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Lower Cape Fear River Program 2014 reportEnvironmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2014 By Michael A. Mallin, Matthew R. McIver and James F. Merritt November 2015 CMS Report No. 15-02 Center for Marine Science University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, N.C. 28409 Executive Summary Multiparameter water sampling for the Lower Cape Fear River Program (LCFRP) http://www.uncw.edu/cms/aelab/LCFRP/index.htm, has been ongoing since June 1995. Scientists from the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s (UNCW) Aquatic Ecology Laboratory perform the sampling effort. The LCFRP currently encompasses 33 water sampling stations throughout the lower Cape Fear, Black, and Northeast Cape Fear River watersheds. The LCFRP sampling program includes physical, chemical, and biological water quality measurements and analyses of the benthic and epibenthic macroinvertebrate communities, and has in the past included assessment of the fish communities. Principal conclusions of the UNCW researchers conducting these analyses are presented below, with emphasis on water quality of the period January - December 2014. The opinions expressed are those of UNCW scientists and do not necessarily reflect viewpoints of individual contributors to the Lower Cape Fear River Program. The mainstem lower Cape Fear River is a 6th order stream characterized by periodically turbid water containing moderate to high levels of inorganic nutrients. It is fed by two large 5th order blackwater rivers (the Black and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers) that have low levels of turbidity, but highly colored water with less inorganic nutrient content than the mainstem. While nutrients are reasonably high in the river channels, major algal blooms have until recently been rare because light is attenuated by water color or turbidity, and flushing is usually high (Ensign et al. 2004). During periods of low flow (as in 2008-2012) algal biomass as chlorophyll a increases in the river because lower flow causes settling of more solids and improves light conditions for algal growth. Periodically major algal blooms are seen in the tributary stream stations, some of which are impacted by point source discharges. Below some point sources, nutrient loading can be high and fecal coliform contamination occurs. Other stream stations drain blackwater swamps or agricultural areas, some of which periodically show elevated pollutant loads or effects (Mallin et al. 2001). Average annual dissolved oxygen (DO) levels at the river channel stations for 2014 were generally higher than the average for 1995-2013. Dissolved oxygen levels were lowest during the summer and early fall, often falling below the state standard of 5.0 mg/L at several river and upper estuary stations. There is a dissolved oxygen sag in the main river channel that begins at Station DP below a paper mill discharge and near the Black River input, and persists into the mesohaline portion of the estuary. Mean oxygen levels were highest at the upper river stations NC11 and AC and in the middle to lower estuary at stations M35 to M18. Lowest mainstem average 2014 DO levels occurred at the lower river and upper estuary stations DP, IC, NAV, HB, BRR and M61 (7.0-7.3 mg/L). As the water reaches the lower estuary higher algal productivity, mixing and ocean dilution help alleviate oxygen problems. The Northeast Cape Fear and Black Rivers generally have lower DO levels than the mainstem Cape Fear River. These rivers are classified as blackwater systems because of their tea colored water. The Northeast Cape Fear River generally has lower dissolved oxygen than the Black River; as such, in 2014 Stations NCF117 and B210, representing those rivers, had average DO concentrations of 6.3 and 7.1 mg/L, respectively. Several stream stations were severely stressed in terms of low dissolved oxygen during the year 2014, including NC403, GS, ANC and SR. River stations NAV, HB, and IC were all below 5.0 mg/L on 42% or more of occasions sampled, and BRR, DP and M61 were below on 25% of occasions sampled. Considering all sites sampled in 2014, we rated 15% as poor for dissolved oxygen, 24% as fair, and 61% as good, an improvement from 2013 Annual mean turbidity levels for 2014 were lower than the long-term average in all estuary stations. Highest mean turbidities were at NC11-DP, plus NAV (11-12 NTU) with turbidities generally low in the middle to lower estuary. The estuarine stations did not exceed the estuarine turbidity standard on our sampling trips except in January 2014. Turbidity was considerably lower in the blackwater tributaries (Northeast Cape Fear River and Black River) than in the mainstem river. Average turbidity levels were low in the freshwater streams, with the exception of one excursion to 81 NTU in August at SR. Regarding nutrient concentrations, chronic or periodic high nitrate levels were found at a number of stream stations, including ROC (Rockfish Creek), 6RC (Six Runs Creek), PB (Panther Branch), NC403 and GCO (Great Coharie Creek). Average chlorophyll a concentrations across all sites were low in 2014. We note the highest levels in the river and estuary typically occur late spring to mid-summer. During the growing season May- September river flow as measured by USGS at Lock and Dam #1 was 35% higher for 2014 compared with the average for the blue-green algal bloom years 2009-2012 (2,593 CFS compared with 1,698 CFS). Higher flows restrict algal bloom formation by maintaining relatively high turbidity; thus troublesome cyanobacteria (i.e. blue-green algal blooms) did not occur in the Cape Fear River during 2014. Stream algal blooms exceeding 20 µg/L in 2014 occurred at ANC, SR, PB and GS. Several stream stations, particularly PB, SR, GS, LRC, ROC, BRN, HAM and ANC showed high fecal coliform bacteria counts on a number of occasions. For the 2014 period UNCW rated 100% of the stations as good in terms of chlorophyll a and turbidity. Fecal coliform bacteria counts were high in the system in 2014 and the lower estuary had high enterococcus on some occasions. For bacterial water quality overall, 34% of the sites rated as poor, 44% as fair, and 22% as good in 2014. Using the 5.0 mg/L DO standard for the mainstem river stations, and the 4.0 mg/L “swamp water” DO standard for the stream stations and blackwater river stations, 39% of the sites were rated poor or fair for dissolved oxygen. In addition, by our UNCW standards excessive nitrate and phosphorus concentrations were problematic at a number of stations. Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction...........................................................................………...............…........1 1.1 Site Description................................................………....................................2 1.2 Report Organization………………………………………………………..……..3 2.0 Physical, Chemical, and Biological Characteristics of the Lower Cape Fear River and Estuary………………………………………………..……………………................7 Physical Parameters..…......................………..........................................……....10 Chemical Parameters…....……..……….........................................................…..14 Biological Parameters.......……….....……......................................................…..17 1.0 Introduction Michael A. Mallin Center for Marine Science University of North Carolina Wilmington The Lower Cape Fear River Program is a unique science and education program that has a mission to develop an understanding of processes that control and influence the ecology of the Cape Fear River, and to provide a mechanism for information exchange and public education. This program provides a forum for dialogue among the various Cape Fear River user groups and encourages interaction among them. Overall policy is set by an Advisory Board consisting of representatives from citizen’s groups, local government, industries, academia, the business community, and regulatory agencies. This report represents the scientific conclusions of the UNCW researchers participating in this program and does not necessarily reflect opinions of all other program participants. This report focuses on the period January through December 2014. The scientific basis of the LCFRP consists of the implementation of an ongoing comprehensive physical, chemical, and biological monitoring program. Another part of the mission is to develop and maintain a data base on the Cape Fear basin and make use of this data to develop management plans. Presently the program has amassed an 19-year (1995-2014) data base that is available to the public, and is used as a teaching tool for programs like UNCW’s River Run. Using this monitoring data as a framework the program goals also include focused scientific projects and investigation of pollution episodes. The scientific aspects of the program are carried out by investigators from the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Marine Science. The monitoring program was developed by the Lower Cape Fear River Program Technical Committee, which consists of representatives from UNCW, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, The NC Division of Marine Fisheries, the US Army Corps of Engineers, technical representatives from streamside industries, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Cape Fear Community College, Cape Fear River Watch, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, the US Geological Survey, forestry and agriculture organizations, and others. This integrated and cooperative program was the first of its kind in North Carolina. Broad-scale monthly water quality sampling at 16 stations in the estuary and lower river system began in June 1995 (UNCW Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, directed by Dr. Michael Mallin). Sampling was increased to 34 stations in February of 1996, 35 stations in February 1998, and 36 stations in 2005, then lowered to 33 in 2011. The Lower Cape Fear River Program added another component concerned with studying the benthic macrofauna of the system in 1996. This component is directed by Dr. Martin Posey and Mr. Troy Alphin of the UNCW Biology Department and includes the benefit of additional data collected by the Benthic Ecology Laboratory under Sea Grant and NSF sponsored projects in the Cape Fear Estuary. These data are collected and analyzed depending upon the availability of funding. The third major biotic component (added in 1 January 1996) was an extensive fisheries program directed by Dr. Mary Moser of the UNCW Center for Marine Science Research, with subsequent (1999) overseeing by Mr. Michael Williams and Dr. Thomas Lankford of UNCW-CMS. This program involved cooperative sampling with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The fisheries program ended in December 1999, but was renewed with additional funds from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from spring – winter 2000. The regular sampling that was conducted by UNCW biologists was assumed by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1.1. Site Description The mainstem of the Cape Fear River is formed by the merging of the Haw and the Deep Rivers in Chatham County in the North Carolina Piedmont. However, its drainage basin reaches as far upstream as the Greensboro area (Fig. 1.1). The mainstem of the river has been altered by the construction of several dams and water control structures. In the coastal plain, the river is joined by two major tributaries, the Black and the Northeast Cape Fear Rivers (Fig. 1.1). These 5th order blackwater streams drain extensive riverine swamp forests and add organic color to the mainstem. The watershed (about 9,164 square miles) is the most heavily industrialized in North Carolina with 203 permitted wastewater discharges with a permitted flow of approximately 429 million gallons per day, and (as of 2010) over 2.07 million people residing in the basin (NCDENR Basinwide Information Management System (BIMS) & 2010 Census). Approximately 23% of the land use in the watershed is devoted to agriculture and livestock production (2006 National Land Cover Dataset), with livestock production dominated by swine and poultry operations. Thus, the watershed receives considerable point and non-point source loading of pollutants. However, the estuary is a well-flushed system, with flushing time ranging from 1 to 22 days with a median flushing time of about seven days, much shorter than the other large N.C. estuaries to the north (Ensign et al. 2004). Water quality is monitored by boat at eight stations in the Cape Fear Estuary (from Navassa to Southport) and one station in the Northeast Cape Fear Estuary (Table 1.1; Fig. 1.1). We note that after July 2011 