 0 intolerant, 1 darter, and 0 sucker species; dominant species are Eastern Mosquitofish
(2006, 2016), Redbreast Sunfish (2006), and Bluegill (2011); very skewed trophic structure, 91-99% of all the fish collected in 2006-2016 were insectivores.
Recommendation -- until water quality enhancement projects are implemented throughout the watershed, continued basinwide monitoring of this site is
unnecessary because no improvements are to be expected in the fish community; sediment source identification and reduction within the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Eastern Mosquitofish
(n=91, 54%)
Non-indigenous
Species
Green Sunfish and Red
Shiner (n=18 and 4,
respectively)
Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
05/10/11 2011-16 5 24 Poor
07/18/06 2006-100 9 30 Poor
NCIBI Rating
07/19/16 2016-88 11 30 Poor
Water Clarity Turbid (greenish-gray)
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand.
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)30
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)2
Light Penetration (10)2
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)2
Instream Habitat (20)7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)194 196 209
pH (s.u.)6.3 6.9 7.5
Temperature (°C)24.6 22.7 28.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)2.9 6.8 6.5
1.9 0.8 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 46.5 25.5 6.1 16.6 8.7
2006 50.3 22.1 5.0 18.1 6.7 1.9 0.9 0.0
2001 51.3 18.4 3.4 20.9 7.0 2.3 0.2 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 67.1 1.6 no data 28.3 no data 2.7
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 21.8 6 0.2
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
CABARRUS 03040105 35.414167 -80.751944 613 No
CLARKE CR SR 1449 QF86 07/19/16 Poor
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north-central Roan County, including the northern portion of the City of Salisbury; three small NPDES dischargers (Total Qw = 0.014 MGD)
located upstream; tributary to High Rock Lake (Yadkin River), site is ~ 4 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir. Habitat -- low quality
instream habitats; coarse woody debris; submerged sticks creating riffles; rip-rap at the sewer right-of-way; side snags; deeply entrenched with eroding banks;
Total Habitat Score was 54 in 2001; at the the SR 1506 site the Total Habitat Score was 70. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated resulting from
urban stormwater runoff, range (at both sites) 113-171 µS/cm. 2016 -- very few species encountered, 1 of only 4 sites where just 10 species of fish were
collected; Intolerant Species and piscivores absent; 8-point decrease in he NCIBI Score and two NCIBI Rating Class decline resulted from the loss of a species
of darter (Carolina Fantail Darter), the moderately high Percentage of Tolerant Fish (35%), and the skewed trophic structure (Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores = 56%, and Percentage of Insectivores = 44%); Gizzard Shad, Bluegill, and Eastern Silvery Minnow new to the site. 2001 & 2016 -- a
very depauperate community given its size stream, only 15 species are known from the site, the second fewest species of any site in 2016; assemblage includes
1 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (2001), Redbreast Sunfish (2016), and Eastern Silvery Minnow
(2016); proximity to a large reservoir influences the species assemblage and the reservoir is a barrier to recolonization of the stream after prolonged droughts.
Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2021 to determine if the decrease in the NCIBI Rating is persistent; sediment source
identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Eastern Silvery Minnow
and Redbreast Sunfish
(n=49 and 48,
respectively; 28%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=9)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
NCIBI Rating
06/13/16 2016-46 10 34 Poor
07/08/04 2004-115 @ SR 1506 12 42 Good-Fair
05/02/01 2001-35 12 42 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand with some boulders along the left bank.
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)56
Bank Erosion (7)3
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)10
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)144 113 171
pH (s.u.)6.9 6.5 6.8
Temperature (°C)16.0 24.2 22.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 5.9 7.0
1.1 0.7 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2004 2016 Site Photograph
2011 34.8 31.0 6.7 25.3 7.0
2006 35.4 30.8 6.6 25.6 6.3 1.1 0.7 0.1
2001 36.0 29.4 6.2 27.0 6.2 1.0 0.3 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 45.2 19.6 no data 33.6 no data 1.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Outer Piedmont 55.3 9 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
ROWAN 03040103 35.695833 -80.481667 639 No
GRANTS CR SR 2200 QF22 06/13/16 Poor
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Watershed -- drains north-central Yadkin County, including portions of the towns of Boonville and Yadkinville; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary
to Deep Creek and ultimately the Yadkin River; site is ~ 3.6 miles upstream from the 10-12 ft. high Shore-Styers Mill/Shacktown Falls which may naturally
reduce species diversity, may be a barrier to upstream fish passage, and hamper recolonization efforts. Habitat -- no change in the very low quality instream
and riparian habitats since last assessment in 2011; second lowest scoring Total Habitat Score of any fish community site in 2016; massive erosion along both
banks; open canopy at 300-600 ft.; bedrock on right with some sand and gravel; single riffle chute; very sinuous channel; Total Habitat Scores range 38-50.
