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[AU# 1-42] originates in northern Georgia where it drains a portion Land Trust forLand theTrust Little Tennessee (HUC 060200020302) ation r eek r esto C Clay County, NC to join the Hiwassee River. Brasstown Bald is the highest point inand GA is in the headwaters of Brasstown Creek. DWQ took a fish sample (FF13) near the state line which improved from the Good-Fair sample in 2004 to Good in 2009.Although the water quality shows a slight improvement specific Brasstown Creek Countyof HarrisTowns andofYoung the beforeTown flowing through southwestern [AU# 1-42-11] is a large tributary to Brasstown Creek, draining a small portion of R and
asstown r tion c B r ote r owe 2007. In addition, an epifaunal sample was collected from all three of the Brasstown Creek locations.All The HRWC also used a grant from the CWMTF to hire NCSU’s Water Quality group to do an extensive 3-year monitoring effort at 10 of their Brasstown Creek restoration sites.All samples were collected using protocols developed by DWQ. Qualitative 4 surveys were used at all collection locations, in 2005, 2006, and a lack of shading from the limited riparian cover. Habitat scores in unrestored sections of Little Brasstown Creek that were monitored immediately upstream and downstream of the Carringer/Mitchell restoration project were poor, averaging 35/100 in both years. (Lenat Consulting Services, March 2005). restoration work. Improvements in the benthic macroinvertebrate community typically require more than one year following restoration.The study also noted that the benthic macroinvertebrate community structure at all sites, including the reference reach, are warmer than expected for mountain streams, probably due to site on Little Brasstown Creek within the project reach still received a Good-Fair bioclassification, there was a large improvement in habitat Thequality. habitat score improved from 37 in 2004 to 70 in 2005 following established by NC DWQ. Winchester Creek and the sites upstream and downstream of the restoration project on Little Brasstown Creek showed no between-year differences. Winchester Creek received a Good bioclassification in both 2004 & 2005; the upstream and downstream sites rated Good-Fair. Although the monitoring along Little Brasstown Creek in association with a watershed restoration project.Three sites on Little Brasstown Creek, along with one reference site on Winchester Creek, were evaluated before and one year after stream restoration work was conducted.These sites were rated using methods overgrown exotic species bordered by agricultural fields. The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) hired a professional consultant to conduct benthic monitoring efforts were conducted by the sample taken(FF11) in 2009 resulted in the same rating as the 2004 sample, Good-Fair.The lower reach of this creek has sandy runs with boulder/cobble pools and very few riffles. The riparian vegetation consists of southeastern CherokeeThe County. watershed contains low density, rural residential development, pasture, andhay, row crops in addition to substantial forest cover. Some of the headwaters are in a permanent conservation easement through the in Georgia but its watershed also contains areas of low density housing, pasture and row crops in North Carolina that lie outside of the national forest boundary. Little Brasstown Creek macroinvertebrate sample site (FB18) rated Good.This site rated Excellent in 2004 and the decline is likely associated with drought conditions.This reach drains small portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest conductivity readings suggest agricultural and municipal wastewater inputs from GA. Further downstream, L gather and report information through our Impaired and Impacted Stream/ Watershed survey found here: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/about/impactedstreamssurvey Appendix 1C or by clicking on the following small maps. assist inTo identifying potential water quality issues citizens, watershed groups and resource agencies can “F” denote fish community and a “B” denote macroinvertebrate community. Specific stream information regarding basinwide biological samples sites are availableAppendix in 1B. Use support information on all monitored streams can be foundAppendix in 1A. Detailed maps of each of the watersheds are found in P The following section provides more detail about specific streams where special studies have occurred or stressor sources information is available. Within this document, biological sample site IDs ending in an 4