sampling was discontinued at stations M42 and SPD, per agreement with the North Carolina Division of Water Quality; and in 2012 sampling was expanded at Smith Creek at the Castle Hayne Road bridge (Table 1.1) and initiated at a new site along the South River (SR-WC). Riverine stations sampled by boat include NC11, AC, DP, IC, and BBT (Table 1.1; Fig. 1.1). NC11 is located upstream of any major point source discharges in the lower river and estuary system, and is considered to be representative of water quality entering the lower system (we note that the City of Wilmington and portions of Brunswick County get their drinking water from the river just upstream of Lock and Dan #1). Station BBT is located on the Black River between Thoroughfare (a stream connecting the Cape Fear and Black Rivers) and the mainstem Cape Fear, and is influenced by both rivers. We consider B210 and NCF117 to represent water quality entering the lower Black and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, respectively. Data has also been collected at stream and river 2 Table 1.1 Description of sampling locations for the Lower Cape Fear River Program, 2014. Collected by Boat AEL StationDWR Station #Description Comments CountyLatLonStream Class.HUC NC11B8360000 Cape Fear River at NC 11 nr East Arcadia Below Lock and Dam 1, Represents water entering lower basin Bladen34.3969-78.2675WS-IV Sw03030005 LVC2B8441000 Livingston Creek at Momentive Walkway nr Acme DWR ambient station, Downstream of Momentive Columbus34.3353-78.2011C Sw03030005 ACB8450000 Cape Fear River at Neils Eddy Landing nr Acme 1 mile below IP, DWR ambient station Columbus34.3555-78.1794C Sw03030005 DPB8465000 Cape Fear River at Intake nr Hooper Hill AT DAK intake, just above confluence with Black R.Brunswick34.3358-78.0534C Sw03030005 BBT Black River below Lyons ThorofareUNCW AEL station Pender34.3513-78.0490C Sw ORW+0303005 ICB9030000 Cape Fear River ups Indian Creek nr Phoenix Downstream of several point source discharges Brunswick34.3021-78.0137C Sw0303005 NAVB9050025 Cape Fear River dns of RR bridge at Navassa Downstream of several point source discharges Brunswick34.2594-77.9877SC0303005 HBB9050100 Cape Fear River at S. end of Horseshoe Bend nr Wilmington Upstream of confluence with NE Cape Fear River Brunswick34.2437-77.9698SC0303005 BRRB9790000 Brunswick River dns NC 17 at park nr Belville Near Belville dischargeBrunswick34.2214-77.9787SC03030005 M61B9800000 Cape Fear River at Channel Marker 61 at Wilmington Downstream of several point source discharges New Hanover 34.1938-77.9573SC03030005 M54B9795000 Cape Fear River at Channel Marker 54 Downstream of several point source discharges New Hanover 34.1393-77.946SC03030005 M35B9850100 Cape Fear River at Channel Marker 35 Upstream of Carolina Beach discharge Brunswick34.0335-77.937SC03030005 M23B9910000 Cape Fear River at Channel Marker 23 Downstream of Carolina Beach discharge Brunswick33.9456-77.9696SA HQW03030005 M18B9921000 Cape Fear River at Channel Marker 18 Near mouth of Cape Fear RiverBrunswick33.913-78.017SC03030005 NCF6B9670000NE Cape Fear nr Wrightsboro Downstream of several point source discharges New Hanover 34.3171-77.9538C Sw0303007 Collected by Land 6RCB8740000Six Runs Creek at SR 1003 nr Ingold Upstream of Black River, CAFOs in watershed Sampson34.7933-78.3113C Sw ORW+03030006 LCOB8610001 Little Coharie Creek at SR 1207 nr Ingold Upstream of Great Coharie, CAFOs in watershed Sampson34.8347-78.3709C Sw03030006 GCOB8604000 Great Coharie Creek at SR 1214 nr Butler Crossroads Downstream of Clinton, CAFOs in watershed Sampson34.9186-78.3887C Sw03030006 SRB8470000South River at US 13 nr CooperDownstream of DunnSampson35.156-78.6401C Sw03030006 BRNB8340050 Browns Creek at NC87 nr Elizabethtown CAFOs in watershedBladen34.6136-78.5848C03030005 HAMB8340200 Hammond Creek at SR 1704 nr Mt. Olive CAFOs in watershedBladen34.5685-78.5515C03030005 COLB8981000Colly Creek at NC 53 at Colly Pristine area Bladen34.4641-78.2569C Sw03030006 B210B9000000Black River at NC 210 at Still Bluff 1st bridge upstream of Cape Fear River Pender34.4312-78.1441C Sw ORW+03030006 NC403B9090000 NE Cape Fear River at NC 403 nr Williams Downstream of Mt. Olive Pickle, CAFOs in watershed Duplin35.1784-77.9807C Sw0303007 PBB9130000Panther Branch (Creek) nr FaisonDownstream of Bay Valley FoodsDuplin35.1345-78.1363C Sw0303007 GSB9191000 Goshen Swamp at NC 11 and NC 903 nr Kornegay CAFOs in watershed Duplin35.0281-77.8516C Sw0303007 SARB9191500 NE Cape Fear River SR 1700 nr Sarecta Downstream of several point source discharges Duplin34.9801-77.8622C Sw0303007 ROCB9430000Rockfish Creek at US 117 nr WallaceUpstream of Wallace dischargeDuplin34.7168-77.9795C Sw0303007 LRCB9460000 Little Rockfish Creek at NC 11 nr Wallace DWR Benthic stationDuplin34.7224-77.9814C Sw0303007 ANCB9490000Angola Creek at NC 53 nr Maple HillDWR Benthic stationPender34.6562-77.7351C Sw0303007 SR WCB8920000 South River at SR 1007 (Wildcat/Ennis Bridge Road)Upstream of Black RiverSampson34.6402-78.3116C Sw ORW+03030006 NCF117B9580000 NE Cape Fear River at US 117 at Castle Hayne DWR ambient station, Downstream of point source discharges New Hanover 34.3637-77.8965B Sw0303007 SC-CHB9720000 Smith Creek at US 117 and NC 133 at Wilmington Urban runoff, Downstream of Wilmington Northside WWTP New Hanover 34.2586-77.9391C Sw0303007 3 Figure 1.1. Map of the Lower Cape Fear River system and the LCFRP sampling stations. 4 2.0 Physical, Chemical, and Biological Characteristics of the Lower Cape Fear River and Estuary Michael A. Mallin and Matthew R. McIver Aquatic Ecology Laboratory Center for Marine Science University of North Carolina Wilmington 2.1 - Introduction This section of the report includes a discussion of the physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters, concentrating on the January-December 2014 Lower Cape Fear River Program monitoring period. These parameters are interdependent and define the overall condition of the river. Physical parameters measured during this study included water temperature, dissolved oxygen, field turbidity and laboratory turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), salinity, conductivity, pH and light attenuation. The chemical makeup of the Cape Fear River was investigated by measuring the magnitude and composition of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. Three biological parameters including fecal coliform bacteria or enterococcus bacteria, chlorophyll a and biochemical oxygen demand were examined. 2.2 - Materials and Methods All samples and field parameters collected for the estuarine stations of the Cape Fear River (NAV down through M18) were gathered on an ebb tide. This was done so that the data better represented the river water flowing downstream through the system rather than the tidal influx of coastal ocean water. Sample collection and analyses were conducted according to the procedures in the Lower Cape Fear River Program Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) manual. Technical Representatives from the LCFRP Technical Committee and representatives from the NC Division of Water Quality inspect UNCW laboratory procedures and periodically accompany field teams to verify proper procedures are followed. By agreement with N.C. Division of Water Quality, after June 2011 sampling was discontinued at stations M42 and SPD, but full sampling was added at SC-CH and SR-WC in 2012. We note the Town of Burgaw left the program as of 2013 and Stations BCRR and BC117 are no longer being sampled. Physical Parameters Water Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, Light, Salinity, Conductivity Field parameters other than light attenuation were measured at each site using a YSI 6920 (or 6820) multi-parameter water quality sonde displayed on a YSI 650 MDS. Each parameter is measured with individual probes on the sonde. At stations sampled by boat (see Table 1.1) physical parameters were measured at 0.1 m and at the bottom (up to 12 m). Occasionally, high flow prohibited the sonde from reaching the actual bottom and measurements were taken as deep as possible. At the terrestrially sampled stations (i.e. 5 from bridges or docks) the physical parameters were measured at a depth of 0.1 m. The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at the UNCW CMS is State-certified by the N.C. Division of Water Quality to perform field parameter measurements. The light attenuation coefficient k was determined from data collected on-site using vertical profiles obtained by a Li-Cor LI- 1000 integrator interfaced with a Li-Cor LI-193S spherical quantum sensor. Chemical Parameters Nutrients A local State-certified analytical laboratory was contracted to conduct all chemical analyses except for orthophosphate, which is performed at CMS. The following methods detail the techniques used by CMS personnel for orthophosphate analysis. Orthophosphate (PO4-3) Water samples were collected ca. 0.1 m below the surface in triplicate in amber 125 mL Nalgene plastic bottles and placed on ice. In the laboratory 50 mL of each triplicate was filtered through separate1.0 micron pre-combusted glass fiber filters, which were frozen and later analyzed for chlorophyll a. The triplicate filtrates were pooled in a glass flask, mixed thoroughly, and approximately 100 mL was poured into a 125 mL plastic bottle to be analyzed for orthophosphate. Samples were frozen until analysis. Orthophosphate analyses were performed in duplicate using an approved US EPA method for the Bran-Lubbe AutoAnalyzer (Method 365.5). In this technique the orthophosphate in each sample reacts with ammonium molybdate and anitmony potassium tartrate in an acidic medium (sulfuric acid) to form an anitmony-phospho-molybdate complex. The complex is then reacted with ascorbic acid and forms a deep blue color. The intensity of the color is measured at a wavelength of 880 nm by a colorimeter and displayed on a chart recorder. Standards and spiked samples were analyzed for quality assurance. Biological Parameters Fecal Coliform Bacteria / Enterococcus Fecal coliform bacteria were analyzed by a State-certified laboratory contracted by the LCFRP. Samples were collected approximately 0.1 m below the surface in sterile plastic bottles provided by the contract laboratory and placed on ice for no more than six hours before analysis. After August 2011 the fecal coliform analysis was changed to Enterococcus in the estuarine stations downstream of NAV and HB (Stations BRR, M61, M35, M23 and M18). Chlorophyll a 6 The analytical method used to measure chlorophyll a is described in Welschmeyer (1994) and US EPA (1997) and was performed by CMS personnel. Chlorophyll a concentrations were determined utilizing the 1.0 micron filters used for filtering samples for orthophosphate analysis. All filters were wrapped individually in foil, placed in airtight containers and stored in the freezer. During analysis each filter was immersed in 10 mL of 90% acetone for 24 hours, which extracts the chlorophyll a into solution. Chlorophyll a concentration of each solution was measured on a Turner 10-AU fluorometer. The fluorometer uses an optimal combination of excitation and emission bandwidth filters which reduces the errors inherent in the acidification technique. The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at the CMS is State-certified by the N.C. Division of Water Quality for the analysis of chlorophyll a (chlorophyll at four LCFRP stations are required by NCDWR to be analyzed by state-certified methods). Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Five sites were originally chosen for BOD analysis. One site was located at NC11, upstream of International Paper, and a second site was at AC, about 3 miles downstream of International Paper (Fig.1.1). Two sites were located in blackwater rivers (NCF117 and B210) and one site (BBT) was situated in an area influenced by both the mainstem Cape Fear River and the Black River. For the sampling period May 2000-April 2004 additional BOD data were collected at stream stations 6RC, LCO, GCO, BRN, HAM and COL in the Cape Fear and Black River watersheds. In May 2004 those stations were dropped and sampling commenced at ANC, SAR, GS, N403, ROC and BC117 in the Northeast Cape Fear River watershed for several years. The procedure used for BOD analysis is Method 5210 in Standard Methods (APHA 1995). Samples were analyzed for both 5-day and 20- day BOD. During the analytical period, samples were kept in airtight bottles and placed in an incubator at 20o C. All experiments were initiated within 6 hours of sample collection. Samples were analyzed in duplicate. Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using a YSI Model 5000 meter that was air-calibrated. No adjustments were made for pH since most samples exhibited pH values within or very close to the desired 6.5-7.5 range (pH is monitored during the analysis as well); a few sites have naturally low pH and there was no adjustment for these samples because it would alter the natural water chemistry and affect true BOD. Data are presented within for the five original sites. Parameter Method NC DWR Certified Water Temperature SM 2550B-2000 Yes Dissolved Oxygen SM 4500O G-2001 Yes pH SM 4500 H B-2000 Yes Specific Conductivity SM 2510 B-1997 Yes Lab Turbidity SM 2130 B-2001 Yes Field Turbidity SM 2130 B-2001 No 7 Chlorophyll a EPA 445.0 Rev. 1.2 Yes Biochemical Oxygen Demand SM 5210 B-2001 No Parameter Method NC DWR Certified Total Nitrogen By addition Nitrate + Nitrite EPA 353.2 Rev 2.0 1993 Yes Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen EPA 351.2 Rev 2.0 1993Yes Ammonia Nitrogen EPA 350.1 Rev 2.0 1993 Yes Total Phosphorus SM 4500 P E-1999 Yes Orthophosphate EPA 365.5 No Fecal Coliform SM 9222 D-1997 Yes Enterococcus Enterolert IDEXX Yes 2.3 - Results and Discussion This section includes results from monitoring of the physical, biological, and chemical parameters at all stations for the time period January-December 2014. Discussion of the data focuses both on the river channel stations and stream stations, which sometimes reflect poorer water quality than mainstem stations. The contributions of the two large blackwater tributaries, the Northeast Cape Fear River and the Black River, are represented by conditions at NCF117 and B210, respectively. The Cape Fear Region did not experience any significant hurricane activity during this monitoring period (after major hurricanes in 1996, 1998, and 1999). Therefore this report reflects low to medium growing season flow conditions for the Cape Fear River and Estuary. Physical Parameters Water temperature Water temperatures at all stations ranged from 1.1 to 30.2oC, and individual station annual averages ranged from 14.0 to 19.2oC (Table 2.1). Highest temperatures occurred during July and August and lowest temperatures during January. Stream stations were generally cooler than river stations, most likely because of shading and lower nighttime air temperatures affecting the shallower waters. Salinity Salinity at the estuarine stations (NAV through M18; also NCF6 in the Northeast Cape Fear River) ranged from 0.0 to 34.1 practical salinity units (psu) and station annual means ranged from 1.2 to 26.3 psu (Table 2.2). Lowest salinities occurred in mid-summer and 8 highest salinities occurred in late fall and winter. The annual mean salinity for 2014 was similar to that of the eighteen-year average for 1995-2013 for all of the estuarine stations (Figure 2.1). Two stream stations, NC403 and PB, had occasional oligohaline conditions due to discharges from pickle production facilities. SC-CH is a tidal creek that enters the Northeast Cape Fear River upstream of Wilmington and salinity there ranged widely, from 0.1 to 18.5 psu. Conductivity Conductivity at the estuarine stations ranged from 0.10 to 51.92 mS/cm and from 0.06 to 4.79 mS/cm at the freshwater stations (Table 2.3). Temporal conductivity patterns followed those of salinity. Dissolved ionic compounds increase the conductance of water, therefore, conductance increases and decreases with salinity, often reflecting river flow conditions due to rainfall. Stations PB and NC403 are below industrial discharges, and often have elevated conductivity. Smith Creek (SC-CH) is an estuarine tidal creek and the conductivity values reflect this (Table 2.3). pH pH values ranged from 3.7 to 8.1 and station annual means ranged from 4.0 to 7.9 (Table 2.4). pH was typically lowest upstream due to acidic swamp water inputs and highest downstream as alkaline seawater mixes with the river water. Low pH values at COL predominate because of naturally acidic blackwater inputs at this near-pristine stream station. We also note that LRC had an unusually high pH level (8.0) in September 2014 (Table 2.4). Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen (DO) problems have been a major water quality concern in the lower Cape Fear River and its estuary, and several of the tributary streams (Mallin et al. 1999; 2000; 2001a; 2001b; 2002a; 2002b; 2003; 2004; 2005a; 2006a; 2006b; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014). Surface concentrations for all sites in 2014 ranged from 0.7 to 13.7 mg/L and station annual means ranged from 6.2 to 10.1 mg/L (Table 2.5). Average annual DO levels at the river channel and estuarine stations for 2014 were slightly higher than the average for 1995-2013 (Figure 2.2). River dissolved oxygen levels were lowest during the summer and early fall (Table 2.5), often falling below the state standard of 5.0 mg/L at several river and upper estuary stations. Working synergistically to lower oxygen levels are two factors: lower oxygen carrying capacity in warmer water and increased bacterial respiration (or biochemical oxygen demand, BOD), due to higher temperatures in summer. Unlike other large North Carolina estuaries (the Neuse, Pamlico and New River) the Cape Fear estuary rarely suffers from dissolved oxygen stratification. This is because, despite salinity stratification the oxygen remains well mixed due to strong estuarine gravitational circulation and high freshwater inputs (Lin et al. 2006). Thus, hypoxia in the Cape Fear is present throughout the water column. 9 There is a dissolved oxygen sag in the main river channel that begins at DP below a paper mill discharge and persists into the mesohaline portion of the estuary (Fig. 2.2). Mean oxygen levels were highest at the upper river stations NC11 and AC and in the low-to- middle estuary at stations M35 to M18. Lowest mainstem mean 2014 DO levels occurred at the river and upper estuary stations IC, NAV, HB, BRR and M61 (7.0-7.3 mg/L). Stations NAV, HB and IC were all below 5.0 mg/L on 33% or more of occasions sampled, and BRR, M61 and DP were below on 25% of occasions sampled. Average estuary DO concentrations were an improvement from 2013. Based on number of occasions the river stations were below 5 mg/L UNCW rated NAV, HB and IC as poor for 2014; the mid to lower estuary stations were rated as fair to good. Discharge of high BOD waste from the paper/pulp mill just above the AC station (Mallin et al. 2003), as well as inflow of blackwater from the Northeast Cape Fear and Black Rivers, helps to diminish oxygen in the lower river and upper estuary. Additionally, algal blooms periodically form behind Lock and Dam #1 (including the blue-green algal blooms in recent years), and the chlorophyll a they produce is strongly correlated with BOD at Station NC11 (Mallin et al. 2006b); thus the blooms do contribute to lower DO in the river. As the water reaches the lower estuary higher algal productivity, mixing and ocean dilution help alleviate oxygen problems. The Northeast Cape Fear and Black Rivers generally have lower DO levels than the mainstem Cape Fear River (NCF117 2014 mean = 6.3, NCF6 = 6.9, B210 2014 mean = 7.1) . These rivers are classified as blackwater systems because of their tea colored water. As the water passes through swamps en route to the river channel, tannins from decaying vegetation leach into the water, resulting in the observed color. Decaying vegetation on the swamp floor has an elevated biochemical oxygen demand and usurps oxygen from the water, leading to naturally low dissolved oxygen levels. Runoff from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) may also contribute to chronic low dissolved oxygen levels in these blackwater rivers (Mallin et al. 1998; 1999; 2006; Mallin 2000). We note that phosphorus and nitrogen (components of animal manure) levels have been positively correlated with BOD in the blackwater rivers and their major tributaries (Mallin et al. 2006b). Several stream stations were severely stressed in terms of low dissolved oxygen during the year 2014. Station GS had DO levels below 4.0 mg/L 33% of the occasions sampled, as did NC403, and SR was below that level 25% (Table 2.5). Some of this can be attributed to low summer water conditions and some potentially to CAFO runoff; however point-source discharges also likely contribute to low dissolved oxygen levels at NC403 and possibly SR, especially via nutrient loading (Mallin et al. 2001a; 2002a; 2004). Hypoxia is thus a continuing and widespread problem, with 39% of the sites impacted in 2014 (an improvement from 2012 and 2013 however). Field Turbidity Field turbidity levels ranged from 0 to 81 Nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and station annual means ranged from 0 to 13 NTU (Table 2.6). The State standard for estuarine turbidity is 25 NTU. Highest mean turbidities were at NC11-DP, plus NAV (12-13 NTU) with turbidities generally low in the middle to lower estuary (Figure 2.3). The estuarine 10 stations did not exceed the estuarine turbidity standard on our 2014 sampling trips except during January. Annual mean turbidity levels for 2014 were well below the long-term average at all estuary sites (Fig. 2.3). Turbidity was considerably lower in the blackwater tributaries (Northeast Cape Fear River and Black River) than in the mainstem river. Average turbidity levels were low in the freshwater streams, with the exception of one excursion to 81 NTU in August at SR. The State standard for freshwater turbidity is 50 NTU. Note: In addition to the laboratory-analyzed turbidity that are required by NCDWQ for seven locations, the LCFRP uses nephelometers designed for field use, which allows us to acquire in situ turbidity from a natural situation. North Carolina regulatory agencies are required to use turbidity values from water samples removed from the natural system, put on ice until arrival at a State-certified laboratory, and analyzed using laboratory nephelometers. Standard Methods notes that transport of samples and temperature change alters true turbidity readings. Our analysis of samples using both methods shows that lab turbidity is nearly always lower than field turbidity; thus we do not discuss lab turbidity in this report. Total Suspended Solids A new monitoring plan was developed for the LCFRP in September 2011. These changes were suggested by the NC Division of Water Resources (then DWQ). NCDWR suggested the LCFRP stop monitoring TSS at Stations ANC, GS, 6RC, LCO, SR, BRN, HAM, COL, SR-WC and monitor turbidity instead. DWQ believed turbidity would be more useful than TSS in evaluating water quality at these stations because there are water quality standards for turbidity. TSS is used by the DWQ NPDES Unit to evaluate discharges. No LCFRP subscribers discharge in these areas. Total suspended solid (TSS) values system wide ranged from 1 to 54.3 mg/L with station annual means from 3 to 15 mg/L (Table 2.7). The overall highest river values were at NAV, HB, M54 and M18. In the stream stations TSS was generally considerably lower than the river and estuary, except for a few relatively minor incidents at Station PB. Although total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity both quantify suspended material in the water column, they do not always go hand in hand. High TSS does not mean high turbidity and vice versa. This anomaly may be explained by the fact that fine clay particles are effective at dispersing light and causing high turbidity readings, while not resulting in high TSS. On the other hand, large organic or inorganic particles may be less effective at dispersing light, yet their greater mass results in high TSS levels. While there is no NC ambient standard for TSS, many years of data from the lower Cape Fear watershed indicates that 25 mg/L can be considered elevated. The fine silt and clay in the upper to middle estuary sediments are most likely derived from the Piedmont and carried downstream to the estuary, while the sediments in the lowest portion of the estuary are marine-derived sands (Benedetti et al. 2006). 