Progress Report_2_April_2008COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
SECOND PROGRESS REPORT
Prepared by:
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
Marine Scientist: Brad Rosov, M.Sc.
Prepared For:
New Hanover County, North Carolina
Recommended Citation: Rosov, B., 2008. New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring
Program: Second Progress Report. New Hanover County, North Carolina: Coastal Planning &
Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. 22p.
April 2008
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
SECOND PROGRESS REPORT
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................1
Methods..............................................................................................................................................6
Physical Parameters........................................................................................................................6
Chemical and Biological Parameters..............................................................................................6
Results................................................................................................................................................7
Barnards Creek................................................................................................................................7
Futch Creek.....................................................................................................................................8
Lords Creek.....................................................................................................................................11
Motts Creek.....................................................................................................................................12
Pages Creek.....................................................................................................................................13
Prince Georges................................................................................................................................15
Smith Creek....................................................................................................................................17
Discussion..........................................................................................................................................20
Literature Cited..................................................................................................................................22
List of Figures
Figure No.
1 Map of New Hanover County and watersheds included in this study..............................2
List of Tables
Table No.
1 List of Sampling Sites.......................................................................................................1
2 North Carolina Water Quality Standards..........................................................................4
3 Single sample standards for Enterococci as determined by the US EPA.........................4
4 Single sample standards for Enterococci as determined by the NC DENR Recreational
Water Quality Program.....................................................................................................4
5 Proposed Tier Classification for New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring
Sampling Sites..................................................................................................................5
List of Appendices
Appendix No.
A Maps of the watersheds and sampling sites
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
INTRODUCTION
The creeks in New Hanover County, North Carolina provide a wide range of recreational
activities for thousands of local citizens and visiting tourists each year. Protection of the water
quality within these creeks is a high priority of New Hanover County (County). As growth and
development continue within the City of Wilmington and the County, water quality has been
increasingly threatened due to many factors including aging infrastructure, increased impervious
surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff. To address these issues, the County has
administered a long-standing water quality monitoring program since 1993 designed to assess the
water quality within the creeks located within the County.
New Hanover County signed a contract with Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina,
Inc. in October 2007 to perform a water quality monitoring project within seven tidal creeks
between the months of November 2007 and June 2008. The creeks included in this study are
Pages and Futch Creek, which drain into the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Lords, Motts,
Barnards, Smith, and Prince Georges Creek, which drain into the Cape Fear River. As listed in
Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1, a total of 22 sampling sites have been established for this
project. Fifteen (15) of the 22 sampling sites were previously monitored by the University of
North Carolina at Wilmington. This historical data will be available for further analysis of trends
within and between sites and will be incorporated into the Final Report.
Table 1. List of Sampling Sites
Creek Name Site Name Site Code Latitude Longitude
Motts Creek Carolina Beach Road MOT-CBR 34° 08.610 77° 53.830
Motts Creek Normandy Drive MOT-ND 34° 08.373 77° 54.580
Motts Creek River Road MOT-RR 34° 07.752 77° 54.966
Lords Creek River Road LC-RR 34° 05.185 77° 55.275
Barnards Creek Carolina Beach Road BC-CBR 34° 09.522 77° 54.712
Barnards Creek River Road BC-RR 34° 09.525 77° 56.281
Smith Creek Castle Hayne Road SC-CH 34° 15.541 77° 56.325
Smith Creek 23rd Street SC-23 34° 15.472 77° 55.178
Smith Creek Candlewood Drive SC-CD 34° 17.438 77° 51.332
Smith Creek North Kerr SC-NK 34° 15.744 77° 53.256
Smith Creek Gordon Road SC-GR 34° 16.639 77° 52.037
Prince Georges Creek Marathon Landing PG-ML 34° 21.088 77° 55.349
Prince Georges Creek Castle Hayne Road PG-CH 34° 20.675 77° 54.217
Prince Georges Creek North College PG-NC 34° 20.331 77° 53.607
Futch Creek 4 FC-4 34° 18.068 77° 44.760
Futch Creek 6 FC-6 34° 18.178 77° 45.038
Futch Creek 8 FC-8 34° 18.25 77° 45.222
Futch Creek 13 FC-13 34° 18.214 77° 45.451
Futch Creek Foy Branch FC-FOY 34° 18.405 77° 45.358
Pages Creek Mouth PC-M 34° 16.209 77° 46.270
Pages Creek Bayshore Drive Down Stream PC-BDDS 34° 16.685 77° 47.673
Pages Creek Bayshore Drive Up Stream PC-BDUS 34° 16.623 77° 48.104
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Figure 1: Map of New Hanover County and watersheds included in this study
The State of North Carolina has employed a series of classifications that apply to all waters in
the State including streams, rivers, and lakes (NC Administrative Code, section 15A NCAC 2B
.0200). These classifications are each meant to protect water bodies certain specified uses, such
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
as aquatic life survival and reproduction, secondary recreation, primary recreation, shellfishing,
and water supply. The classifications that apply to the creeks examined in this study are:
C Sw: Freshwater that is protected for aquatic life and secondary recreation uses. The
“Sw” supplemental classification indicates that these are swamp waters, and so are likely
to have lower dissolved oxygen and pH than non-swamp streams due to natural
conditions. However, a majority of the sites, including Lords Creek, Motts Creek,
Barnards Creek, Smith Creek, and Prince Georges Creek, designated as C Sw by the
State, are tidally influenced and have a brackish salinity range.
SA: Saline water bodies that are protected for shellfishing uses. This use requires a more
stringent standard for fecal coliform. Protection for this use is in addition to protections
for the uses specified by the “lower” classifications of SC and SB, which include aquatic
life, secondary recreation, and primary recreation. This designation applies to Futch
Creek and Pages Creek.
Physical, chemical, and biological water quality monitoring data are currently being collected for
this study. Physical parameters include temperature, salinity, conductivity, pH, turbidity, and
dissolved oxygen. Chemical parameters monitored in this study include orthophosphate and
nitrate/nitrite. Biological parameters include chlorophyll-a and two suites of fecal indicator
bacteria: Enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria. Due to limited funding, fecal coliform
samples were only collected from sampling sites located within Futch Creek and Pages Creek.
Fecal coliform bacteria have been collected within these two watersheds in recent years. By
continuing the collection of this bacteria indicator, a long term analysis of fecal coliform levels
within these watersheds will be possible.