2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203) their ongoing restoration goals. restoration ongoing their supports strongly DWQ level. local and state, federal, the at partnerships effective created has and methods scientific sound uses It program. model a is watershed Creek Brasstown the in effort restoration HRWC’s projects. such coordinate to ability its demonstrated has HRWC watershed. Creek Brasstown the in needed are vegetation riparian and habitats instream re-establish to and sedimentation prevent to efforts Additional Recommendations held. previously HRWC agreement “handshake” 2-page old the replacing recorded, be can that contract new a signed have and feet linear 500 additional an for buffer 50-foot the extend to HRWC allowed have landowners new site, project one At conducted. being is sites projects individual the of six at buffers riparian the within shrubs and trees native of plantings supplemental and plants invasive nonnative of eradication Specifically, Plan. Action Creek Brasstown the implement help to 2010 in $20,000 HRWC awarded Service Wildlife & Fish US The website: HRWC the on available is Plan & Action Evaluation, Report, Monitoring summary, 2008 January The reduced. greatly been has erosion and stabilized now are banks Most channel. stream the of condition physical the improving and areas, riparian re-vegetating habitat, improving of terms in successful highly been have locations monitored the of nine at efforts restoration that found study The work. monitoring the conducted Engineering and Agricultural Biological of Department NCSU’s of students and Staff (2005-2007). period 3-year a over watershed Creek Brasstown the in sites restoration 10 at sediment suspended and communities, benthic temperature, survival, vegetation stability, channel monitor to funds additional granted was HRWC 2004 In website: HRWC the at found be can projects the about pictures, after and before including information, Specific erosion. controlling for buffers riparian of value the about educated community a and rates; rental cost low at farmers local to available be to continues that drill grain no-till a of purchase the contractors); grading/clearing and (materials locally spent dollars million $1.8 include Project Restoration Watershed Creek Brasstown the of accomplishments Additional improved. were pastureland of acres 2,000 and re-vegetated; were areas bare eroding critically of acres 160 easement; protective a under placed and created were buffer riparian wooded of acres 50 than more addition, In stream. of miles) 5.7 (approximately feet linear 30,000 along activities restoration conducted landowners, local 46 and Districts, Conservation Water & Soil County Cherokee and Clay the Service, Conservation Resources Natural the with partnership in HRWC, funds, these Using watershed. Creek Brasstown the in work restoration for Fund Trust Management Water Clean NC the by million $2.5 than more awarded was (HRWC) Coalition Watershed River Hiwassee the 2005, and 1999 Between Initiatives Quality Water below. listed are results The laboratory. the in level practical lowest the to identified and protocols standard using field the in preserved were specimens Brasstown Creek Creek Brasstown Brasstown Creek Creek Brasstown Creek Brasstown Little Brasstown Cr Cr Brasstown Little Cr Brasstown Little Cr Brasstown Little Little Brasstown Cr Cr Brasstown Little Long Branch Long Creek Greasy Project (Hyatt & Oland) & (Hyatt (Bell) (Warne) http://www.hrwc.net/bc_evaluation.htm (Campbell) (Carringer/Mitchell) (Sheppard) (Mason/Stalcup) http://www.hrwc.net/brasstown.htm 19 28 30 29 43 25 26 4 24 2005 No. EPT TaxaEPT No. 13 27 30 28 37 32 28 16 26 2006 5 19 28 25 31 27 28 16 25 2007 73 136 120 85 140 109 106 24 115 2005
EPT EPT Abundance 34 97 137 170 178 143 118 62 96 2006
7 76 93 81 88 96 114 42 90 2007 Excel. Good Good Good 2005 G/F G/F G/F -- -- Bioclassification Good Good Good Good Good 2006 Fair G/F -- -- Good Good Good 2007 Poor G/F G/F G/F -- -- 5
2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203)
.The goals were Local Watershed Plan Hiwassee River Watershed Peachtree-Martins Creek watershed. 2 including headwaters within Nantahala 2 [AU# 1-44a] listed as Impaired on the 2012 303(d) list. In (HUC 060200020303) r ive [AU# 1-(43.7)] are influenced by a hydroelectric power station at http://www.hrwc.net/peachtreemartinslwp.htm R y r Peachtree Creek iwassee mma u -H Hiwassee River a Water Supply IV watershed area. Peachtree Creek flows through a broad flat valley calledAmmon Bottom. Land use in the subwatershed consists of rural residences, residential lawns, and active pasture (hay fields) with forested hillsides. There are no Peachtree subwatershed drains 24 mi National Forest and a small portion of the subwatershed along the Hiwassee River is S eek dy r u C t S ee r continues to take the lead role in facilitating restoration activities. t ial c ch e p ea Community College and the Clifton Precision Products/Moog Components facility, and impacts from Mission Quarry. Ongoing commercial and