11 Light Attenuation The attenuation of solar irradiance through the water column is measured by a logarithmic function (k) per meter. The higher this light attenuation coefficient is the more strongly light is attenuated (through absorbance or reflection) in the water column. River and estuary light attenuation coefficients ranged from 0.08 to 6.40/m and station annual means ranged from 1.68 at M18 to 4.14 /m at HB (Table 2.8). Elevated mean and median light attenuation occurred from DP in the lower river downstream to M54 in the estuary (Table 2.8). In the Cape Fear system, light is attenuated by both turbidity and water color. High light attenuation did not always coincide with high turbidity. Blackwater, though low in turbidity, will attenuate light through absorption of solar irradiance. At NCF6 and BBT, blackwater stations with moderate turbidity levels, light attenuation was high. Compared to other North Carolina estuaries the Cape Fear has high average light attenuation. The high average light attenuation is a major reason why phytoplankton production in the major rivers and the estuary of the LCFR is generally low. Whether caused by turbidity or water color this attenuation tends to limit light availability to the phytoplankton (Mallin et al. 1997; 1999; 2004; Dubbs and Whalen 2008). Chemical Parameters – Nutrients Total Nitrogen Total nitrogen (TN) is calculated from TKN (see below) plus nitrate; it is not analyzed in the laboratory. TN ranged from 50 (detection limit) to 9,400 g/L and station annual means ranged from 424 to 3,121 g/L (Table 2.9). Mean total nitrogen in 2014 was somewhat lower than the eighteen-year mean at the river and estuary stations, except at the blackwater river sites (Figure 2.4). Previous research (Mallin et al. 1999) has shown a positive correlation between river flow and TN in the Cape Fear system. In the main river total nitrogen concentrations were highest between NC11 and DP, entering the system then declined into the lower estuary, most likely reflecting uptake of nitrogen into the food chain through algal productivity and subsequent grazing by planktivores as well as through dilution and marsh denitrification. The highest median TN value at the stream stations was at ROC, with 2,415 g/L; other elevated TN values were seen at PB, NC403 and 6RC. Nitrate+Nitrite Nitrate+nitrite (henceforth referred to as nitrate) is the main species of inorganic nitrogen in the Lower Cape Fear River. Concentrations system wide ranged from 10 (detection limit) to 8,300 g/L and station annual means ranged from 18 to 1,670 g/L (Table 2.10). The highest average riverine nitrate levels were at NC11 and AC (819 and 714 g/L, respectively – and much higher than in 2013) indicating that much of this nutrient is imported from upstream. Moving downstream, nitrate levels decrease most likely as a result of uptake by primary producers, microbial denitrification in riparian marshes and tidal dilution. Despite this, the rapid flushing of the estuary (Ensign et al. 2004) permits 12 sufficient nitrate to enter the coastal ocean in the plume and contribute to offshore productivity (Mallin et al. 2005b). Nitrate can limit phytoplankton production in the lower estuary in summer (Mallin et al. 1999). The blackwater rivers carried lower concentrations of nitrate compared to the mainstem Cape Fear stations; i.e. the Northeast Cape Fear River (NCF117 mean = 458 g/L) and the Black River (B210 = 395 g/L). Lowest river nitrate occurred during early summer and early fall; in general, average concentrations in 2014 exceeded those of 2013. Several stream stations showed high levels of nitrate on occasion including ROC, 6RC, GCO, NC403, and PB. 6RC, ROC and GCO primarily receive non-point agricultural or animal waste drainage, while point sources contribute to NC403 and PB. Over the past several years a considerable number of experiments have been carried out by UNCW researchers to assess the effects of nutrient additions to water collected from blackwater streams and rivers (i.e. the Black and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, and Colly and Great Coharie Creeks). These experiments have collectively found that additions of nitrogen (as either nitrate, ammonium, or urea) significantly stimulate phytoplankton production and BOD increases. Critical levels of these nutrients were in the range of 200 to 500 µg/L as N (Mallin et al. 1998; Mallin et al. 2001a; Mallin et al. 2002a, Mallin et al. 2004). Thus, we conservatively consider nitrate concentrations exceeding 500 µg/L as N in Cape Fear watershed streams to be potentially problematic to the stream’s environmental health. Ammonium/ammonia Ammonium concentrations ranged from 10 (detection limit) to 1,000 g/L and station annual means ranged from 26 to 118 g/L (Table 2.11). River areas with the highest mean ammonium levels this monitoring period included AC and DP, which are downstream of a pulp mill discharge, and M61 and M54 in the upper estuary, nearest the wastewater treatment plant discharge from Wilmington. At the stream stations, areas with highest levels of ammonium were PB, LVC2, NC403, ANC and SR (due to one unusual peak of 1,000 g/L in August (Table 2.11). PB had the second highest peak of 460 µg/L in May. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is a measure of the total concentration of organic nitrogen plus ammonium. TKN ranged from 50 (detection limit) to 3,400 g/L and station annual means ranged from 321 to 1,375 g/L (Table 2.12). TKN concentration decreases ocean- ward through the estuary, likely due to ocean dilution and food chain uptake of nitrogen. Several individual peaks at or exceeding 2,000 µg/L range occurred in stations ANC, GS, LRC, ROC and COL; ANC also had the highest median concentrations. Total Phosphorus Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations ranged from 10 (detection limit) to 830 g/L and station annual means ranged from 33 to 298 g/L (Table 2.13). in contrast to 2013, mean TP for 2014 was lower than the eighteen-year mean in the estuary and river stations 13 (Figure 2.5). In the river TP was highest at the upper riverine channel stations NC11, AC and DP and declined downstream into the estuary. Some of this decline is attributable to the settling of phosphorus-bearing suspended sediments, yet incorporation of phosphorus into bacteria and algae is also responsible. The experiments discussed above in the nitrate subsection also involved additions of phosphorus, either as inorganic orthophosphate or a combination of inorganic plus organic P. The experiments showed that additions of P exceeding 500 µg/L led to significant increases in bacterial counts, as well as significant increases in BOD over control. Thus, we consider concentrations of phosphorus above 500 g/L to be potentially problematic to blackwater streams (Mallin et al. 1998; 2004). Streams periodically exceeding this critical concentration included ROC and PB. Station PB is downstream of industrial or wastewater discharges, while ROC is in a non-point agricultural areas. Orthophosphate Orthophosphate ranged from undetectable to 600 g/L and station annual means ranged from undetectable to 175 g/L (Table 2.14). Much of the main river orthophosphate load is imported into the Lower Cape Fear system from upstream areas, as NC11 or AC typically have high levels; there are also inputs of orthophosphate from the paper mill above AC (Table 2.14). The Northeast Cape Fear River had higher orthophosphate levels than the Black River. Orthophosphate can bind to suspended materials and is transported downstream via particle attachment; thus high levels of turbidity at the uppermost river stations may be an important factor in the high orthophosphate levels. Turbidity declines toward the lower estuary because of settling, and orthophosphate concentration also declines. In the estuary, primary productivity helps reduce orthophosphate concentrations by assimilation into biomass. Orthophosphate levels typically reach maximum concentrations during summertime, when anoxic sediment releases bound phosphorus. Also, in the Cape Fear Estuary, summer algal productivity is limited by nitrogen, thereby allowing the accumulation of orthophosphate (Mallin et al. 1997; 1999). In spring, productivity in the estuary is usually limited by phosphorus (Mallin et al. 1997; 1999). ROC, ANC and GCO had the highest stream station concentrations. All of those sites are in non-point source areas. Chemical Parameters - EPA Priority Pollutant Metals The LCFRP had previously sampled for water column metals (EPA Priority Pollutant Metals) on a bimonthly basis. However, as of 2007 this requirement was suspended by the NC Division of Water Quality and these data are no longer collected by the LCFRP. Revised metals sampling is being re-initiated in late 2015, however. 14 Biological Parameters Chlorophyll a During this monitoring period in most locations chlorophyll a was low, except for elevated concentrations in June-July in the upper estuary and March in the upper river stations (Table 2.15). The state standard was not exceeded in our samples in 2014. We note that at the upper site NC11 it has been demonstrated that chlorophyll a biomass is significantly correlated with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 – Mallin et al. 2006b). System wide, chlorophyll a ranged from undetectable to 37 g/L and station annual means ranged from 1-9 g/L, lower than in 2013. Production of chlorophyll a biomass is usually low to moderate in the rivers and estuary primarily because of light limitation by turbidity in the mainstem (Dubbs and Whalen 2008) and high organic color and low inorganic nutrients in the blackwater rivers. Spatially, besides Station NC11 along the mainstem high values are normally found in the mid-to-lower estuary stations because light becomes more available downstream of the estuarine turbidity maximum (Fig. 2.6). On average, flushing time of the Cape Fear estuary is rapid, ranging from 1-22 days with a median of 6.7 days (Ensign et al. 2004). This does not allow for much settling of suspended materials, leading to light limitation of phytoplankton production. However, under lower-than-average flows there is generally clearer water through less suspended material and less blackwater swamp inputs. For the growing season May-September, long-term (1995-2013) average monthly flow at Lock and Dam #1 was approximately 3,529 CFS; however, for cyanobacterial bloom years 2009- 2012 the growing season average flow was 1,698 CFS (USGS data; (http://nc.water.usgs.gov/realtime/real_time_cape_fear.html). For 2014, discharge in May- September was 35% above the 2009-2012 average at 2,593 CFS. Thus, cyanobacterial bloom formation in the river and upper estuary were suppressed by increased flow; however most riverine and upper estuarine stations showed chlorophyll a increases relative to the long-term average (Figure 2.6). As noted in earlier reports, blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) called Microcystis aeruginosa began occurring in 2009 and continued to occur in summer 2010, 2011 and 2012. This species contains many strains long known to produce toxins, both as a threat to aquatic life and to humans as well (Burkholder 2002). At least some of the blooms in the main stem of the Cape Fear have produced toxins (Isaacs 2013). River discharge appears to be a major factor controlling formation and persistence of these blooms. The blooms in 2009-2012 all occurred when average river discharge for May-September was below 1,900 CFS. The cyanobacterial blooms were suppressed by elevated river flow in 2013-2014. Phytoplankton blooms occasionally occur at the stream stations, with a few occurring at various months in 2014 (Table 2.15). These streams are generally shallow, so vertical mixing does not carry phytoplankton cells down below the critical depth where respiration exceeds photosynthesis. In areas where the forest canopy opens up large blooms can occur. When blooms occur in blackwater streams they can become sources of BOD upon 15 death and decay, reducing further the low summer dissolved oxygen conditions common to these waters (Mallin et al. 2001a; 2002a; 2004; 2006b). Stations ANC, GS, PB and SR had minor algal blooms in 2014, although not exceeding the state standard of 40 µg/L (Table 2.15). Biochemical Oxygen Demand For the mainstem river, median annual five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) concentrations were approximately equivalent between NC11 and AC, suggesting that in 2014 (as was the case with 2007 through 2013) there was little discernable effect of BOD loading from the nearby pulp/paper mill inputs (Table 2.16). BOD5 values between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L are typical for the rivers in the Cape Fear system (Mallin et al. 2006b) and in 2014 BOD5 values ranged from 0.7 – 3.0 mg/L. There were no major differences among sites for BOD5 or BOD20 in 2013. BOD20 values showed similar patterns to BOD5 in 2014. Fecal Coliform Bacteria/ Enterococcus bacteria Fecal coliform (FC) bacterial counts ranged from 5 to 60,000 CFU/100 mL and station annual geometric means ranged from 12 to 710 CFU/100 mL (Table 2.17). The state human contact standard (200 CFU/100 mL) was exceeded in the mainstem twice at several locations in 2014. During 2014 the stream stations showed very high fecal coliform pollution levels. Ham exceeded 200 CFU/100 mL 75% of the time sampled; BRN 67%, ANC, PB, LRC 50%, GS 42%, and SAR, NC403, ROC, LCO and SR 33% of the time sampled. Notably excessive counts occurred of 43,000 CFU/100 mL at SAR and 31,000 CFU/100 mL at ROC in December, 32,000 CFU/100 mL at HAM and 18,000 CFU/100 mL in October. NC403 and PB are located below point source discharges and the other sites are primarily influenced by non-point source pollution. Enterococcus counts were initiated in the estuary in mid-2011, as this test is now the standard used by North Carolina regulators for swimming in salt waters. Sites covered by this test include BRR, M61, M54, M35, M23 and M18. The State has a single-sample level for Tier II swimming areas in which the enterococci level in a Tier II swimming area shall not exceed a single sample of 276 enterococci per 100 milliliter of water (15A NCAC 18A .3402); the LCFRP is using this standard for the Cape Fear estuary samples in our rating system. As such, in 2014 station BRR, M61, M54, M23 and M18 all exceeded the standard on two occasions, and M35 exceeded the standard on one occasion each. Overall, elevated fecal coliform and enterococcus counts are problematic in this system, with 78% of the stations rated as Fair or Poor in 2014, higher than the previous year 2013. 