Standards
Water quality standards have been established legislatively for a number of these parameters
(Table 2). Many of the water quality standards are described in the NC Administrative Code,
section 15A NCAC 2H .0100. The water quality standards for Enterococci bacteria are
described by the US EPA (US EPA, 1986) and in the NC Administrative Code, section 15A
NCAC 18A .3402. The US EPA standards for Enterococci bacteria are based on incidents of
gastrointestinal illness following contact with bathing waters. Single sample maximum
allowable Enterococci density is 104 CFU/100ml, 158 CFU/100ml, 276 CFU/100ml, and 501
CFU/100ml for designated beach areas, swimming areas with moderate to full body contact,
lightly used full body contact swimming areas, and infrequently used full body contact
swimming areas, respectively (Table 3). When at least five samples are collected within a 30
day period, the US EPA recommends utilizing a geometric mean standard of 35 CFU/100ml.
Geometric means are often useful summaries for highly skewed data, as are often found with
bacteriological datasets. The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program (RWQ)
adopted similar standards for Enterococci bacteria, also determined by the frequency of
swimming activity. As defined by RWQ, Tier I swimming areas are used daily during the
swimming season, Tier II swimming areas are used three days a week during the swimming
season, and Tier III swimming areas are used on average 4 days a month during the swimming
season. Single sample standards for Tiers I, II, and III are 104 CFU/100ml, 276 CFU/100ml, and
500 CFU/100ml, respectively (Table 4). A geometric mean of 35 CFU/100ml within Tier I
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swimming areas may also be utilized if at least five samples are collected within 30 days. The
creeks included in this study have not been designated within the RWQ tier system; however an
analysis of accessibility as a proxy for swimming and boating usage has been performed (Table
5). Of the 22 sampling sites, 3 have been designated as Tier II and 18 have been designated as
Tier III.
Table 2. North Carolina Water Quality Standards
Parameter Standard for SA Waters Standard for C Sw Waters
Dissolved Oxygen 5.0 mg/l 4.0 mg/la
Turbidity 25 NTU 50 NTU
pH 6.8-8.5 6.0-9.0b
Chlorophyll-a 40.0 ug/l 40.0 ug/l
Fecal Coliform Geometric Mean (5 samples within
30 days) <14 CFU/100ml; or single
sample <43 CFU/100ml
Geometric Mean (5 samples within
30 days) <200 CFU/100ml; or single
sample <400 CFU/100ml
Enterococci c Geometric Mean (5 samples within
30 days) <35 CFU/100ml
Geometric Mean (5 samples within
30 days) <35 CFU/100ml
(a) Swamp waters may have lower values if caused by natural conditions
(b) For swamp streams, pH may be as low as 4.3 if caused by natural conditions
(c) See Table 4 for single sample standards based off the tiered system employed by NC DENR
Recreational Water Quality Program
Table 3. Single sample standards for Enterococci as determined by the US EPA
Single sample maximum
Designated beach areas < 104 CFU/100ml
Swimming areas with moderate full body contact < 158 CFU/100ml
Lightly used full body contact swimming areas < 276 CFU/100ml
Infrequently used full body contact swimming areas < 501 CFU/100ml
Table 4. Single sample standards for Enterococci as determined by the NC DENR Recreational
Water Quality Program
Single sample maximum
Tier I, swimming areas used daily during the
swimming season
<104 CFU/100ml
Tier II, swimming areas used three days a week
during the swimming season
<276 CFU/100ml
Tier III, swimming areas used on average four days
a month during the swimming season
<500 CFU/100ml
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Table 5. Proposed Tier Classification for New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring
Sampling Sites
Site Name
Proposed
Tier
Classification
Accessible
for
Boating or
Swimming Comments
MOT-CBR Tier III No Adjacent to culvert off Carolina Beach Road
MOT-ND Tier III No Adjacent to small bridge on Normandy Drive
MOT-RR Tier III No Adjacent to bridge on River Road
LC-RR Tier III No Adjacent to bridge on River Road
BC-CBR Tier III No Adjacent to culvert off Carolina Beach Road
BC-RR Tier III No Adjacent to bridge on River Road
SC-CH Tier III No Adjacent to bridge on Castle Hayne Road
SC-23 Tier III No Adjacent to bridge on 23rd Street
SC-CD Tier III No Narrow, shallow. Adjacent to Candlewood Drive
SC-NK Tier II Yes Small boat launch site off North Kerr
SC-GR Tier III No Adjacent to culvert on Gordon Road
PG-ML Tier III No Small boat launch site on private property
PG-CH Tier III No Adjacent to culvert on Castle Hayne Road
PG-NC Tier III No Adjacent to culvert on North College Road
FC-4 Tier III No Private docks are the only means of direct access
FC-6 Tier III No Private docks are the only means of direct access
FC-8 Tier III No Private docks are the only means of direct access
FC-13 Tier III No Private docks are the only means of direct access
FC-FOY Tier III No No clear access points (no docks on Foy branch)
PC-M Tier II Yes Direct access via docks and boat ramp at Pages Creek Marina
PC-BDDS Tier III No Private docks are the only means of direct access
PC-BDUS Tier II Yes Public boat ramp off Bayshore Drive
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
METHODS
The seven creeks included in this study were selected by County staff and individual sampling
sites were selected by County staff in consultation with Coastal Planning & Engineering of North
Carolina, Inc. These seven creeks are primarily located in the unincorporated portion of New
Hanover County. Sampling sites were accessed from land, generally near a bridge or culvert
crossing, or by boat. Each site was sampled one time per month during a high ebb tide. Tides
were determined utilizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
Tides and Currents website (http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/).
Due to time constraints, monthly sampling events were conducted on three subsequent days each
month. Lords Creek, Motts Creek, and Barnards Creek were visited on the first sampling day
while Smith Creek and Prince Georges Creek were visited the second day. Futch Creek and
Pages Creek were visited on the third day. Rainfall totals for the 24 hours prior to each sampling
event were obtained from observations recorded at Wilmington International Airport as reported
by NOAA’s National Weather Service web site (http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/RAH/RTPRAH).
Physical Parameters
All physical measurements (temperature, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and
pH) were taken in situ utilizing a 6820 YSI Multiparameter Water Quality Probe linked to a YSI
650 MDS display unit. The YSI Probe was calibrated each day prior to use. Physical
measurements were taken from the surface at all sites (depth = 0.1m) and near the creek bottom
at sites with depths greater than 0.5m. Following each sampling trip, the YSI Probe was post-
calibrated to ensure physical parameters measured were within an acceptable range.