Water Quality -- specific conductance gradually increasing from 50 µS/cm in 1996 to 87 µS/cm in 2016; orange turbidity. 2016 -- fewest fish (n=116) and fewest
species ever collected at this site; 1 of just 4 sites where only 10 species were collected; skewed trophic structure with the greatest Percentage of
Omnivores+Herbivores (59%) of any site; along with Clarke Creek, North Deep Creek had the lowest NCIBI Score (30) of any site in 2016; substantial 12-point
decline in the NCIBI Score, two NCIBI Rating Class declines, and an overall decline in water quality. 1996-2016 -- only 18 species known from the site including
0 exotic, 3 intolerant, 2 darter, and 1 sucker (White Sucker) species; dominant species is the Bluehead Chub (30-55%); the intolerant Fieryblack Shiner has not
been collected since 2001 when 40 specimens were collected, the other two intolerant species, Highback Chub and Piedmont Darter (n=3, each) are rare at this
site and neither species was collected in 2016; surprisingly, no non-indigenous species have ever been collected at this site; consistently lower than expected
total species richness. Recommendation -- continued basinwide assessment of this fish community in 2021; bank stabilization and sediment source
identification and reduction throughout the watershed are needed.
Most Abundant
Species
Bluehead Chub (n=64,
55%)
Non-indigenous
Species None Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
06/21/01 2001-72 13 44 Good-Fair
05/15/96 96-46 13 44 Good-Fair
06/16/11 2011-41 14 42 Good-Fair
06/07/06 2006-79 16 42 Good-Fair
NCIBI Rating
06/15/16 2016-57 10 30 Poor
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = sand and clay.Turbid (orange) and became very turbid
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)41
Bank Erosion (7)0
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)5
Bottom Substrate (15)2
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)10
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)75 83 87
pH (s.u.)5.9 5.9 6.3
Temperature (°C)16.8 19.3 21.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.9 7.7 8.4
0.2 0.9 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2011 2016 Site Photograph
2011 34.6 10.2 1.7 46.4 7.6
2006 34.5 10.2 1.7 46.6 7.5 0.2 0.9 0.1
2001 34.7 10.1 1.7 47.5 6.9 0.2 0.4 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 44.7 3.3 no data 51.3 no data 0.1
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.5 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Inner Piedmont 35.9 10 0.4
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
YADKIN 03040101 36.136084 -80.629607 800 No
N DEEP CR SR 1605 QF61 06/15/16 Poor
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
UNION 03040105 34.911667 -80.363333 428 No
LANES CR SR 1929 QF87 07/18/16 Not Rated
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None --- ---
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 49.0 10 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 41.8 0.4 no data 57.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.4
2001 35.4 5.2 0.8 56.2 2.7 0.4 0.2 0.1
2006 43.8 5.2 0.8 46.2 4.3 0.3 0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2001 2006 2016 Site Photograph
2011 38.6 5.2 0.8 50.7 4.9
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)128 158 125
pH (s.u.)6.7 6.2 6.9
Temperature (°C)20.0 15.2 24.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)5.9 11.5 7.7
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2016
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)67
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
NCIBI Rating
07/18/16 2016-84 10 22 Not Rated
Water Clarity
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score
Substrate = silt covered Carolina Slate Belt types - cobble, boulder, and gravel.Slightly Turbid, became very turbid
Watershed -- originates in northern Chesterfield County, SC and drains primarily rural southeastern Union and northwestern Anson counties; no municipalities
or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Rocky River; despite its large drainage area, the stream may become intermittent and completely dry-up
during seasonal low flow periods and prolonged droughts. Habitat -- a typical Carolina Slate Belt type stream which very rocky and subjected to low flows;
Fissidens; coarse woody debris; pools; cobble riffles; root mats out of water; flow was normal, but normal at this time of year is low flow; Total Habitat Scores
range 66-78. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated, but within the norm for a stream whose watershed is more than 50% in agricultural uses, range
125-158 µS/cm. 2016 -- 1 of only 4 sites where just 10 species of fish were collected; second greatest Percentage of Tolerant Fish (74%, primarily Green
Sunfish and Eastern Mosquitofish) collected from any site in 2016; fewest fish ever collected at this site (n=95); 6 of the 12 metrics decreased between 2006 and
2016 (Number of Fish, Number of Species of Darters, Sunfishes, and Suckers, the Percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores and the Percentage of Insectivores);
Flat Bullhead new to the site; 1 of 2 sites where Bluehead Chub and Redbreast Sunfish, two widely distributed and abundant species were not found. 2001-2016
-- for its size, but due to extremes in flow conditions, not a particular abundant (range 95-135) or species-rich site, only 17 species are known from the site,
including 1 exotic, 0 intolerant, 2 darter, and 2 sucker species and one state-listed Species of Special Concern (Carolina Darter which was collected (n=4) in
2006); Intolerant Species and the widely distributed Redlip Shiner are unknown from the site; dominant species is the non-indigenous Green Sunfish (23-61%)
who has displaced the indigenous Redbreast Sunfish (14% to 1% to 0%); if rated the community would be rated as Fair in 2001 and 2006 and Poor in 2016.
Recommendation -- despite its large watershed, the fish community in this Carolina Slate Belt stream is severely affected by flow extremes which over shadows
the usefulness of the NCIBI as an accurate water quality monitoring tool at this site. For this reason, the community should not be rated and the site should be
discontinued as a basinwide site in 2021.
Most Abundant
Species
Green Sunfish (n=41,
43%)
Non-indigenous
Species Green Sunfish (n=41)Imperiled
Species None
Data Analysis
04/12/06 2006-15 10 36 Not Rated
04/11/01 2001-10 14 40 Not Rated