2.4 - References Cited APHA. 1995. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19th ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. 16 Benedetti, M.M., M.J. Raber, M.S. Smith and L.A. Leonard. 2006. Mineralogical indicators of alluvial sediment sources in the Cape Fear River basin, North Carolina. Physical Geography 27:258-281. Burkholder. J.M. 2002. Cyanobacteria. In “Encyclopedia of Environmental Microbiology” (G. Bitton, Ed.), pp 952-982. Wiley Publishers, New York. Dubbs, L. L. and S.C. Whalen. 2008. Light-nutrient influences on biomass, photosynthetic potential and composition of suspended algal assemblages in the middle Cape Fear River, USA. International Review of Hydrobiology 93:711-730. Ensign, S.H., J.N. Halls and M.A. Mallin. 2004. Application of digital bathymetry data in an analysis of flushing times of two North Carolina estuaries. Computers and Geosciences 30:501-511. Isaacs, J.D. 2011. Chemical investigations of the metabolites of two strains of toxic cyanobacteria. M.S. Thesis, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Lin, J. L. Xie, L.J. Pietrafesa, J. Shen, M.A. Mallin and M.J. Durako. 2006. Dissolved oxygen stratification in two microtidal partially-mixed estuaries. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 70:423-437. Mallin, M.A. 2000. Impacts of industrial-scale swine and poultry production on rivers and estuaries. American Scientist 88:26-37. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon, M.R. McIver, D.C. Parsons and G.C. Shank. 1997. Nutrient limitation and eutrophication potential in the Cape Fear and New River Estuaries. Report No. 313. Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon, D.C. Parsons and S.H. Ensign. 1998. Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient loading on photosynthetic and heterotrophic plankton communities in blackwater rivers. Report No. 315. Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon, M.R. McIver, D.C. Parsons and G.C. Shank. 1999. Alternation of factors limiting phytoplankton production in the Cape Fear Estuary. Estuaries 22:985-996. Mallin, M.A., M.H. Posey, M.R. McIver, S.H. Ensign, T.D. Alphin, M.S. Williams, M.L. Moser and J.F. Merritt. 2000. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 1999-2000. CMS Report No. 00-01, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon, D.C. Parsons and S.H. Ensign. 2001a. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus loading on plankton in Coastal Plain blackwater streams. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 16:455-466. 17 Mallin, M.A., M.H. Posey, T.E. Lankford, M.R. McIver, S.H. Ensign, T.D. Alphin, M.S. Williams, M.L. Moser and J.F. Merritt. 2001b. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2000-2001. CMS Report No. 01-01, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon, M.R. McIver and S.H. Ensign. 2002a. Seeking science-based nutrient standards for coastal blackwater stream systems. Report No. 341. Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.H. Posey, T.E. Lankford, M.R. McIver, H.A. CoVan, T.D. Alphin, M.S. Williams and J.F. Merritt. 2002b. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2001-2002. CMS Report No. 02-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver, H.A. Wells, M.S. Williams, T.E. Lankford and J.F. Merritt. 2003. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2002-2003. CMS Report No. 03-03, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver, S.H. Ensign and L.B. Cahoon. 2004. Photosynthetic and heterotrophic impacts of nutrient loading to blackwater streams. Ecological Applications 14:823-838. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver, T.D. Alphin, M.H. Posey and J.F. Merritt. 2005a. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2003-2004. CMS Report No. 05-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., L.B. Cahoon and M.J. Durako. 2005b. Contrasting food-web support bases for adjoining river-influenced and non-river influenced continental shelf ecosystems. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 62:55-62. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2006a. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2005. CMS Report No. 06-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., V.L. Johnson, S.H. Ensign and T.A. MacPherson. 2006b. Factors contributing to hypoxia in rivers, lakes and streams. Limnology and Oceanography 51:690-701. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2007. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2006. CMS Report No. 07-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2008. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2007. CMS Report No. 08-03, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. 18 Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2009. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2008. CMS Report No. 09-06, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2010. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2009. CMS Report No. 10-04, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2011. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2010. CMS Report No. 11-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2012. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2011. CMS Report No. 12-03, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2013. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2012. CMS Report No. 13-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merritt. 2014. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 2013. CMS Report No. 14-02, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C. U.S. EPA 1997. Methods for the Determination of Chemical Substances in Marine and Estuarine Environmental Matrices, 2nd Ed. EPA/600/R-97/072. National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. Welschmeyer, N.A. 1994. Fluorometric analysis of chlorophyll a in the presence of chlorophyll b and phaeopigments. Limnology and Oceanography 39:1985-1993. 19 Table 2.1 Water temperature (oC) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 8.8 8.9 8.9 9.1 9.3 9.8 10.9 11.2 JAN 6.7 6.8 6.9 7.3 7.0 8.1 FEB 5.4 5.7 6.6 6.1 6.9 7.5 10.8 10.5 FEB 5.4 5.6 5.9 7.4 6.5 6.7 MAR 9.3 9.5 9.2 10.3 9.9 10.2 10.0 10.7 MAR 9.9 10.0 9.9 10.3 10.3 11.2 APR 12.7 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.8 14.0 13.2 12.8 APR 16.6 16.6 16.8 16.7 17.0 15.6 MAY 22.1 23.6 23.1 22.8 22.2 22.4 22.2 22.5 MAY 21.5 21.6 22.0 22.0 22.0 22.6 JUN 25.1 25.2 26.7 25.7 25.3 25.5 24.6 24.4 JUN 25.9 26.0 25.7 24.0 24.8 25.6 JUL 29.0 29.5 30.2 29.3 29.4 28.9 28.4 28.1 JUL 29.6 29.5 28.5 27.7 28.3 28.3 AUG 26.5 26.0 27.4 26.6 27.3 28.0 28.2 28.4 AUG 25.8 25.9 25.3 24.5 25.0 24.8 SEP 27.3 27.0 27.2 27.5 27.4 27.8 27.2 27.5 SEP 28.4 28.9 28.5 27.3 27.8 27.4 OCT 22.2 22.8 23.1 23.2 23.2 23.3 23.3 23.5 OCT 21.8 22.1 21.3 21.5 21.5 22.1 NOV 16.2 16.6 16.3 16.7 16.6 16.6 16.7 17.1 NOV 16.3 16.6 15.5 15.6 15.9 16.9 DEC 10.6 11.7 11.4 12.2 12.4 13.1 13.6 14.0 DEC 8.8 9.2 9.1 7.5 8.4 9.5 mean 17.9 18.3 18.6 18.6 18.6 18.9 19.1 19.2 mean 18.1 18.2 18.0 17.7 17.9 18.2 std dev 8.4 8.3 8.5 8.2 8.1 7.9 7.3 7.2 std dev 8.7 8.7 8.4 7.9 8.2 7.9 median 19.2 19.7 19.7 19.8 19.4 19.5 19.5 19.8 median 19.1 19.1 19.1 19.1 19.3 19.5 max 29.0 29.5 30.2 29.3 29.4 28.9 28.4 28.4 max 29.6 29.5 28.5 27.7 28.3 28.3 min 5.4 5.7 6.6 6.1 6.9 7.5 10.0 10.5 min 5.4 5.6 5.9 7.3 6.5 6.7 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 4.4 1.3 2.6 3.3 2.6 6.7 3.6 JAN 2.4 1.9 1.1 1.6 3.7 3.6 JAN 7.4 6.5 5.3 6.0 6.2 8.2 FEB 8.9 8.2 10.5 9.6 11.4 9.3 8.9 FEB 6.7 6.4 6.5 7.1 8.3 7.2 FEB 7.3 8.0 8.3 7.3 8.1 7.1 MAR 5.1 3.7 4.3 5.3 5.2 6.2 5.3 MAR 6.1 5.8 4.9 5.4 6.0 5.8 MAR 12.0 11.7 11.5 12.0 12.2 10.5 APR 12.2 13.4 14.6 14.2 15.2 15.9 14.5 APR 16.6 16.2 16.4 16.8 17.2 16.8 APR 16.5 16.6 16.4 15.3 16.0 15.5 MAY 19.4 21.4 23.7 23.9 27.3 25.2 22.1 MAY 18.6 17.7 18.8 21.3 20.2 18.6 MAY 24.0 23.0 21.5 22.0 22.3 24.3 JUN 21.3 23.0 23.5 24.9 27.5 26.6 22.5 JUN 23.5 23.8 25.0 23.8 24.0 22.9 JUN 28.1 27.8 23.5 25.4 25.6 27.0 JUL 26.1 26.0 26.8 27.5 29.7 28.3 25.6 JUL 24.3 24.2 24.1 23.4 23.3 JUL 27.4 28.2 24.3 26.3 25.3 27.9 AUG 23.0 24.1 24.7 24.9 26.6 26.4 24.5 AUG 22.7 23.1 24.6 23.5 22.8 AUG 24.9 24.8 23.5 23.9 24.2 25.8 SEP 26.2 27.9 27.9 28.2 28.5 30.1 26.3 SEP 19.7 18.7 18.2 18.1 18.0 SEP 25.5 24.4 22.4 23.5 23.2 26.3 OCT 15.5 15.5 16.2 17.0 17.6 17.8 15.7 OCT 15.2 15.9 15.7 15.0 14.9 OCT 21.6 19.7 17.4 18.0 18.9 21.9 NOV 11.8 11.9 12.4 12.5 12.1 14.9 12.6 NOV 7.2 6.5 6.4 6.8 5.2 5.8 NOV 15.5 14.4 14.2 13.6 13.4 16.0 DEC 9.7 9.6 9.7 9.9 9.8 10.7 9.1 DEC 8.4 8.3 7.7 7.5 8.9 9.2 DEC 8.6 6.2 5.1 5.2 6.3 9.1 mean 15.3 15.5 16.4 16.8 17.8 18.2 15.9 mean 11.2 14.0 14.1 14.4 14.5 14.1 mean 18.2 17.6 16.1 16.5 16.8 18.3 std dev 7.8 8.9 8.8 8.9 9.8 8.8 8.1 std dev 7.4 7.9 8.3 8.3 7.7 7.4 std dev 8.0 8.2 7.2 7.8 7.5 8.1 median 13.9 14.5 15.4 15.6 16.4 16.9 15.1 median 7.8 15.7 16.2 16.3 16.1 15.9 median 19.1 18.2 16.9 16.7 17.5 19.0 max 26.2 27.9 27.9 28.2 29.7 30.1 26.3 max 23.5 24.3 25.0 24.6 24.0 23.3 max 28.1 28.2 24.3 26.3 25.6 27.9 min 4.4 1.3 2.6 3.3 2.6 6.2 3.6 min 2.4 1.9 1.1 1.6 3.7 3.6 min 7.3 6.2 5.1 5.2 6.2 7.1 20 Table 2.2 Salinity (psu) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program estuarine stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF6 SC-CH JAN 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.6 2.0 5.1 11.3 17.1 0.2 0.1 FEB 2.3 4.2 1.8 4.2 8.8 21.5 10.5 12.5 0.1 0.1 MAR 0.1 0.5 0.1 1.0 3.6 9.6 14.8 31.5 0.2 0.1 APR 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 1.7 7.8 20.8 31.2 0.0 0.1 MAY 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.0 3.1 5.5 11.2 13.5 0.1 0.2 JUN 0.1 0.3 3.3 7.4 9.3 13.3 23.4 26.0 1.7 9.2 JUL 7.0 8.8 9.6 13.6 17.1 24.3 31.0 34.1 0.1 4.3 AUG 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 2.3 12.0 23.6 29.8 0.1 0.1 SEP 3.4 3.5 7.0 9.5 12.4 23.7 26.5 32.4 0.1 3.1 OCT 0.1 0.1 0.9 5.4 7.4 12.0 22.9 24.8 3.2 6.0 NOV 4.3 5.9 9.0 14.1 17.0 22.3 28.8 31.7 8.0 9.8 DEC 0.3 3.5 2.6 7.5 8.7 15.5 23.9 30.4 0.1 1.9 mean 1.5 2.3 2.9 5.5 7.8 14.4 20.7 26.3 1.2 2.9 std dev 2.3 2.9 3.6 5.0 5.5 7.0 7.1 7.7 2.4 3.6 median 0.1 0.4 1.4 4.8 8.1 12.7 23.2 30.1 0.1 1.1 max 7.0 8.8 9.6 14.1 17.1 24.3 31.0 34.1 8.0 9.8 min 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 1.7 5.1 10.5 12.5 0.0 0.1 21 Table 2.3 Conductivity (mS/cm) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 0.10 0.11 0.12 1.23 3.73 9.04 18.95 27.84 JAN 0.10 0.11 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.18 FEB 4.25 7.71 3.45 7.70 15.25 34.54 17.52 20.69 FEB 0.11 0.12 0.14 0.10 0.13 0.16 MAR 0.11 0.11 0.16 1.86 6.58 16.36 24.40 48.43 MAR 0.12 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.13 0.37 APR 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.63 3.21 13.51 33.24 47.85 APR 0.11 0.11 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.10 MAY 0.10 0.12 0.22 3.83 5.66 9.84 18.86 22.28 MAY 0.10 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.11 0.11 JUN 0.18 0.52 6.13 12.77 15.91 22.23 37.04 40.69 JUN 0.14 0.23 0.21 0.10 0.14 3.19 JUL 12.27 15.19 16.48 22.66 27.97 38.37 47.70 51.92 JUL 0.13 0.29 0.20 0.14 0.19 0.20 AUG 0.16 0.14 0.22 1.04 4.35 20.30 37.78 46.12 AUG 0.12 0.15 0.16 0.08 0.11 0.10 SEP 5.88 6.28 12.24 16.20 20.74 37.49 41.40 49.73 SEP 0.16 0.28 0.26 0.13 0.18 0.11 OCT 0.15 0.23 1.67 9.68 12.83 20.14 36.29 38.91 OCT 0.13 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.17 5.81 NOV 7.66 11.18 15.52 23.28 27.41 35.35 44.49 48.45 NOV 0.16 0.29 0.22 0.21 0.26 13.66 DEC 0.53 6.41 4.75 12.94 14.88 25.43 37.65 46.77 DEC 0.14 0.29 0.24 0.13 0.19 0.18 mean 2.63 4.01 5.09 9.48 13.21 23.55 32.94 40.81 mean 0.13 0.20 0.18 0.12 0.15 2.01 std dev 4.04 5.25 6.22 8.22 8.84 10.67 10.45 11.09 std dev 0.02 0.07 0.05 0.04 0.05 4.07 median 