Chemical and Biological Parameters
Water samples were obtained for the laboratory analysis of chemical (nitrate/nitrite and
orthophosphate) and biological (Enterococci, fecal coliform, and chlorophyll-a) parameters.
These grab samples were collected in sterile bottles during a high ebb tide from the surface at
each site (depth = 0.1m). Trained volunteers from Cape Fear Community College’s Marine
Technology Department assisted Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. staff
with the collection of water samples. Water samples were placed on ice immediately following
collection and were delivered in coolers to Tritest Inc. of Wilmington, North Carolina for
analysis. All analyses performed by Tritest, Inc. were conducted utilizing the following standard
EPA approved methods:
Orthophosphate: SM 4500E
Nitrate/Nitrite: EPA 353.2
Chlorophyll-a: SM 10200H
Fecal Coliform: SM 9222D
Enterococcus: EnterolertE
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RESULTS
The preliminary results described in this report represent data collected following the January,
February, and March 2008 sampling events. The results are organized by watershed and include
data summaries displayed by parameter (physical, biological, and chemical).
Barnards Creek
Sampling was conducted on 23 January, 20 February, and 19 March 2008 at both sites (BC-CBR
and BC-RR) within the Barnards Creek watershed. Dissolved oxygen within the creek ranged
between 6.3 mg/l and 11.5 mg/l with a mean value of 8.5 mg/l. These values were within an
acceptable level above the State standard of 4.0 mg/l for C Sw waters during all sampling events
at both the surface and near the bottom of the water column. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0
ug/l and 10.3 ug/l with a mean value of 2.9 ug/l. These values did not approach the 40ug/l
standard. Enterococci ranged between 51 CFU/100ml and 145 CFU/100ml with a geometric
mean value of 90 CFU/100ml, which is within the NCDENR standard of 500 CFU/100ml for
Tier III waters. Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between 0.09 mg/l and 0.52 mg/l with a mean of 0.
27 mg/l. Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.11 mg/l with a mean of 0.04
mg/l. While there is no applicable Federal or State standard for nitrate/nitrite or orthophosphate,
values for these parameters observed in Barnards Creek during this quarter were the highest in
this study.
Physical data collected from Barnards Creek
Date
Site
Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/23/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.1 11.6 162 0.1 7.6 68% 6.5 0
1/23/08 BC-CBR 0.1 1.1 11.1 157 0.1 7.0 62% 6.6 2
1/23/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.1 10.1 14136 11.8 7.1 67% 7.4 11
1/23/08 BC-RR 0.1 1.4 10.1 14113 11.8 6.3 57% 7.5 11
2/20/08 BC-CBR 0.0 0.1 12.2 152 0.1 11.5 107% 7.1 1
2/20/08 BC-CBR 0.0 1.0 12.0 150 0.1 9.5 89% 7.0 11
2/20/08 BC-RR 0.0 0.1 12.2 7540 5.6 9.2 89% 7.0 16
2/20/08 BC-RR 0.0 1.6 12.2 7500 5.6 9.1 88% 7.1 16
3/19/08 BC-CBR 0.0 0.1 15.6 185 0.1 8.2 83% 6.7 3
3/19/08 BC-CBR 0.0 1.3 15.5 188 0.1 7.9 80% 6.7 3
3/19/08 BC-RR 0.0 0.1 15.0 3933 2.6 9.4 95% 7.0 14
3/19/08 BC-RR 0.0 2.1 15.1 3930 2.6 9.5 95% 7.0 14
Min. 6.3 57% 6.5 0
Max. 11.5 107% 7.5 16
Mean 8.5 82% 7.0 9
Std. Dev. 1.5 15% 0.3 6
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Biological data collected from Barnards Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/23/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.1 56 1.0
1/23/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.1 143 1.0
2/20/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.0 122 2.0
2/20/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.0 73 2.0
3/19/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.0 145 1.0
3/19/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.0 51 10.3
Min. 0.0 51 1.0
Max. 0.1 145 10.3
Mean 0.0 901 2.9
Std. Dev. 0.1 43 3.7 (1)Enterococci expressed as geometric mean
Chemical data collected from Barnards Creek
Date
Site
Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/23/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.1 0.09 0.01
1/23/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.1 0.37 0.06
2/20/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.0 0.09 0.01
2/20/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.0 0.52 0.11
3/19/08 BC-CBR 0.1 0.0 0.10 0.01
3/19/08 BC-RR 0.1 0.0 0.44 0.04
Min. 0 0.09 0.01
Max. 0.1 0.52 0.11
Mean 0.0 0.27 0.04
Std. Dev. 0.1 0.20 0.04
Futch Creek
Five sampling sites within Futch Creek were monitored on 25 January, 22 February, and 24
March, 2008. Dissolved oxygen within the creek ranged between 3.8 mg/l and 9.2 mg/l with a
mean value of 7.1 mg/l. A number of these values obtained during February sampling were
below the State standard of 5.0 mg/l for SA waters. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and
4.0 ug/l with a mean value of 1.6 ug/l. These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard.
Enterococci ranged between 51 CFU/100ml and 145 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value
of 90 CFU/100ml, which is within the NCDENR standard of 500 CFU/100ml for Tier III waters.
Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.04 mg/l with a mean of 0.02 mg/l.
Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.04 mg/l with a mean of 0.01 mg/l. It is
important to note that a significant rainfall (1.3 inches) was measured within 24 hours of
sampling in February when low dissolved oxygen and samples high in bacteria were collected.
Despite these high bacteria levels, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, nitrate/nitrite, and orthophosphate
values were well within their respective standards and expected levels during this period at all
sites.