0.17 0.38 2.56 8.69 13.85 21.26 36.67 46.44 median 0.12 0.18 0.16 0.12 0.14 0.18 max 12.27 15.19 16.48 23.28 27.97 38.37 47.70 51.92 max 0.16 0.29 0.26 0.21 0.26 13.66 min 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.63 3.21 9.04 17.52 20.69 min 0.10 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 0.10 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SRWC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 0.11 0.15 0.15 0.31 0.58 0.13 0.15 JAN 0.15 0.10 0.13 0.08 0.14 0.15 JAN 0.13 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.11 0.43 FEB 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.24 0.55 0.13 0.15 FEB 0.16 0.10 0.14 0.08 0.14 0.16 FEB 0.12 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.09 0.20 MAR 0.10 0.16 0.16 0.28 0.84 0.13 0.15 MAR 0.15 0.10 0.13 0.08 0.13 0.16 MAR 0.11 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.16 APR 0.09 0.13 0.13 0.23 0.75 0.11 0.11 APR 0.14 0.10 0.14 0.08 0.12 0.15 APR 0.10 0.09 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.17 MAY 0.10 0.17 0.16 0.45 2.25 0.12 0.13 MAY 0.12 0.07 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.13 MAY 0.13 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.11 0.46 JUN 0.10 0.20 0.19 1.16 4.79 0.24 0.19 JUN 0.15 0.10 0.21 0.08 0.12 0.19 JUN 0.18 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.13 15.71 JUL 0.16 0.17 0.16 0.53 2.43 0.15 0.14 JUL 0.09 0.12 0.10 0.13 0.20 JUL 0.14 0.10 0.07 0.09 0.09 7.88 AUG 0.09 0.12 0.13 0.31 1.87 0.10 0.10 AUG 0.10 0.15 0.19 0.12 0.12 AUG 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.22 SEP 0.13 0.19 0.18 0.45 3.66 0.18 0.17 SEP 0.08 0.12 0.08 0.13 0.18 SEP 0.11 0.09 0.07 0.10 0.09 5.72 OCT 0.13 0.17 0.16 0.31 1.04 0.16 0.17 OCT 0.09 0.15 0.08 0.14 0.19 OCT 0.13 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.11 10.65 NOV 0.14 0.21 0.19 0.68 1.59 0.21 0.40 NOV 0.16 0.12 0.24 0.10 0.15 0.23 NOV 0.21 0.12 0.06 0.09 0.15 16.67 DEC 0.13 0.19 0.18 0.27 0.57 0.16 0.17 DEC 0.16 0.11 0.17 0.09 0.15 0.19 DEC 0.16 0.11 0.07 0.08 0.14 3.59 mean 0.12 0.17 0.16 0.44 1.74 0.15 0.17 mean 0.15 0.10 0.15 0.09 0.13 0.17 mean 0.13 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.10 5.15 std dev 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.27 1.35 0.04 0.08 std dev 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.03 std dev 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.03 6.23 median 0.12 0.17 0.16 0.31 1.31 0.14 0.15 median 0.15 0.10 0.14 0.08 0.13 0.17 median 0.13 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.10 2.03 max 0.16 0.21 0.19 1.16 4.79 0.24 0.40 max 0.16 0.12 0.24 0.19 0.15 0.23 max 0.21 0.12 0.07 0.10 0.15 16.67 min 0.09 0.12 0.13 0.23 0.55 0.10 0.10 min 0.12 0.07 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.12 min 0.09 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.16 22 Table 2.4 pH at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 6.5 6.7 7.0 7.1 7.3 7.7 7.8 7.7 JAN 6.2 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.7 6.8 FEB 7.6 7.6 8.0 7.8 8.0 7.9 7.6 7.7 FEB 6.3 6.6 6.8 6.4 6.7 6.8 MAR 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.1 7.4 7.8 8.0 8.0 MAR 6.9 7.0 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.8 APR 6.8 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.3 7.8 8.1 8.1 APR 7.0 7.0 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.7 MAY 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 7.1 7.5 7.7 MAY 6.6 6.9 6.7 6.3 6.5 6.2 JUN 6.7 6.8 7.0 7.0 7.2 7.7 8.0 8.0 JUN 6.8 7.0 6.9 6.3 6.6 6.7 JUL 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.4 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.0 JUL 6.9 7.2 6.8 6.5 6.7 6.7 AUG 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.7 7.3 7.9 8.0 AUG 6.5 6.6 6.6 5.9 6.3 6.3 SEP 6.8 6.9 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.7 7.8 7.9 SEP 6.8 7.1 6.9 6.5 6.7 6.4 OCT 6.5 6.8 6.7 6.7 7.0 7.2 7.7 7.8 OCT 6.7 6.8 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.5 NOV 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.5 7.8 7.9 8.0 NOV 6.4 6.9 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.9 DEC 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.4 7.4 7.8 8.0 8.1 DEC 6.5 6.9 6.9.6.4 6.7 6.6 mean 6.8 6.9 7.0 7.1 7.3 7.7 7.9 7.9 mean 6.6 6.9 6.8 6.5 6.7 6.6 std dev 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 std dev 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 median 6.8 6.9 7.0 7.1 7.3 7.8 7.9 8.0 median 6.7 6.9 6.8 6.5 6.7 6.7 max 7.6 7.6 8.0 7.8 8.0 8.0 8.1 8.1 max 7.0 7.2 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.9 min 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.7 7.1 7.5 7.7 min 6.2 6.6 6.5 5.9 6.3 6.2 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SRWC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 5.0 5.9 6.1 6.3 6.3 6.6 6.2 JAN 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 JAN 6.2 5.8 3.9 5.3 6.6 6.4 FEB 5.4 6.0 6.1 6.0 6.4 6.7 6.5 FEB 6.0 6.2 6.3 6.8 6.5 6.7 FEB 6.5 6.0 3.9 5.4 6.6 6.7 MAR 5.5 6.9 7.0 6.8 6.9 7.4 7.1 MAR 7.0 6.6 6.6 6.5 6.9 7.0 MAR 6.5 6.2 4.0 5.8 6.5 6.7 APR 4.8 6.6 7.0 6.6 7.1 7.0 6.7 APR 6.9 6.7 6.7 6.5 6.8 7.0 APR 6.3 6.2 4.0 6.0 6.4 6.7 MAY 5.8 6.8 6.8 6.7 6.8 7.3 6.9 MAY 6.8 6.1 6.6 6.4 6.5 6.8 MAY 6.5 6.2 4.1 6.1 6.5 6.7 JUN 6.0 7.0 6.7 6.7 6.9 7.9 7.1 JUN 7.1 6.9 7.0 6.2 7.0 7.2 JUN 6.6 6.4 4.1 6.4 6.8 7.0 JUL 6.7 6.7 6.5 6.5 6.7 7.6 7.0 JUL 6.6 6.5 6.3 7.1 7.4 JUL 6.6 6.4 4.1 6.5 6.7 6.9 AUG 5.2 6.4 6.5 6.2 6.8 6.9 6.4 AUG 6.6 6.6 6.5 6.4 6.4 AUG 6.2 5.7 3.9 5.2 6.0 5.6 SEP 6.3 6.9 6.8 6.9 6.9 8.0 7.3 SEP 6.4 6.4 6.1 6.9 7.1 SEP 6.3 6.1 4.0 6.4 6.6 6.6 OCT 5.7 6.3 6.5 6.6 6.7 7.4 6.8 OCT 6.0 6.5 5.7 6.5 6.9 OCT 6.3 6.1 3.9 6.0 6.9 6.5 NOV 5.8 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 7.3 7.0 NOV 6.4 6.5 6.6 5.9 6.6 7.0 NOV 6.6 6.1 3.7 5.9 6.8 7.1 DEC 5.5 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.5 7.0 6.6 DEC 6.4 6.5 6.4 6.1 6.7 6.8 DEC 6.3 6.0 3.9 6.4 6.8 6.4 mean 5.6 6.5 6.6 6.5 6.7 7.3 6.8 mean 6.6 6.4 6.5 6.3 6.7 6.9 mean 6.4 6.1 4.0 6.0 6.6 6.6 std dev 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.3 std dev 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 std dev 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.4 median 5.6 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.8 7.3 6.9 median 6.6 6.5 6.6 6.3 6.7 7.0 median 6.4 6.1 4.0 6.0 6.6 6.7 max 6.7 7.0 7.0 6.9 7.1 8.0 7.3 max 7.1 6.9 7.0 6.8 7.1 7.4 max 6.6 6.4 4.1 6.5 6.9 7.1 min 4.8 5.9 6.1 6.0 6.3 6.6 6.2 min 6.0 6.0 6.2 5.7 6.4 6.4 min 6.2 5.7 3.7 5.2 6.0 5.6 23 Table 2.5 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 10.1 10.2 10.2 10.3 10.6 10.6 10.1 9.7 JAN 11.5 11.1 11.0 10.4 10.6 10.5 FEB 12.9 12.4 12.7 12.5 12.2 11.3 9.7 9.7 FEB 13.7 13.3 13.2 11.6 12.7 12.0 MAR 9.7 9.6 9.7 9.6 10.0 9.9 9.9 8.8 MAR 11.2 11.0 11.0 10.7 10.7 9.7 APR 9.5 9.2 9.3 9.1 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.1 APR 9.1 8.8 8.7 8.5 8.1 7.2 MAY 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.3 5.5 6.2 7.0 7.2 MAY 7.4 7.0 6.6 4.7 5.7 4.2 JUN 4.6 4.6 6.5 5.5 6.1 6.9 7.3 7.2 JUN 6.1 6.0 5.2 4.6 4.6 5.1 JUL 4.6 4.7 6.2 6.5 8.3 7.8 6.6 6.5 JUL 6.6 6.1 4.4 4.1 4.2 4.8 AUG 3.8 3.6 3.9 3.7 4.1 5.0 5.8 6.3 AUG 5.2 5.3 5.0 4.0 4.5 4.1 SEP 3.5 3.7 3.5 3.9 4.2 5.2 6.1 5.7 SEP 5.4 5.2 3.6 3.3 3.3 3.4 OCT 4.8 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.7 6.3 6.6 OCT 6.6 6.3 4.8 4.9 4.6 4.9 NOV 6.8 7.3 7.2 7.3 7.6 8.1 8.3 8.1 NOV 8.3 7.9 6.9 7.2 6.8 7.5 DEC 8.7 8.5 8.6 8.3 8.5 8.7 8.4 8.0 DEC 10.5 9.9 9.5 9.6 9.3 8.8 mean 7.0 7.0 7.3 7.2 7.6 7.9 7.9 7.7 mean 8.5 8.2 7.5 7.0 7.1 6.9 std dev 3.1 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.1 1.6 1.4 std dev 2.7 2.7 3.1 3.0 3.1 2.9 median 6.0 6.3 6.9 6.9 8.0 8.0 7.8 7.6 median 7.9 7.5 6.8 6.1 6.3 6.2 max 12.9 12.4 12.7 12.5 12.2 11.3 10.1 9.7 max 13.7 13.3 13.2 11.6 12.7 12.0 min 3.5 3.6 3.5 3.7 4.1 5.0 5.8 5.7 min 5.2 5.2 3.6 3.3 3.3 3.4 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SRWC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 10.2 13.1 13.3 11.3 11.6 12.6 12.5 JAN 12.8 12.8 13.0 13.3 13.6 12.7 JAN 11.0 11.1 9.9 11.1 9.4 10.7 FEB 11.4 10.7 11.2 10.3 10.7 12.8 11.6 FEB 12.2 12.3 11.2 12.0 11.7 12.8 FEB 10.2 10.9 8.7 10.6 10.6 11.7 MAR 11.7 12.0 13.0 12.1 12.8 12.8 11.8 MAR 11.5 11.7 11.1 12.1 12.2 12.3 MAR 9.2 8.9 6.7 8.9 7.9 9.7 APR 7.0 7.6 9.9 8.8 11.8 10.2 8.3 APR 8.2 8.4 6.3 7.0 8.8 8.7 APR 7.1 7.9 6.2 8.9 7.6 7.8 MAY 6.1 5.7 5.5 5.0 4.8 7.9 6.7 MAY 7.3 6.7 6.8 6.1 8.1 7.6 MAY 4.5 5.0 5.2 6.3 2.3 5.3 JUN 4.7 6.2 1.4 3.7 9.3 8.6 6.6 JUN 6.5 6.8 6.1 1.5 7.4 6.3 JUN 4.6 4.3 4.8 5.6 2.1 4.7 JUL 2.3 5.4 2.3 2.7 6.0 8.9 6.4 JUL 6.8 5.3 0.7 8.1 7.0 JUL 4.1 4.9 5.1 5.7 4.3 4.4 AUG 4.4 5.1 4.1 3.3 5.8 7.1 4.8 AUG 7.1 5.7 1.3 7.0 7.0 AUG 4.1 5.1 4.6 6.4 5.6 4.5 SEP 4.3 5.2 1.9 3.3 4.7 9.1 5.5 SEP 7.4 6.1 7.1 8.4 7.3 SEP 3.0 3.8 4.7 6.3 4.9 3.8 OCT 7.1 8.2 6.6 7.6 8.2 10.8 9.3 OCT 9.0 7.3 5.6 9.5 8.0 OCT 3.9 5.8 6.5 7.8 5.1 4.8 NOV 3.8 8.8 3.8 7.6 6.6 9.0 8.7 NOV 10.4 11.4 10.1 4.1 11.2 9.3 NOV 5.9 7.0 6.5 8.5 5.6 7.1 DEC 7.6 8.7 8.2 7.7 7.9 11.1 10.1 DEC 10.8 10.8 9.9 8.2 10.9 10.0 DEC 7.8 10.3 9.8 11.4 9.2 9.0 mean 6.7 8.1 6.8 6.9 8.4 10.1 8.5 mean 10.0 9.3 8.2 6.6 9.7 9.1 mean 6.3 7.1 6.6 8.1 6.2 7.0 std dev 3.1 2.7 4.3 3.3 2.9 2.0 2.6 std dev 2.3 2.4 2.6 4.3 2.1 2.4 std dev 2.7 2.7 1.9 2.1 2.7 2.8 median 6.6 7.9 6.1 7.6 8.1 9.7 8.5 median 10.6 8.7 7.1 6.6 9.2 8.4 median 5.3 6.4 6.4 8.2 5.6 6.2 max 11.7 13.1 13.3 12.1 12.8 12.8 12.5 max 12.8 12.8 13.0 13.3 13.6 12.8 max 11.0 11.1 9.9 11.4 10.6 11.7 min 2.3 5.1 1.4 2.7 4.7 7.1 4.8 min 6.5 6.7 5.3 0.7 7.0 6.3 min 3.0 3.8 4.6 5.6 2.1 3.8 24 Table 2.6 Field Turbidity (NTU) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 58 47 46 27 17 5 1 4 JAN 32 35 35 8 21 8 FEB 15 15 10 7 6 14 8 8 FEB 7 9 9 1 5 3 MAR 14 13 16 12 14 8 5 11 MAR 12 12 10 7 6 8 APR 6 6 13 23 18 6 6 4 APR 17 17 10 9 6 4 MAY 6 7 7 5 7 5 1 1 MAY 12 12 16 7 12 2 JUN 6 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 JUN 10 13 13 7 7 5 JUL 9 4 7 3 5 2 0 0 JUL 3 5 7 4 7 14 AUG 6 10 10 9 6 2 2 4 AUG 16 8 11 4 8 3 SEP 11 13 8 3 7 3 2 4 SEP 5 6 11 5 7 2 OCT 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OCT 7 4 1 1 4 0 NOV 5 3 3 2 2 0 0 1 NOV 5 6 4 2 6 3 DEC 9 5 6 4 2 1 1 5 DEC 16 12 16 3 8 4 mean 13 11 11 8 7 4 2 4 mean 12 12 12 5 8 5 std dev 15 12 12 9 6 4 3 3 std dev 8 8 8 3 5 4 median 8 7 8 5 6 3 2 4 median 11 11 11 5 7 4 max 58 47 46 27 18 14 8 11 max 32 35 35 9 21 14 min 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 min 3 4 1 1 4 0 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SRWC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 JAN 1 0 0 0 2 5 JAN 2 2 0 2 0 14 FEB 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 FEB 2 2 0 0 2 2 FEB 2 0 0 0.0 1 5 MAR 6 0 0 0 3 1 1 MAR 1 0 0 0 4 1 MAR 4 0 0 0 3 5 APR 5 0 0 0 0 4 3 APR 4 0 0 0 2 0 APR 2 0 0 0 1 8 MAY 12 5 0 2 8 1 4 MAY 3 0 0 0 6 3 MAY 3 4 2 2 6 13 JUN 9 2 0 1 6 20 2 JUN 1 0 0 0 1 2 JUN 0 1 0 0 4 4 JUL 2 2 0 0 3 0 1 JUL 10 2 10 1 5 JUL 1 0 0 0 3 10 AUG 2 0 0 0 2 3 3 AUG 9 4 81 10 10 AUG 2 0 0 0 0 7 SEP 7 4 4 1 14 2 5 SEP 2 2 2 11 3 SEP 0 1 0 1 4 14 OCT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OCT 1 0 1 1 1 OCT 0 0 0 0 1 4 NOV 4 1 0 0 7 2 0 NOV 0 0 0 0 0 0 NOV 1 1 0 0 4 7 DEC 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 DEC 0 0 0 0 0 1 DEC 1 0 0 0 2 1 mean 4 1 0 0 4 3 2 mean 2 2 1 8 3 3 mean 2 1 0 0 2 8 std dev 4 2 1 1 4 6 2 std dev 1 4 1 23 4 3 std dev 1 1 1 1 2 4 median 3 1 0 0 3 1 2 median 1 0 0 0 2 2 median 2 0 0 0 3 7 max 12 5 4 2 14 20 5 max 4 10 4 81 11 10 max 4 4 2 2 6 14 min 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 min 0 0 0 0 0 0 min 0 0 0 0 0 1 25 Table 2.7 Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 54.3 45.3 30.0 22.7 17.2 17.0 9.1 15.5 JAN 23.8 25.6 25.8 13.2 9.4 FEB 17.3 19.4 11.4 9.9 14.0 34.3 11.9 12.1 FEB 5.7 8.0 10.0 4.9 7.0 MAR 9.9 6.9 9.4 9.3 14.6 11.8 13.7 20.7 MAR 15.6 14.8 12.0 7.3 12.2 APR 7.1 8.6 12.2 30.0 24.0 13.8 24.0 23.6 APR 19.9 23.3 14.2 8.0 6.4 MAY 6.5 7.8 8.8 8.1 9.2 9.7 8.8 8.9 MAY 15.6 14.7 16.9 13.0 8.6 JUN 5.5 3.8 9.0 8.4 9.3 10.1 11.5 17.8 JUN 9.0 13.4 19.7 8.6 9.9 JUL 12.3 13.6 15.8 13.2 18.0 16.2 16.6 1.3 JUL 5.9 7.3 12.4 16.2 26.9 AUG 7.9 13.8 13.4 19.3 11.2 10.2 10.9 20.2 AUG 12.4 8.0 13.2 9.4 5.2 SEP 17.7 24.4 17.4 10.0 20.4 16.4 15.9 18.1 SEP 5.0 6.7 10.9 14.1 3.9 OCT 5.4 4.1 3.9 5.3 6.5 6.4 11.4 12.7 OCT 5.8 3.8 3.6 4.7 4.6 NOV 12.6 10.1 13.1 15.1 9.9 12.6 14.4 12.4 NOV 4.9 5.9 4.8 9.8 9.0 DEC 14.3 5.6 11.5 9.6 7.6 7.2 7.0 16.3 DEC 1.4 12.6 15.9 9.6 4.3 mean 14.2 13.6 13.0 13.4 13.5 13.8 12.9 15.0 mean 10.4 12.0 13.3 9.9 7.9 std dev 13.3 11.8 6.4 7.2 5.5 7.3 4.5 6.0 std dev 7.0 6.9 6.1 3.6 3.0 median 11.1 9.4 11.9 10.0 12.6 12.2 11.7 15.9 median 7.5 10.3 12.8 9.5 7.0 max 54.3 45.3 30.0 30.0 24.0 34.3 24.0 23.6 max 23.8 25.6 25.8 16.2 12.2 min 5.4 3.8 3.9 5.3 6.5 6.4 7.0 1.3 min 1.4 3.8 3.6 