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Physical data collected from Futch Creek
Date
Site
Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/25/08 FC-13 0.0 0.1 7.5 36077 35.3 9.2 77% 8.0 1
1/25/08 FC-13 0.0 0.5 7.5 36120 35.3 9.2 77% 8.0 0
1/25/08 FC-4 0.0 0.1 8.2 37472 36.2 8.6 73% 8.1 0
1/25/08 FC-4 0.0 1.1 8.2 37688 36.2 8.6 73% 8.1 0
1/25/08 FC-6 0.0 0.1 8.1 37369 36.1 8.8 75% 8.1 0
1/25/08 FC-6 0.0 1.2 8.1 37391 36.1 8.8 75% 8.1 0
1/25/08 FC-8 0.0 0.5 7.8 36923 35.9 8.9 75% 8.1 0
1/25/08 FC-8 0.0 0.1 7.7 36650 35.7 9.0 76% 8.1 1
1/25/08 FC-FOY 0.0 0.7 7.7 36525 35.6 8.9 75% 8.1 1
1/25/08 FC-FOY 0.0 0.1 7.7 36512 35.6 8.9 75% 8.1 1
2/22/08 FC-13 1.3 0.1 9.8 33701 30.8 5.8 62% 8.0 1
2/22/08 FC-13 1.3 0.7 9.9 34109 31.0 5.7 61% 8.0 1
2/22/08 FC-4 1.3 0.1 10.3 37989 34.6 3.81 43% 8.1 1
2/22/08 FC-4 1.3 0.5 10.3 38042 34.7 3.81 43% 8.1 1
2/22/08 FC-6 1.3 0.1 10.0 37363 34.2 4.21 46% 8.1 0
2/22/08 FC-6 1.3 0.6 10.1 37451 34.3 4.31 47% 8.1 1
2/22/08 FC-8 1.3 0.5 10.0 36281 33.2 5.5 57% 8.1 2
2/22/08 FC-8 1.3 0.1 9.9 36202 33.2 5.6 58% 8.1 0
2/22/08 FC-FOY 1.3 0.7 9.8 18222 15.6 4.11 42% 8.1 1
2/22/08 FC-FOY 1.3 0.1 9.8 18446 15.9 4.21 43% 8.1 1
3/24/08 FC-13 0.0 0.1 13.5 39775 33.4 8.1 78% 7.9 0
3/24/08 FC-13 0.0 0.1 13.6 40145 33.6 8.0 78% 8.0 0
3/24/08 FC-4 0.0 1.3 13.6 42322 35.7 8.0 77% 8.1 0
3/24/08 FC-4 0.0 0.1 13.7 42349 35.7 8.2 79% 8.1 0
3/24/08 FC-6 0.0 0.1 13.7 41760 35.1 7.9 76% 8.1 0
3/24/08 FC-6 0.0 1.1 13.7 41907 35.3 7.9 76% 8.1 2
3/24/08 FC-8 0.0 0.1 13.5 40950 34.5 7.8 75% 8.0 4
3/24/08 FC-8 0.0 0.6 13.5 41235 34.7 7.8 75% 8.0 0
3/24/08 FC-FOY 0.0 0.1 13.6 40956 34.4 7.2 70% 8.0 0
3/24/08 FC-FOY 0.0 0.6 13.6 41560 35.0 7.1 69% 8.1 0
Min. 3.8 42% 7.9 0
Max. 9.2 79% 8.1 4
Mean 7.1 67% 8.1 1
Std. Dev. 1.9 13% 0.1 1
(1) values below State Standard for dissolved oxygen
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Biological data collected from Futch Creek
Date
Site
Name Depth (m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Fecal
Coliform
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/25/08 FC-13 0.1 0.0 77 10 4.0
1/25/08 FC-4 0.1 0.0 28 301 1.0
1/25/08 FC-6 0.1 0.0 21 201 2.0
1/25/08 FC-8 0.1 0.0 17 6 1.0
1/25/08 FC-FOY 0.1 0.0 26 1 1.0
2/22/08 FC-13 0.1 1.3 417 5801 4.0
2/22/08 FC-4 0.1 1.3 10 12 1.0
2/22/08 FC-6 0.1 1.3 20 231 1.0
2/22/08 FC-8 0.1 1.3 85 1701 1.0
2/22/08 FC-FOY 0.1 1.3 158 3801 1.0
3/24/08 FC-13 0.1 0.0 31 2901 1.0
3/24/08 FC-4 0.1 0.0 5 2 1.0
3/24/08 FC-6 0.1 0.0 10 9 1.0
3/24/08 FC-8 0.1 0.0 41 181 3.3
3/24/08 FC-FOY 0.1 0.0 31 151 1.0
Min. 0.0 5 1 1.0
Max. 1.3 417 580 4.0
Mean 0.4 322 241,2 1.6
Std. Dev. 0.6 105 176 1.2 (1) values exceeding State Standard for fecal coliform
(2) Enterococci and fecal coliform expressed as geometric mean
Chemical data collected from Futch Creek
Date
Site
Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/25/08 FC-13 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
1/25/08 FC-4 0.1 0.0 0.02 0.01
1/25/08 FC-6 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
1/25/08 FC-8 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
1/25/08 FC-FOY 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
2/22/08 FC-13 0.1 1.3 0.04 0.04
2/22/08 FC-4 0.1 1.3 0.02 0.01
2/22/08 FC-6 0.1 1.3 0.03 0.01
2/22/08 FC-8 0.1 1.3 0.03 0.01
2/22/08 FC-FOY 0.1 1.3 0.03 0.01
3/24/08 FC-13 0.1 0.0 0.02 0.01
3/24/08 FC-4 0.1 0.0 0.02 0.01
3/24/08 FC-6 0.1 0.0 0.02 0.01
3/24/08 FC-8 0.1 0.0 0.03 0.01
3/24/08 FC-FOY 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
Min. 0.0 0.01 0.01
Max. 1.3 0.04 0.04
Mean 0.4 0.02 0.01
Std. Dev. 0.6 0.01 0.01
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Lords Creek
One sampling site was monitored within Lords Creek on 25 January, 22 February, and 24 March,
2008. Dissolved oxygen LC-RR ranged between 8.3 mg/l and 9.4 mg/l with a mean value of 8.6
mg/l. These values were within an acceptable level above the State standard of 4.0 mg/l for C
Sw waters during all sampling events at both the surface and near the bottom of the water
column. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and 6.0 ug/l with a mean value of 3.0 ug/l.
These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard. Enterococci ranged between 52 CFU/100ml
and 75 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value of 64 CFU/100ml, which is within the
NCDENR standard of 500 CFU/100ml for Tier III waters. Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between
0.12 mg/l and 0.30 mg/l with a mean of 0.19 mg/l. Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01
mg/l and 0.07 mg/l with a mean of 0.03 mg/l.
Physical data collected from Lords Creek
Date
Site
Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/23/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.1 11.3 168 0.1 9.4 89% 6.7 4
1/23/08 LC-RR 0.1 1.1 10.4 17128 14.4 8.7 86% 7.0 7
2/20/08 LC-RR 0.0 0.1 12.4 4211 3.0 8.5 82% 6.2 3
2/20/08 LC-RR 0.0 0.8 11.4 8021 6.2 8.3 79% 6.4 9
3/19/08 LC-RR 0.0 0.1 15.2 8204 5.7 8.3 86% 6.7 11
3/19/08 LC-RR 0.0 1.5 15.2 8215 5.7 8.3 86% 6.8 15
Min. 8.3 79% 6.2 3
Max. 9.4 89% 7.0 15
Mean 8.6 85% 6.6 8
Std. Dev. 0.4 4% 0.3 4
Biological data collected from Lords Creek
Date
Site
Name Depth (m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/23/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.1 68 2.0
2/20/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.0 52 1.0
3/19/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.0 75 6.0
Min. 0.0 52 1.0
Max. 0.1 75 6.0
Mean 0.0 641 3.0
Std. Dev. 0.1 12 2.7 (1) Enterococci expressed as geometric mean
12
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Chemical data collected from Lords Creek
Date
Site
Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/23/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.1 0.15 0.07
2/20/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.0 0.12 0.01
3/19/08 LC-RR 0.1 0.0 0.30 0.02
Min. 0.0 0.12 0.01
Max. 0.1 0.30 0.07
Mean 0.0 0.19 0.03
Std. Dev. 0.1 0.10 0.03
Motts Creek
Three sampling sites within the Motts Creek watershed were included in this study. Water
quality within these three sites was monitored on 25 January, 22 February, and 24 March, 2008.
Dissolved oxygen within Motts Creek ranged between 6.9 mg/l and 9.1 mg/l with a mean value
of 8.2 mg/l. These values were within an acceptable level above the State standard of 4.0 mg/l
for C Sw waters during all sampling events at both the surface and near the bottom of the water
column. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and 9.3 ug/l with a mean value of 2.3 ug/l.
These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard. Enterococci ranged between 31 CFU/100ml
and 272 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value of 121 CFU/100ml, which is within the
NCDENR standard of 500 CFU/100ml for Tier III waters. Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between
0.11 mg/l and 0.29 mg/l with a mean of 0.16 mg/l. Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01
mg/l and 0.10 mg/l with a mean of 0.03 mg/l.
Physical data collected from Motts Creek
Date Site Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/23/08 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.1 11.6 258 0.2 7.3 86% 6.8 6
1/23/08 MOT-ND 0.1 0.1 11.3 131 0.1 8.1 93% 7.0 5
1/23/08 MOT-RR 0.1 1.4 10.6 4553 3.5 6.9 82% 7.1 13
1/23/08 MOT-RR 0.1 0.1 10.6 4594 3.5 6.9 82% 7.2 9
2/20/08 MOT-CBR 0.0 0.1 12.7 266 0.2 9.1 86% 6.9 12
2/20/08 MOT-ND 0.0 0.1 12.1 254 0.2 8.9 83% 7.1 7
2/20/08 MOT-RR 0.0 1.4 12.0 420 0.3 8.9 83% 7.1 8
2/20/08 MOT-RR 0.0 0.1 11.9 429 0.3 9.0 84% 7.1 6
3/19/08 MOT-CBR 0.0 0.1 15.8 330 0.2 8.6 87% 6.7 9
3/19/08 MOT-ND 0.0 0.1 15.3 307 0.2 8.0 80% 6.7 6
3/19/08 MOT-RR 0.0 1.8 15.2 4463 3.0 8.1 82% 7.0 8
3/19/08 MOT-RR 0.0 0.1 15.3 4462 3.0 8.1 82% 7.0 7
Min. 6.9 80% 6.7 5
Max. 9.1 93% 7.2 13
Mean 8.2 94% 7.0 8
Std. Dev. 0.8 3% 0.2 2
13
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Biological data collected from Motts Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/23/08 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.1 135 2.0
1/23/08 MOT-ND 0.1 0.1 155 1.0
1/23/08 MOT-RR 0.1 0.1 125 1.0
2/20/08 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.0 171 3.3
2/20/08 MOT-NB 0.1 0.0 272 1.0
2/20/08 MOT-RR 0.1 0.0 243 1.0
3/19/08 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.0 31 1.0
3/19/08 MOT-NB 0.1 0.0 142 1.0
3/19/08 MOT-RR 0.1 0.0 41 9.3
Min. 0.0 31 1.0
Max. 0.1 272 9.3
Mean 0.0 1211 2.3
Std. Dev. 0.1 80 2.8
(1)Enterococci expressed as geometric mean
Chemical data collected from Motts Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/23/2008 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.1 0.18 0.01
1/23/2008 MOT-NB 0.1 0.1 0.14 0.01
1/23/2008 MOT-RR 0.1 0.1 0.14 0.02
2/20/2008 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.0 0.21 0.01
2/20/2008 MOT-NB 0.1 0.0 0.13 0.03
2/20/2008 MOT-RR 0.1 0.0 0.12 0.03
3/19/2008 MOT-CBR 0.1 0.0 0.11 0.1
3/19/2008 MOT-NB 0.1 0.0 0.12 0.01
3/19/2008 MOT-RR 0.1 0.0 0.29 0.03
Min. 0.0 0.11 0.01
Max. 0.1 0.29 0.10
Mean 0.0 0.16 0.03
Std. Dev. 0.1 0.06 0.03
Pages Creek
Three sampling sites were visited in the Pages Creek watershed on 25 January, 22 February, and
24 March, 2008. Dissolved oxygen within Pages Creek ranged between 2.9 mg/l and 7.7 mg/l
with a mean value of 6.3 mg/l. With the exception of one observation at BC-BDUS of 2.9 mg/l,
all other dissolved oxygen values were acceptable (above the State standard of 5.0 mg/l for SA
waters). Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and 3.7 ug/l with a mean value of 1.6 ug/l.