4.7 4.3 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.5 3.1 JAN 1.4 JAN 3.9 1.4 1.4 19.5 FEB 1.4 1.4 3.7 3.3 6.8 FEB 1.8 FEB 3.5 1.4 1.4 8.9 MAR 1.5 1.4 4.0 1.4 3.1 MAR 1.4 MAR 4.0 1.4 3.2 9.2 APR 3.6 3.0 5.3 5.4 8.1 APR 4.3 APR 1.4 14.7 5.7 11.8 MAY 7.5 4.2 7.8 1.5 7.1 MAY 1.4 MAY 2.8 3.8 4.6 16.3 JUN 3.9 4.3 11.2 7.2 3.6 JUN 1.4 JUN 1.4 1.4 3.5 12.2 JUL 9.1 4.6 12.0 1.4 4.5 JUL 7.0 JUL 4.0 1.3 4.2 20.3 AUG 2.9 2.9 3.9 8.1 6.3 AUG 10.2 AUG 3.9 3.4 6.6 13.8 SEP 5.6 3.3 8.0 1.5 1.4 SEP 4.8 SEP 4.0 1.4 5.1 23.7 OCT 1.4 1.4 3.1 1.5 1.4 OCT 3.2 OCT 1.4 1.4 4.4 11.2 NOV 1.5 1.4 20.0 1.5 1.4 NOV 1.4 NOV 3.0 1.4 1.4 15.2 DEC 1.3 1.3 6.6 1.3 4.6 DEC 1.4 DEC 1.4 1.4 1.4 3.8 mean 3.4 2.6 7.3 3.0 4.3 mean 3.3 mean 2.9 2.9 3.6 13.8 std dev 2.7 1.3 5.1 2.5 2.4 std dev 2.8 std dev 1.2 3.8 1.8 5.6 median 2.2 2.2 6.0 1.5 4.1 median 1.6 median 3.3 1.4 3.9 13.0 max 9.1 4.6 20.0 8.1 8.1 max 10.2 max 4.0 14.7 6.6 23.7 min 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.4 min 1.4 min 1.4 1.3 1.4 3.8 26 Table 2.8 Light Attenuation (k) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 5.55 6.24 5.68 4.10 3.77 2.74 2.04 2.51 JAN 3.87 4.15 4.03 2.92 3.46 3.65 FEB 2.16 2.08 FEB 2.02 2.28 2.18 2.11 2.05 2.84 MAR 3.22 2.82 3.21 3.38 3.01 2.12 2.26 1.76 MAR 2.89 2.49 2.46 1.94 1.25 2.36 APR 3.90 3.79 2.64 1.77 1.29 APR 2.57 2.61 2.24 2.28 2.43 3.30 MAY 4.46 5.13 5.13 4.29 4.08 3.51 2.43 2.20 MAY 4.30 4.60 4.48 5.69 4.33 5.48 JUN 3.39 3.30 3.89 2.92 3.12 1.95 1.37 1.36 JUN 2.96 3.55 3.80 4.89 4.52 JUL 2.58 2.97 2.17 2.00 2.07 1.30 0.08 0.67 JUL 2.00 2.39 3.17 3.17 3.71 5.55 AUG 4.20 5.60 6.37 4.48 4.31 2.64 1.67 1.58 AUG 3.10 2.65 3.27 4.40 3.97 3.59 SEP 5.64 4.94 4.45 4.33 4.25 2.27 2.17 1.86 SEP 2.07 2.37 3.41 4.47 3.86 6.42 OCT 3.59 3.51 3.45 3.28 3.34 2.45 1.76 1.58 OCT 2.48 2.56 3.40 3.29 3.26 3.32 NOV 3.24 3.15 2.84 3.05 2.45 2.15 1.38 1.50 NOV 2.11 2.51 3.06 2.90 3.16 3.44 DEC 3.51 3.69 3.72 3.03 3.00 2.28 1.55 1.80 DEC mean 3.94 4.14 4.07 3.49 3.38 2.37 1.72 1.68 mean 2.76 2.92 3.23 3.46 3.15 4.04 std dev 1.02 1.23 1.25 0.80 0.73 0.55 0.62 0.48 std dev 0.77 0.80 0.73 1.23 0.96 1.28 max 5.64 6.24 6.37 4.48 4.31 3.51 2.43 2.51 max 4.30 4.60 4.48 5.69 4.33 6.42 min 2.58 2.82 2.17 2.00 2.07 1.30 0.08 0.67 min 2.00 2.28 2.18 1.94 1.25 2.36 27 Table 2.9 Total Nitrogen (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 1,690 1,470 1,360 1,040 1,730 1,740 2,210 1,360 JAN 1,430 920 1,540 1,360 1,560 FEB 1,090 910 1,000 830 770 430 650 790 FEB 1,370 1,390 1,530 1,310 330 MAR 970 940 980 1,120 810 820 630 290 MAR 490 510 510 410 400 APR 890 860 810 790 880 600 350 50 APR 1,360 1,170 1,190 1,310 900 MAY 1,110 1,120 1,190 870 950 950 280 840 MAY 1,040 1,140 1,130 990 980 JUN 1,440 1,100 1,050 1,310 1,020 560 50 300 JUN 1,400 1,400 1,300 1,170 1,110 JUL 1,000 880 780 800 490 400 400 100 JUL 1,480 1,740 1,600 1,450 1,160 AUG 1,360 1,230 1,250 1,330 1,180 670 640 430 AUG 1,350 1,330 1,300 1,270 1,080 SEP 920 770 730 620 510 280 50 200 SEP 1,310 1,380 1,570 1,200 810 OCT 520 500 600 500 500 300 50 50 OCT 1,260 1,150 750 660 610 NOV 1,300 1,050 1,040 1,020 630 520 160 300 NOV 2,220 2,020 1,320 1,340 860 DEC 1,090 1,040 1,000 1,040 1,060 830 260 380 DEC 2,020 1,920 1,760 1,250 890 mean 1,115 989 983 939 878 675 478 424 mean 1,394 1,339 1,292 1,143 891 std dev 303 243 223 253 354 397 591 389 std dev 432 420 363 311 338 median 1,090 990 1,000 945 845 580 315 300 median 1,365 1,355 1,310 1,260 895 max 1,690 1,470 1,360 1,330 1,730 1,740 2,210 1,360 max 2,220 2,020 1,760 1,450 1,560 min 520 500 600 500 490 280 50 50 min 490 510 510 410 330 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 3,530 1,910 1,170 3,890 4,940 4,670 3,600 JAN 1,900 1,720 1,590 720 1,950 2,420 JAN 2,530 2,160 2,500 1,760 1,560 1,510 FEB 2,100 2,180 1,250 3,180 2,450 1,300 1,870 FEB 2,710 2,210 1,800 540 1,480 1,120 FEB 1,690 1,330 620 640 550 1,240 MAR 1,350 1,760 1,180 3,730 2,540 910 1,920 MAR 2,500 1,970 1,570 660 1,370 1,140 MAR 1,490 1,160 600 650 400 980 APR 2,420 1,440 920 3,010 1,850 2,590 1,630 APR 2,630 1,860 1,470 1,180 1,500 1,560 APR 1,550 1,320 1,000 810 290 1,050 MAY 1,550 1,080 940 1,820 1,130 980 2,280 MAY 1,280 900 1,000 900 1,390 1,160 MAY 1,470 1,100 1,430 950 170 1,010 JUN 1,620 1,370 1,030 1,260 1,340 550 4,810 JUN 1,420 1,040 1,320 660 930 2,820 JUN 1,290 1,290 1,400 600 740 780 JUL 1,400 1,050 1,020 1,220 750 120 2,550 JUL 1,220 990 1,120 1,090 560 JUL 1,240 1,240 1,330 1,160 1,200 1,160 AUG 2,000 1,020 650 1,660 880 980 1,320 AUG 1,310 930 2,010 940 1,190 AUG 1,310 1,090 1,130 900 740 770 SEP 1,380 1,070 800 1,050 2,000 990 2,670 SEP 850 730 1,050 790 560 SEP 560 590 930 960 540 740 OCT 980 270 50 860 530 140 3,650 OCT 310 350 240 330 240 OCT 300 500 700 670 240 1,350 NOV 1,040 980 600 1,920 2,220 540 9,400 NOV 1,520 390 1,150 370 610 50 NOV 840 880 820 760 750 670 DEC 2,580 820 2,800 3,640 4,830 780 1,750 DEC 1,770 860 850 540 1,180 780 DEC 1,920 770 900 650 560 2,110 mean 1,829 1,246 1,034 2,270 2,122 1,213 3,121 mean 1,966 1,220 1,146 833 1,130 1,133 mean 1,349 1,119 1,113 876 645 1,114 std dev 738 521 646 1,140 1,453 1,262 2,223 std dev 572 613 418 472 443 822 std dev 596 432 523 326 402 407 median 1,585 1,075 980 1,870 1,925 945 2,415 median 1,835 1,130 1,075 690 1,135 1,130 median 1,390 1,130 965 785 555 1,030 max 3,530 2,180 2,800 3,890 4,940 4,670 9,400 max 2,710 2,210 1,800 2,010 1,950 2,820 max 2,530 2,160 2,500 1,760 1,560 2,110 min 980 270 50 860 530 120 1,320 min 1,280 310 350 240 330 50 min 300 500 600 600 170 670 28 Table 2.10 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 590 570 560 240 630 540 410 260 JAN 330 320 640 560 260 FEB 690 610 700 530 470 230 350 490 FEB 1,070 990 1,130 1,010 30 MAR 570 540 580 620 510 420 330 90 MAR 490 510 510 410 400 APR 490 460 410 390 380 300 150 20 APR 660 470 490 410 10 MAY 410 420 390 370 350 350 280 240 MAY 440 440 430 290 180 JUN 540 400 350 310 320 160 30 10 JUN 800 700 600 470 510 JUL 400 380 380 300 90 10 10 10 JUL 880 840 700 550 260 AUG 460 330 350 330 380 270 140 30 AUG 550 530 400 370 180 SEP 320 270 230 220 210 80 50 10 SEP 710 680 770 500 110 OCT 20 10 10 10 10 10 70 30 OCT 1,160 750 350 260 110 NOV 600 450 440 320 330 220 60 10 NOV 1,420 1,320 720 640 260 DEC 590 540 600 540 560 430 260 80 DEC 1,320 1,020 960 550 190 mean 473 415 417 348 353 252 178 107 mean 819 714 642 502 208 std dev 177 162 184 163 183 168 141 150 std dev 356 289 233 196 144 median 515 435 400 325 365 250 145 30 median 755 690 620 485 185 max 690 610 700 620 630 540 410 490 max 1,420 1,320 1,130 1,010 510 min 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 min 330 320 350 260 10 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 1,030 1,210 770 3,390 4,440 1,270 1,600 JAN 1,400 1,220 1,090 120 1,250 1,320 JAN 730 560 10 260 160 410 FEB 1,400 1,780 1,050 2,880 1,950 1,000 1,370 FEB 1,910 1,710 1,400 240 1,080 820 FEB 1,190 1,030 20 340 250 640 MAR 450 1,160 580 3,130 1,940 610 1,520 MAR 1,700 1,470 1,170 160 870 740 MAR 890 760 10 250 200 380 APR 920 840 320 2,510 1,250 1,090 930 APR 1,230 660 370 80 500 460 APR 550 420 10 110 90 250 MAY 150 280 40 820 130 180 1,380 MAY 580 300 200 100 390 460 MAY 470 200 30 150 170 410 JUN 220 470 30 460 40 50 3,410 JUN 920 440 720 60 430 120 JUN 390 490 10 10 340 380 JUL 100 250 20 320 50 120 1,450 JUL 220 90 20 790 160 JUL 340 240 30 460 100 260 AUG 200 220 50 860 180 180 420 AUG 310 30 110 140 290 AUG 410 390 30 300 140 170 SEP 80 270 10 450 100 190 1,770 SEP 150 130 50 290 160 SEP 60 90 30 560 40 140 OCT 180 70 10 760 330 140 2,950 OCT 110 150 40 230 40 OCT 10 10 10 70 40 50 NOV 40 480 10 1,620 1,620 40 8,300 NOV 1,220 190 850 70 610 10 NOV 140 280 20 260 250 270 DEC 680 120 10 2,840 3,830 180 1,050 DEC 1,070 360 250 40 580 180 DEC 320 270 10 150 160 210 mean 454 596 242 1,670 1,322 421 2,179 mean 1,254 595 538 91 597 397 mean 458 395 18 243 162 298 std dev 449 536 362 1,191 1,518 449 2,095 std dev 423 555 484 62 342 391 std dev 344 287 9 160 89 157 median 210 375 35 1,240 790 180 1,485 median 1,225 335 310 75 540 235 median 400 335 15 255 160 265 max 1,400 1,780 1,050 3,390 4,440 1,270 8,300 max 1,910 1,710 1,400 240 1,250 1,320 max 1,190 1,030 30 560 340 640 min 40 70 10 320 40 40 420 min 580 110 30 20 140 10 min 10 10 10 10 40 50 29 Table 2.11 Ammonia (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 30 30 40 40 130 40 40 10 JAN 80 90 80 50 40 FEB 120 120 100 180 140 60 60 70 FEB 50 50 50 50 30 MAR 40 30 30 50 90 20 10 10 MAR 20 30 30 20 40 APR 30 30 20 50 80 50 10 10 APR 50 70 70 70 60 MAY 130 140 160 190 150 170 80 50 MAY 110 280 160 120 60 JUN 70 70 20 40 40 10 10 10 JUN 90 220 210 160 60 JUL 100 110 40 30 10 10 10 10 JUL 30 160 110 120 20 AUG 80 60 60 70 100 30 10 10 AUG 260 120 140 90 40 SEP 40 60 210 330 40 30 30 120 SEP 20 20 110 70 10 OCT 40 40 40 40 130 50 40 20 OCT 40 80 70 40 20 NOV 60 80 70 70 70 40 10 10 NOV 30 110 70 50 40 DEC 50 50 40 70 80 50 20 10 DEC 60 150 130 80 30 mean 66 68 69 97 88 47 28 28 mean 70 115 103 77 38 std dev 35 37 59 91 44 42 23 35 std dev 66 77 51 40 17 median 55 60 40 60 85 40 15 10 median 50 100 95 70 40 max 130 140 210 330 150 170 80 120 max 260 280 210 160 60 min 30 30 20 30 10 10 10 10 min 20 20 30 20 10 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 130 10 10 60 210 30 50 JAN 70 10 10 10 90 20 JAN 10 10 10 20 60 50 FEB 180 10 10 10 30 10 70 FEB 420 10 10 10 20 10 FEB 10 10 10 10 10 10 MAR 90 20 10 20 40 30 30 MAR 90 20 10 10 90 30 MAR 100 10 10 10 40 30 APR 170 30 20 130 40 100 90 APR 100 30 80 10 50 110 APR 50 10 10 10 10 40 MAY 90 10 10 80 460 50 20 MAY 40 20 20 10 40 30 MAY 40 20 60 20 20 60 JUN 200 30 90 110 50 60 30 JUN 40 50 60 60 40 70 JUN 40 100 390 90 140 170 JUL 180 60 70 130 50 40 50 JUL 40 50 160 30 50 JUL 60 50 90 40 90 80 AUG 120 60 70 90 160 180 180 AUG 70 390 1,000 130 150 AUG 80 40 60 60 50 90 SEP 50 60 110 80 70 40 60 SEP 20 20 30 40 40 SEP 30 20 70 10 10 10 OCT 110 50 30 70 120 50 60 OCT 20 30 10 20 20 OCT 60 40 70 50 130 80 NOV 90 20 10 70 10 10 10 NOV 10 10 10 10 10 10 NOV 40 10 10 10 290 90 DEC 10 10 10 130 50 10 10 DEC 10 10 10 10 10 10 DEC 40 10 20 10 140 60 mean 118 31 38 82 108 51 55 mean 98 26 58 111 48 46 mean 47 28 68 28 83 64 std dev 57 21 37 40 126 48 46 std dev 135 19 107 283 37 44 std dev 26 27 106 26 83 44 median 115 25 15 80 50 40 50 median 55 20 20 10 40 30 median 40 15 40 15 55 60 max 200 60 110 130 460 180 180 max 420 70 390 1,000 130 150 max 100 100 390 90 290 170 min 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 min 10 10 10 10 10 10 min 10 10 10 10 10 10 30 Table 2.12 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 1100 900 800 800 1100 1200 1800 1100 JAN 1100 600 900 800 1,300 FEB 400 300 300 300 300 200 300 300 FEB 300 400 400 300 300 MAR 400 400 400 500 300 400 300 200 MAR 50 50 50 50 50 APR 400 400 400 400 500 300 200 50 APR 700 700 700 900 900 MAY 700 700 800 500 600 600 50 600 MAY 600 700 700 700 800 JUN 900 700 700 1000 700 400 50 300 JUN 600 700 700 700 600 JUL 600 500 400 500 400 400 400 100 JUL 600 900 900 900 900 AUG 900 900 900 1000 800 400 500 400 AUG 800 800 900 900 900 SEP 600 500 500 400 300 200 50 200 SEP 600 700 800 700 700 OCT 500 500 600 500 500 300 50 50 OCT 100 400 400 400 500 NOV 700 600 600 700 300 300 100 300 NOV 800 700 600 700 600 DEC 500 500 400 500 500 400 50 300 DEC 700 900 800 700 700 mean 642 575 567 592 525 425 321 325 mean 579 629 654 646 688 std dev 227 191 197 231 245 267 491 289 std dev 300 242 257 264 321 median 600 500 550 500 500 400 150 300 median 600 700 700 700 700 max 1,100 900 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,800 1,100 max 1,100 900 900 900 1,300 min 400 300 300 300 300 200 50 50 min 50 50 50 50 50 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 2500 700 400 500 500 3400 2000 JAN 500 500 500 600 700 1100 JAN 1800 1600 2500 1500 1400 1100 FEB 700 400 200 300 500 300 500 FEB 800 500 400 300 400 300 FEB 500 300 600 300 300 600 MAR 900 600 600 600 600 300 400 MAR 800 500 400 500 500 400 MAR 600 400 600 400 200 600 APR 1,500 600 600 500 600 1,500 700 APR 1,400 1,200 1,100 1,100 1,000 1,100 APR 1,000 900 1,000 700 200 800 MAY 1400 800 900 1000 1000 800 900 MAY 700 600 800 800 1000 700 MAY 1000 900 1400 800 50 600 JUN 1400 900 1000 800 1300 500 1400 JUN 500 600 600 600 500 2700 JUN 900 800 1400 600 400 400 JUL 1300 800 1000 900 700 50 1100 JUL 1000 900 1100 300 400 JUL 900 1000 1300 700 1100 900 AUG 1800 800 600 800 700 800 900 AUG 1000 900 1900 800 900 AUG 900 700 1100 600 600 600 SEP 1300 800 800 600 1900 800 900 SEP 700 600 1000 500 400 SEP 500 500 900 400 500 600 OCT 800 200 50 100 200 50 700 OCT 200 200 200 100 200 OCT 300 500 700 600 200 1300 NOV 1000 500 600 300 600 500 1100 NOV 300 200 300 300 50 50 NOV 700 600 800 500 500 400 DEC 1900 700 2800 800 1000 600 700 DEC 700 500 600 500 600 600 DEC 1600 500 900 500 400 1900 mean 1,375 650 796 600 800 800 942 mean 713 