These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard. Enterococci ranged between 5 CFU/100ml
and 1542 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value of 78 CFU/100ml. Samples collected in
February at PC-BDUS and PC-BDDS contained enterococci levels higher than the NCDENR
standard of 500 CFU/100ml. Fecal coliform levels ranged between 2 CFU/100ml and 3300
CFU/100ml with a geometric mean of 99 CFU/100ml. All samples collected during this quarter
14
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
within PC-BDUS and PC-BDDS contained fecal coliform levels above the NCDENR standard of
14 CFY/100ml for SA waters. It is important to note that a significant rainfall (1.3 inches)
preceded sampling in February. Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.11 mg/l
with a mean of 0.03 mg/l. Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.06 mg/l with a
mean of 0.02 mg/l.
Physical data collected from Pages Creek
Date Site Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/25/08 PC-BDDS 0.0 0.1 8.1 35481 34.2 5.9 50% 7.9 1
1/25/08 PC-BDUS 0.0 0.1 10.0 28814 25.7 5.3 47% 7.5 1
1/25/08 PC-M 0.0 0.1 8.4 37384 35.9 7.7 66% 8.0 0
1/25/08 PC-M 0.0 1.9 8.4 37470 35.9 7.7 66% 8.0 0
2/22/08 PC-BDDS 1.3 0.1 9.7 6831 5.4 5.6 52% 8.0 4
2/22/08 PC-BDUS 1.3 0.1 10.6 24662 21.3 2.91 29% 7.8 12
2/22/08 PC-M 1.3 1.5 10.5 38316 34.7 6.4 71% 8.1 3
2/22/08 PC-M 1.3 0.1 10.5 38366 34.8 6.8 73% 8.1 2
3/24/08 PC-BDDS 0.0 0.1 15.1 36838 29.7 6.3 61% 7.9 0
3/24/08 PC-BDUS 0.0 0.1 16.3 29478 22.4 6.5 63% 7.6 1
3/24/08 PC-M 0.0 0.1 13.9 42530 35.6 7.3 71% 8.0 0
3/24/08 PC-M 0.0 1.4 13.9 42524 35.6 7.3 71% 8.1 0
Min. 2.9 29% 7.5 0
Max. 7.7 73% 8.1 12
Mean 6.3 60% 7.9 2
Std. Dev. 1.3 13% 0.2 3
(1) values below State Standard for dissolved oxygen
Biological data collected from Pages Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Fecal
Coliform
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/25/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 0.0 238 27001 1.0
1/25/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 0.0 133 4701 1.0
1/25/08 PC-M 0.1 0.0 118 2 3.3
2/22/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 1.3 6371 19001 3.7
2/22/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 1.3 15421 211 1.0
2/22/08 PC-M 0.1 1.3 10 33001 1.0
3/24/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 0.0 20 281 1.0
3/24/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 0.0 30 471 1.0
3/24/08 PC-M 0.1 0.0 5 2 1.0
Min. 0.0 5 2 1.0
Max. 1.3 1542 3300 3.7
Mean 0.4 782 992 1.6
Std. Dev. 0.7 505 1325 1.1
(1) values exceeding State Standard for Enterococci and fecal coliform
(2) Enterococci and fecal coliform expressed as geometric mean
15
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Chemical data collected from Pages Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/25/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
1/25/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.03
1/25/08 PC-M 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
2/22/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 1.3 0.05 0.02
2/22/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 1.3 0.11 0.06
2/22/08 PC-M 0.1 1.3 0.03 0.01
3/24/08 PC-BDDS 0.1 0.0 0.03 0.01
3/24/08 PC-BDUS 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
3/24/08 PC-M 0.1 0.0 0.02 0.01
Min. 0.0 0.01 0.01
Max. 1.3 0.11 0.06
Mean 0.4 0.03 0.02
Std. Dev. 0.7 0.03 0.02
Prince Georges
Three sampling sites were visited in the Prince Georges Creek watershed on 24 January, 21
February, and 21 March 2008. Dissolved oxygen within Prince Georges Creek ranged between
2.5 mg/l and 8.8 mg/l with a mean value of 6.1 mg/l. With the exception of two values obtained
near the bottom within PG-NC, these values were acceptable and within the State standard of 4.0
mg/l for C Sw. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and 6.7 ug/l with a mean value of 3.0
ug/l. These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard. Enterococci ranged between 20
CFU/100ml and 1210 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value of 69 CFU/100ml. One sample
collected from PG-ML in January contained enterococci levels above the NCDENR standard of
500 CFU/100ml for Tier III waters, however all other samples were within the acceptable range.
Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.03 mg/l with a mean of 0.06 mg/l.
Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.02 mg/l with a mean of 0.01 mg/l.
16
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Physical data collected from Prince Georges Creek
Date
Site
Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/24/08 PG-ML 0.0 0.1 9.5 570 0.4 7.1 62% 7.1 1
1/24/08 PG-CH 0.0 0.1 9.5 206 0.1 6.6 57% 7.0 0
1/24/08 PG-CH 0.0 0.7 9.0 203 0.1 6.3 55% 6.9 1
1/24/08 PG-NC 0.0 0.1 8.2 126 0.1 8.8 74% 6.7 0
1/24/08 PG-NC 0.0 3.1 4.9 115 0.1 7.0 59% 6.7 3
2/19/08 PG-ML 0.0 0.1 14.0 483 0.3 7.6 74% 7.2 0
2/19/08 PG-CH 0.0 0.1 11.8 197 0.1 7.0 65% 7.2 2
2/19/08 PG-CH 0.0 1.1 11.8 194 0.1 6.6 61% 7.1 18
2/19/08 PG-NC 0.0 0.1 12.7 180 0.1 4.4 41% 6.8 0
2/19/08 PG-NC 0.0 3.4 10.2 183 0.1 2.51 22% 6.7 1
3/20/08 PG-ML 0.2 0.1 18.2 379 0.2 7.6 81% 7.3 0
3/20/08 PG-CH 0.2 0.1 18.5 285 0.2 6.2 64% 7.1 0
3/20/08 PG-CH 0.2 1.1 17.0 283 0.2 5.8 62% 7.0 4
3/20/08 PG-NC 0.2 0.1 16.7 211 0.1 4.2 43% 6.9 0
3/20/08 PG-NC 0.2 2.4 11.5 173 0.1 3.61 33% 6.8 4
Min. 2.5 22% 6.7 0
Max. 8.8 81% 7.3 18
Mean 6.1 57% 7.0 2
Std. Dev. 1.7 16% 0.2 5
(1) values below State Standard for dissolved oxygen
Biological data collected from Prince Georges Creek
Date Site Name Depth (m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/24/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.0 75 4.0
1/24/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.0 12101 1.0
1/24/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.0 33 1.0
2/19/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.0 30 1.0
2/19/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.0 52 6.7
2/19/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.0 40 1.0
3/20/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.2 52 4.0
3/20/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.2 187 6.7
3/20/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.2 20 2.0
Min. 0 20 1.0
Max. 0.2 1210 6.7
Mean 0.1 692 3.0
Std. Dev. 0.1 386 2.4
(1) values exceeding State Standard for Enterococci
(2) Enterococci expressed as geometric mean
17
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Chemical data collected from Prince Georges Creek
Date
Site
Name Depth (m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/24/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.0 0.12 0.02
1/24/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.0 0.07 0.02
1/24/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.0 0.05 0.01
2/19/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.0 0.03 0.01
2/19/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.0 0.07 0.01
2/19/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.0 0.01 0.01
3/20/2008 PG-CH 0.1 0.2 0.13 0.01
3/20/2008 PG-ML 0.1 0.2 0.05 0.01
3/20/2008 PG-NC 0.1 0.2 0.03 0.01
Min. 0.0 0.01 0.01
Max. 0.2 0.13 0.02
Mean 0.1 0.06 0.01
Std. Dev. 0.1 0.04 0.00
Smith Creek
Five sampling sites were visited in the Smith Creek watershed on 24 January, 21 February, and
21 March 2008. Dissolved oxygen within the creek ranged between 5.8 mg/l and 10.5 mg/l with
a mean value of 8.4 mg/l. These values were within an acceptable level above the State standard
of 4.0 mg/l for C Sw waters during all sampling events at both the surface and near the bottom of
the water column. Chlorophyll-a ranged between 1.0 ug/l and 21.4 ug/l with a mean value of 4.1
ug/l. These values did not approach the 40ug/l standard, however the value of 21.4 ug/l collected
from SC-NK was the highest value observed from any creek during this quarter. Enterococci
ranged between 5 CFU/100ml and 860 CFU/100ml with a geometric mean value of 142
CFU/100ml. A number of samples exceeded the NCDENR standard of 500 CFU/100ml for Tier
III waters including two (2) from SC-CD. Nitrate/nitrite levels ranged between 0.06 mg/l and
0.49 mg/l with a mean of 0.19 mg/l. Orthophosphate levels ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.09
mg/l with a mean of 0.03 mg/l.
18
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Physical data collected from Smith Creek
Date
Site
Name
Rainfall
(inches)
Depth
(m)
Temp.
(oC)
Specific
Conductivity
(us/cm)
Salinity
(ppt)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%) pH
Turbidity
(NTU)
1/24/08 SC-CH 0.0 0.1 10.0 5848 4.6 5.8 52% 6.5 10
1/24/08 SC-CH 0.0 1.6 9.8 6277 5.0 7.8 70% 6.7 16
1/24/08 SC-23 0.0 0.1 9.5 2780 2.1 10.5 90% 7.1 9
1/24/08 SC-23 0.0 2.2 9.5 2908 2.2 10.2 87% 7.1 9
1/24/08 SC-CD 0.0 0.1 12.2 182 0.1 9.2 86% 7.0 1
1/24/08 SC-NK 0.0 0.1 10.0 582 0.4 9.2 82% 7.0 2
1/24/08 SC-NK 0.0 3.2 9.9 588 0.4 9.2 81% 6.9 6
1/24/08 SC-GR 0.0 0.1 11.7 182 0.1 8.6 78% 7.0 1
2/19/08 SC-CH 0.0 0.1 13.7 2309 1.6 7.6 74% 6.8 16
2/19/08 SC-CH 0.0 1.5 13.7 2259 1.5 8.3 81% 6.9 21
2/19/08 SC-23 0.0 0.1 15.0 1025 0.6 7.8 78% 7.1 15
2/19/08 SC-23 0.0 2.3 15.0 1033 0.6 7.8 78% 7.2 16
2/19/08 SC-CD 0.0 0.1 14.8 167 0.1 9.2 91% 7.1 17
2/19/08 SC-NK 0.0 0.1 13.9 173 0.1 8.1 79% 7.0 13
2/19/08 SC-NK 0.0 2.4 13.9 174 0.1 8.1 78% 7.0 15
2/19/08 SC-GR 0.0 0.1 14.0 154 0.1 8.9 86% 7.0 12
3/20/08 SC-CH 0.2 0.1 16.2 729 0.4 8.6 89% 7.3 6
3/20/08 SC-CH 0.2 2.4 16.2 735 0.4 8.5 88% 7.3 18
3/20/08 SC-23 0.2 0.1 17.1 579 0.3 8.6 89% 7.3 8
3/20/08 SC-23 0.2 2.5 17.1 580 0.3 8.6 89% 7.3 9
3/20/08 SC-CD 0.2 0.1 17.7 200 0.1 8.5 89% 7.1 5
3/20/08 SC-NK 0.2 0.1 17.9 310 0.2 7.5 79% 7.1 3
3/20/08 SC-NK 0.2 2.8 17.9 310 0.2 7.6 80% 7.1 4
3/20/08 SC-GR 0.2 0.1 17.1 191 0.1 7.6 79% 7.1 1
Min. 5.8 52% 6.5 1
Max. 10.5 91% 7.3 21
Mean 8.4 81% 7.0 10
Std. Dev. 1.0 8% 0.2 6
19
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Biological data collected from Smith Creek
Date
Site
Name Depth (m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Enterococci
(CFU/100ml)
Chl-a
(ug/l)
1/24/08 SC-23 0.1 0.0 6491 2.0
1/24/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.0 41 1.0
1/24/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.0 107 2.7
1/24/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.0 53 2.0
1/24/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.0 122 2.7
2/19/08 SC-23 0.1 0.0 292 1.0
2/19/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.0 7031 1.0
2/19/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.0 85 2.0
2/19/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.0 345 1.0
2/19/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.0 8601 1.0
3/20/08 SC-23 0.1 0.2 5 17.4
3/20/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.2 7081 4.7
3/20/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.2 52 1.0
3/20/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.2 275 1.0
3/20/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.2 41 21.4
Min. 0.0 5 1.0
Max. 0.2 860 21.4
Mean 0.1 142 4.1
Std. Dev. 0.1 296 6.3
(1) values exceeding State Standard for Enterococci
(2) Enterococci expressed as geometric mean
Chemical data collected from Smith Creek
Date Site Name
Depth
(m)
Rainfall
(in.)