625 608 742 538 738 mean 892 725 1,100 633 488 817 std dev 514 202 696 273 449 909 432 std dev 327 308 271 478 307 704 std dev 440 352 524 308 394 434 median 1,350 700 600 600 650 550 900 median 700 550 600 600 500 500 median 900 650 950 600 400 600 max 2,500 900 2,800 1,000 1,900 3,400 2,000 max 1,400 1,200 1,100 1,900 1,000 2,700 max 1,800 1,600 2,500 1,500 1,400 1,900 min 700 200 50 100 200 50 400 min 300 200 200 200 50 50 min 300 300 600 300 50 400 31 Table 2.13 Total Phosphorus (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 JAN 120 190 100 110 80 60 100 40 JAN 120 130 110 60 70 FEB 110 100 150 80 70 70 60 40 FEB 150 140 140 100 70 MAR 90 90 90 80 70 60 50 50 MAR 10 40 40 40 40 APR 40 40 50 60 50 30 30 30 APR 60 50 60 50 70 MAY 110 100 130 100 110 90 70 60 MAY 140 160 160 150 130 JUN 130 110 110 70 130 50 30 30 JUN 100 100 100 90 90 JUL 120 130 120 80 90 40 30 30 JUL 160 190 160 140 180 AUG 120 150 120 120 110 60 40 40 AUG 130 130 110 110 120 SEP 130 150 90 90 90 60 50 40 SEP 190 210 230 190 120 OCT 130 150 90 90 90 60 50 50 OCT 170 150 110 100 80 NOV 100 80 80 80 70 50 30 30 NOV 190 230 120 110 80 DEC 130 80 110 110 90 80 40 40 DEC 160 150 170 120 70 mean 111 114 103 89 88 59 48 40 mean 132 140 126 105 105 std dev 25 39 25 17 21 16 20 9 std dev 51 55 49 41 36 median 120 105 105 85 90 60 45 40 median 145 145 115 105 80 max 130 190 150 120 130 90 100 60 max 190 230 230 190 190 min 40 40 50 60 50 30 30 30 min 10 40 40 40 40 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 160 40 50 90 220 50 100 JAN 10 30 140 20 60 60 JAN 10 40 20 20 10 110 FEB 220 50 50 90 280 40 110 FEB 60 30 120 10 50 60 FEB 70 40 10 20 10 70 MAR 80 40 30 110 140 40 150 MAR 50 30 130 30 60 70 MAR 80 40 10 20 30 70 APR 200 40 30 60 60 40 80 APR 60 30 180 30 50 60 APR 60 60 50 70 60 50 MAY 90 80 60 120 280 100 320 MAY 90 70 200 60 120 160 MAY 130 110 60 60 60 140 JUN 280 180 150 170 210 70 460 JUN 90 50 220 50 70 130 JUN 80 90 50 60 40 110 JUL 240 160 160 260 320 60 370 JUL 100 350 90 80 190 JUL 120 130 50 50 30 120 AUG 530 180 140 160 270 100 210 AUG 110 320 180 120 90 AUG 200 100 40 50 30 120 SEP 270 200 230 200 830 150 500 SEP 100 330 80 80 190 SEP 100 100 80 70 30 120 OCT 230 120 80 110 260 60 380 OCT 40 210 50 90 160 OCT 90 70 30 50 40 100 NOV 200 110 90 60 200 50 680 NOV 60 30 300 50 60 90 NOV 100 70 40 40 40 80 DEC 260 70 60 120 140 60 210 DEC 60 40 160 40 60 120 DEC 70 50 30 30 10 70 mean 230 106 94 129 268 68 298 mean 60 55 222 58 75 115 mean 93 75 39 45 33 97 std dev 110 59 60 56 184 32 179 std dev 23 30 79 43 23 48 std dev 44 29 20 18 16 27 median 225 95 70 115 240 60 265 median 60 40 205 50 65 105 median 85 70 40 50 30 105 max 530 200 230 260 830 150 680 max 90 110 350 180 120 190 max 200 130 80 70 60 140 min 80 40 30 60 60 40 80 min 10 30 120 10 50 60 min 10 40 10 20 10 50 32 Table 2.14 Orthophosphate (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 JAN 30 30 20 10 20 20 FEB 30 30 30 20 20 10 20 20 FEB 70 60 50 10 40 10 MAR 20 20 30 20 20 20 10 10 MAR 20 20 10 10 10 10 APR 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 10 APR 30 30 40 30 30 50 MAY 40 40 40 40 40 30 20 20 MAY 50 60 30 40 40 50 JUN 40 50 40 30 30 20 10 0 JUN 60 60 40 30 40 60 JUL 30 40 30 30 10 10 10 0 JUL 100 100 70 50 60 60 AUG 30 50 40 50 40 20 20 10 AUG 40 50 30 20 20 50 SEP 40 60 50 40 60 40 30 10 SEP 110 110 120 50 70 60 OCT 40 40 50 40 40 40 30 30 OCT 70 70 50 40 40 40 NOV 40 40 40 40 40 30 20 10 NOV 110 110 60 50 50 30 DEC 50 50 50 50 50 40 30 20 DEC 70 70 60 20 40 30 mean 33 38 37 33 33 24 19 13 mean 63 64 48 30 38 39 std dev 10 13 11 12 15 12 8 9 std dev 31 30 29 16 17 19 median 35 40 40 35 35 20 20 10 median 65 60 45 30 40 45 max 50 60 50 50 60 40 30 30 max 110 110 120 50 70 60 min 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 0 min 20 20 10 10 10 10 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 90 10 10 10 30 60 40 JAN 10 0 60 0 10 20 JAN 20 10 10 0 0 20 FEB 120 0 0 30 60 0 40 FEB 10 10 80 0 10 10 FEB 20 10 0 0 0 10 MAR 50 10 10 40 30 0 70 MAR 10 10 90 0 10 20 MAR 30 10 0 0 0 10 APR 310 20 20 50 30 10 40 APR 30 10 220 10 20 30 APR 50 20 10 0 0 20 MAY 110 50 50 100 50 20 100 MAY 30 20 120 10 30 50 MAY 60 40 10 10 10 50 JUN 140 50 50 120 20 10 150 JUN 40 30 260 10 30 60 JUN 50 50 20 20 10 50 JUL 130 50 60 120 80 20 250 JUL 30 210 10 40 70 JUL 40 60 20 20 0 40 AUG 570 60 50 80 70 10 100 AUG 20 180 0 30 40 AUG 80 40 10 20 0 40 SEP 140 60 50 80 50 20 250 SEP 20 140 20 40 80 SEP 50 40 50 20 0 50 OCT 150 30 30 30 80 10 220 OCT 20 130 10 30 60 OCT 40 20 10 20 0 40 NOV 110 20 20 20 20 10 600 NOV 30 10 240 10 20 60 NOV 30 20 10 10 0 30 DEC 180 20 30 50 60 20 120 DEC 30 10 90 10 20 50 DEC 30 20 10 10 0 30 mean 175 32 32 61 48 16 165 mean 24 16 152 8 24 46 mean 42 28 13 11 2 33 std dev 139 21 20 38 22 16 158 std dev 12 9 68 6 11 22 std dev 17 17 13 9 4 15 median 135 25 30 50 50 10 110 median 30 15 135 10 25 50 median 40 20 10 10 0 35 max 570 60 60 120 80 60 600 max 40 30 260 20 40 80 max 80 60 50 20 10 50 min 50 0 0 10 20 0 40 min 10 0 60 0 10 10 min 20 10 0 0 0 10 33 Table 2.15 Chlorophyll a (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NC11 AC DP BBT IC NCF6 JAN 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 JAN 7 6 6 2 4 2 FEB 7 5 6 4 5 9 4 5 FEB 5 5 6 2 5 3 MAR 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 6 MAR 22 21 20 16 14 6 APR 12 9 10 9 8 7 7 7 APR 8 7 7 7 6 1 MAY 1 1 3 1 1 3 6 4 MAY 1 1 1 1 1 1 JUN 3 3 37 11 12 8 6 6 JUN 3 2 4 1 3 2 JUL 13 13 17 30 27 16 5 3 JUL 13 8 7 2 3 3 AUG 2 2 4 2 9 6 6 9 AUG 4 3 3 1 2 1 SEP 2 3 3 6 4 6 7 5 SEP 5 5 3 1 2 1 OCT 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 OCT 2 4 1 1 1 5 NOV 1 2 3 2 3 5 5 6 NOV 3 2 1 1 1 3 DEC 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 DEC 6 5 5 1 3 0 mean 4 4 8 6 7 6 5 5 mean 7 6 5 3 4 2 std dev 4 4 10 8 7 4 1 2 std dev 6 5 5 4 4 2 median 3 3 4 4 4 6 5 6 median 5 5 5 1 3 2 max 13 13 37 30 27 16 7 9 max 22 21 20 16 14 6 min 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 min 1 1 1 1 1 0 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SR-WC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 2 4 12 2 3 3 1 JAN 2 1 1 1 2 2 JAN 8 3 1 2 2 4 FEB 4 14 28 10 19 16 8 FEB 3 2 4 2 1 4 FEB 2 4 0 2 2 3 MAR 2 2 4 4 7 7 2 MAR 2 2 2 1 2 3 MAR 1 4 3 2 2 2 APR 4 3 3 4 6 3 2 APR 2 1 2 9 3 2 APR 1 2 1 4 1 3 MAY 3 1 2 3 4 1 1 MAY 1 1 2 4 1 1 MAY 1 1 1 0 2 1 JUN 9 2 10 14 11 1 0 JUN 1 0 1 4 0 1 JUN 4 2 3 0 2 9 JUL 26 2 8 7 9 3 1 JUL 1 1 2 6 5 JUL 1 1 6 0 1 6 AUG 1 1 2 4 3 11 1 AUG 2 3 32 4 2 AUG 1 1 1 2 1 2 SEP 15 1 7 11 12 0 1 SEP 3 5 6 7 3 SEP 0 2 3 2 2 2 OCT 3 1 4 3 4 1 0 OCT 0 1 3 1 0 OCT 0 0 0 0 1 3 NOV 2 1 6 4 26 0 1 NOV 1 2 1 1 0 0 NOV 0 0 1 0 1 2 DEC 1 3 3 2 4 2 2 DEC 1 1 1 2 1 0 DEC 0 0 0 0 0 1 mean 6 3 7 6 9 4 2 mean 2 1 2 6 2 2 mean 2 2 2 1 1 3 std dev 7 4 7 4 7 5 2 std dev 1 1 1 9 2 2 std dev 2 1 2 1 1 2 median 3 2 5 4 7 3 1 median 2 1 2 3 2 2 median 1 2 1 1 2 3 max 26 14 28 14 26 16 8 max 3 3 5 32 7 5 max 8 4 6 4 2 9 min 1 1 2 2 3 0 0 min 1 0 1 1 0 0 min 0 0 0 0 0 1 34 Table 2.16 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. 5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand NC11 AC BBT NCF117 B210 LVC2 JAN 3.0 2.7 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.9 FEB 1.6 1.4 1.1 1.8 1.2 0.9 MAR 1.9 2.0 1.6 1.5 1.2 0.9 APR 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.1 0.9 MAY 1.1 1.5 1.5 0.8 0.9 1.6 JUN 1.3 1.5 1.0 1.7 1.2 1.4 JUL 1.6 1.6 0.8 1.5 1.0 1.5 AUG 1.7 2.0 1.4 1.3 1.0 SEP 0.7 1.5 0.9 1.0 1.5 1.5 OCT 0.9 1.3 1.3 0.8 1.2 0.8 NOV 0.9 2.1 1.1 1.6 1.4 2.4 DEC 1.5 1.2 1.5 1.2 0.9 mean 1.5 1.7 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.3 stdev 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.5 median 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.5 1.2 1.2 max 3.0 2.7 1.6 1.8 1.5 2.4 min 0.7 1.3 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.8 20-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand NC11 AC BBT NCF117 B210 LVC2 JAN 5.4 5.5 3.1 3.2 2.9 3.7 FEB 3.9 3.8 2.7 4.1 2.6 2.5 MAR 4.8 5.0 4.1 4.0 2.5 APR 4.0 3.4 3.6 4.1 2.5 2.3 MAY 3.0 5.0 4.5 2.7 2.5 4.1 JUN 3.6 4.0 3.2 2.7 2.6 2.9 JUL 3.8 5.1 2.8 3.4 2.7 3.7 AUG 4.5 4.9 4.2 3.9 3.0 SEP 2.7 5.1 3.5 3.4 3.5 4.1 OCT 2.5 3.3 3.1 2.4 2.8 2.6 NOV 2.5 5.7 3.3 3.8 3.1 7.1 DEC 3.9 3.4 3.9 2.7 2.6 mean 3.7 4.6 3.4 3.5 2.9 3.4 stdev 0.9 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.4 1.3 median 3.9 5.0 3.3 3.6 2.7 3.0 max 5.4 5.7 4.5 4.2 3.9 7.1 min 2.5 3.3 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.3 35 Table 2.17 Fecal Coliform (cfu/100 mL) and Enterococcus (MPN) at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations during 2014. ENTEROCOCCUS NC11 AC DP IC NCF6 NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 JAN 73 55 127 55 19 16,000 60,000 JAN 1,515 1,376 985 31 293 337 FEB 145 172 172 220 46 5 37 FEB 10 5 5 10 31 5 MAR 10 136 37 91 320 10 37 MAR 5 20 10 10 10 10 APR 240 37 19 46 290 64 73 APR 31 20 31 5 5 5 MAY 46 19 19 91 73 37 82 MAY 20 10 10 63 10 5 JUN 37 28 37 37 55 28 28 JUN 20 20 5 5 5 5 JUL 10 5 10 55 28 37 91 JUL 10 10 5 5 5 5 AUG 240 37 1,180 46 91 46 91 AUG 10 10 5 5 5 5 SEP 28 37 91 46 46 280 420 SEP 156 134 74 31 5 5 OCT 91 109 270 260 5,900 154 118 OCT 336 677 1,198 529 1,682 1,552 NOV 9 28 37 73 109 73 46 NOV 5 5 10 5 5 5 DEC 28 28 100 37 10 82 19 DEC 5 5 10 5 5 5 mean 80 58 175 88 582 1,401 5,087 mean 177 191 196 59 172 162 std dev 81 50 312 71 1,606 4,402 16,557 std dev 414 401 403 143 462 429 max 240 172 1,180 260 5,900 16,000 60,000 max 1,515 1,376 1,198 529 1,682 1,552 min 9 5 10 37 10 5 19 min 5 5 5 5 5 5 Geomean 45 40 69 70 89 73 114 Geomean 27 27 23 14 15 12 ANC SAR GS NC403 PB LRC ROC 6RC LCO GCO SR BRN HAM NCF117 B210 COL SRWC LVC2 SC-CH JAN 145 127 64 64 37 400 91 JAN 172 136 100 37 181 208 JAN 73 127 64 73 37 127 FEB 280 154 37 46 64 28 200 FEB 118 172 37 10 91 73 FEB 100 73 100 118 55 64 MAR 100 109 28 19 172 240 127 MAR 91 28 5 55 300 55 MAR 728 73 73 199 181 440 APR 145 163 28 55 55 455 100 APR 127 55 163 46 230 217 APR 64 82 64 154 64 100 MAY 64 460 73 1,180 91 163 172 MAY 400 430 1,460 1,270 364 17,000 MAY 19 37 360 82 73 109 JUN 190 118 136 1,730 390 73 154 JUN 73 19 46 91 470 1,360 JUN 91 28 118 91 46 55 JUL 455 546 455 145 728 136 455 JUL 230 490 55 181 200 JUL 19 46 100 91 91 136 AUG 470 200 273 182 3,600 210 1,090 AUG 100 200 728 3,000 2,500 AUG 19 82 55 172 91 118 SEP 280 145 728 145 181 82 181 SEP 270 181 136 4,100 1,820 SEP 145 100 200 119 455 819 OCT 307 420 250 728 340 500 220 OCT 2,000 1,910 1,730 18,000 32,000 OCT 37 28 64 64 136 37 NOV 172 100 55 46 210 64 73 NOV 64 109 100 2,000 490 637 NOV 37 55 136 118 28 46 DEC 1,640 43,000 1,820 1,270 6,000 4,700 31,000 DEC 118 46 55 64 172 210 DEC 10 55 64 127 37 55 mean 354 3,795 329 468 989 588 2,822 mean 145 300 396 519 2,298 4,690 mean 112 66 117 117 108 176 std dev 407 11,822 493 577 1,783 1,249 8,500 std dev 101 525 596 704 4,893 9,403 std dev 190 29 84 39 113 220 max 280 43,000 1,820 1,730 6,000 4,700 31,000 max 400 2,000 1,910 2,000 18,000 32,000 max 728 127 360 199 455 819 min 64 100 28 19 37 28 73 min 64 19 5 10 91 55 min 10 28 55 64 28 37 Geomean 240 300 136 178 272 204 284 Geomean 123 127 135 150 543 710 Geomean 52 59 98 111 77 108 36 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF6 SC-CH Sa l i n i t y ( P S U ) Figure 2.1 Salinity at the Lower Cape Fear River Program estuarine stations, 1995-2013 versus 2014. 1995-2013 2014 37 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 NC11 AC DP IC NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 NCF6 B210 BBT Di s s o l v e d O x y g e n ( m g / L ) Figure 2.2 Dissolved Oxygen at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations 1995-2013 versus 2014. 1995-2013 2014 38 0 5 10 15 20 25 NC11 AC DP IC NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 NCF6 B210 BBT Fi e l d T u r b i d i t y ( N T U ) Figure 2.3 Field Turbidity at the Lower Cape Fear River Program stations, 1995-2013 versus 2014. 1996-2013 2014 39 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 NC11 AC DP IC NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 B210 NCF6 To t a l N i t r o g e n ( mg/ L ) Figure 2.4 Total Nitrogen at the Lower Cape Fear River Program manstem stations, 1995- 2013 versus 2014. 1995-2013 2014 40 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 NC11 AC DP IC NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 B210 NCF6 To t a l P h o s p h o r u s ( mg/ L ) Figure 2.5 Total Phosphorus at the Lower Cape Fear River Program mainstem stations, 1995-2013 versus 2014. 1995-2013 2014 41 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 NC11 AC DP IC NAV HB BRR M61 M54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 NCF6 B210 BBT Ch l o r o p h y l l a (mg/ L ) Figure 2.6 Chlorophyll a at the Lower Cape Fear River Program mainstem stations, 1995-2013 versus 2014. 1995-2013 2014 42