Nitrate/Nitrite
(mg/l)
Orthophosphate
(mg/l)
1/24/08 SC-23 0.1 0.0 0.21 0.05
1/24/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.0 0.06 0.06
1/24/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.0 0.36 0.06
1/24/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.0 0.11 0.04
1/24/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.0 0.16 0.09
2/19/08 SC-23 0.1 0.0 0.14 0.02
2/19/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.0 0.07 0.01
2/19/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.0 0.49 0.04
2/19/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.0 0.13 0.02
2/19/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.0 0.14 0.01
3/20/08 SC-23 0.1 0.2 0.16 0.02
3/20/08 SC-CD 0.1 0.2 0.08 0.01
3/20/08 SC-CH 0.1 0.2 0.46 0.04
3/20/08 SC-GR 0.1 0.2 0.10 0.02
3/20/08 SC-NK 0.1 0.2 0.12 0.02
Min. 0.0 0.06 0.01
Max. 0.2 0.49 0.09
Mean 0.1 0.19 0.03
Std. Dev. 0.1 0.14 0.02
20
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
DISCUSSION
This report summarizes the water quality monitoring conducted by Coastal Planning &
Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. within New Hanover County between January and March,
2008. The purpose of this report is to provide the public and County staff information on the
current state of the creeks. Water quality is an important issue in the region due to the fact that
there are many economic and recreational opportunities that are supported by the aquatic
resources in and around these waterways. One of the greatest threats to water quality in this area
is stormwater runoff created by increased impervious surface coverage (Mallin et al., 2000).
Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people.
Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms while bacteria and other pathogens can wash into
swimming areas and create health hazards. New Hanover County has experienced rapid growth
and development over the past several decades. In 1990, the population within the County was
120,284. By 2006, the population grew over 50% to 182,591 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006).
Along with this population increase and subsequent stormwater runoff, numerous septic tanks,
aging wastewater infrastructure, and other factors potentially impact the water quality within the
County’s creeks. With this in mind, it is important to monitor the water quality of these local
systems to determine potential impacts to both human health and ecosystem function.
Algal blooms were not present at any site during the sampling events conducted between January
and March. While sometimes problematic in the summer months, algal blooms are less common
in the fall and winter when water temperature decreases. High levels of nutrients along with
other physical conditions may trigger an algal bloom. Algal blooms may be indicated by high
chlorophyll-a, low dissolved oxygen, and elevated pH values. Nitrite/nitrate and orthophosphate
levels observed in this study were relatively low ranging between 0.01-0.52 mg/l and 0.01-0.11
mg/l, respectively. Chlorophyll-a levels ranged between 1.0 and 21.4 ug/l which was within the
acceptable level of 40ug/l as determined by the State. The pH values were also found to be
within acceptable ranges (6.2 to 8.1). By evaluating these factors together, it was apparent that
no algal blooms were present during either sampling period.
Dissolved oxygen levels at a number of sites were below the State standard of 5.0 ml/l in SA
waters and 4.0 mg/l in C Sw waters. The low dissolved oxygen values observed in previous
months within MOT-CBR, MOT-ND, and SC-GR, which may have been attributable to recent
brush clearing of the right-of-way adjacent to the creek banks, have rebounded within acceptable
levels as anticipated. The dissolved oxygen within Futch Creek and Pages Creek observed
during sampling conducted in February was 4.7 mg/l and 5.4, respectively, which is relatively
low compared to previous years (Mallin, pers. comm.).
As observed in previous months, high levels of bacteria (Enterococci and fecal coliform)
persisted during this quarter in Futch Creek and Pages Creek. The high levels of bacteriological
indicators collected within PC-BDUS, PC-M, and SC-NK are of particular concern as these sites
have been classified as Tier II sites due to their proximity to boat ramps and/or docks (Table 5).
In February, sampling was conducted within Futch Creek and Pages Creek following a
substantial rainfall of 1.3 inches, which could have increase the loading of bacteria into the
system by way of stormwater runoff. Although fecal indicator bacteria are not pathogenic
themselves, they correlate well with levels of illness in swimmers, in particular Enterococci (US
EPA 1986). The US EPA has determined that the Enterococci provide the best correlation
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
between swimming-associated gastrointestinal illnesses (US EPA, 1984, US EPA, 1986). As a
result of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000,
State governments were mandated by the US EPA to adopt Enterococci bacteria as an indicator
of human health risk in coastal recreational waters. Due to their ability to survive longer in salt
water, Enterococci is considered to be more conservative indicator of pathogenic contaminants
compared to fecal coliform (Hanes and Fragela, 1967; del Mar Lleò et al., 2005). Other
research supports the functionality of utilizing either or both indicators to test for risks associated
with contact with water (Harrington and Cahoon, 2007).
Additional data collected through the course of this eight month study will help provide insight
as to the state of the water quality within the creeks in New Hanover County. In order to fully
assess the water quality, it will be important to continue monitoring through the summer months
when recreational activity increases within the creeks and water quality often diminishes. Long-
term monitoring can help distinguish seasonal variation in the measured parameters.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
LITERATURE CITED
del Mar Lleò, M.; Bonato, B.; Benedetti, D.; and Canepari, P., 2005. Survival of enterococcal
species in aquatic environments. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 5 4:189-196.
Hanes, N.B.; and Frangela, R., 1967. Effect of seawater concentration on survival of indicator
bacteria. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation 39:97-104.
Harrington R.N. and Cahoon, L.B., 2007. Fecal indicator bacteria in the water and sediments of
local boat ramps. pp. 68-80, within Environmental Quality of Wilmington and New Hanover
County Watersheds 2005-2006, CMS Report 07-01, UNCW Center for Marine Science
Research.
Mallin, M.A., 2008. University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Aquatic Ecologist. Personal
communication regarding historical dissolved oxygen data from Futch Creek and Pages Creek.
Mallin, M.A.; Williams, K.E.; Esham, C.E.; and Lowe, P.R., 2000. Effect of human
development on bacteriological water quality in coastal watersheds. Ecological Applications
10:1047-1056.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 Population Estimates, Census 2000, 1990 Census
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Health effects criteria for fresh recreational
waters. EPA-600/1-84-004, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1986. Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria-
1986. EPA-440/5/84-002, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C
COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
APPENDIX A
Maps of Watersheds and Sampling Sites