residential development is expected to continue in the area and is the biggest future threat to water quality and other elements of ecological function. Stressors identified that limit stream integrity throughout the watershed are lack of riparian vegetation, channel modification, excess nutrients and sediments, and fecal bacterial contamination. Localized stressors include stormwater impacts in the Peachtree area, groundwater contamination in the vicinity ofTri-County land use and riparian buffer datasets from low altitude aerial photography and produced an Integrated Pollutant Source Identification database in March 2006. Intensive field assessments and landowner outreach activities were performed, carrying out recommendations named by a local advisory committee.Authority The Valley Tennessee developed new to: (1) assess stream quality in the watershed, identifying key sources of degradation and pollution, and (2) develop a comprehensive strategy to address watershed needs.The resulting addressed both ecological and community priorities for the 39 mi In July 2005, the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP), Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC), Equinox Environmental Consultation & Design and DWQ started a local watershed planning process in the Peachtree-Martins Creek watershed: S Mission Dam.The macroinvertebrate sample (FB15) site on this reach of the river has consistently rated Good, but the benthic community is becoming slightly more pollution tolerant. Coalition Flow conditions on the The Peachtree-Martins Creek Watershed Management Plan (described below) is the best available strategy for restoration needs in the subwatershed. DWQ supports these identified restoration needs and will work with federal, state, and local parties to implement its recommendations.The Creek (AU# 1-44b).The creek is noted as having a naturalized, wild reproducing population of rainbow trout and a moderately diverse and very abundant fish community. FB12 on Peachtree Creek [AU# 1-44a] rated Good. Previous samples at this location were Excellent bioclassifications; the decline is likely associated with drought conditions. Downstream from the benthic site is the fish site (FF8) which rated Excellent, with noted improvements in bank stabilization on Peachtree September fecal 2011, coliform bacteria samples collected from another site further downstream (US 64 alt.) did not exceed our current water quality standards assessment criteria.There are two macroinvertebrate sample sites and one fish sample site that are resampled every five years in this subwatershed. Site counts. Five fecal coliform bacteria samples between May 24- June 12, 2007 at Mission Road detected bacteria levels that exceed state standards with a maximum coliform count of 1200 and a geometric mean of 520, leading to a portion of DWQ ambient stations; however, water chemistry data was also collected for a special study that captured baseflow and stormwater conditions. Samples detected elevated nutrient levels and elevated fecal coliform P 6
2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203) www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Hiwassee/PMC_DWQwaterquality_study.pdf at: online available is reports full The stressors. identified with Tablein along X listed are samples biological the of results The Plan. Watershed TeamLocal EEP (WAT) the Assessment Watershed for DWQ’s by collected also was toxicity and chemical biological, including data, quality water Additional hiwassee website: EEP’s from available are details Additional request. by 2006” March 02, Subbasin Hiwassee in Program Enhancement Ecosystem the for Sampling Biological of “Results 20060731, Memorandum BAU in available are collected taxa including sites, these of descriptions and Pictures below. listed are results sample and location The Plan. Watershed Local EEP of development the of part as subwatershed this in locations seven at communities macroinvertebrate sampled DWQ Data Biological impacts. development soften to programs planning of number a and education, public management, forest sustainable tracts, forested large existing of preservation include resources current protect and threats future address to Strategies (BMPs). practices management best forestry and residential, road, agricultural, restoration, buffer riparian restoration, stream include problems current address to Strategies identified. were stressors future and present both address to strategies management Specific Branch McComb Branch Snead Branch Messer Creek Slow Creek Peachtree Creek Peachtree Branch Pipes Waterbody . 1-43-(2) 1-44-9-4 1-44-9-2 1-44-9 1-44b 1-44a 1-44-7 # AU FB5 FB65 FB54 FF16 FB64 FB56 FF15 FB12 FB59 # ID Site
Excellent Impaired Not Good-Fair Impaired Not Good Rated Not Excellent Good Sample Biological Not Rated Not
10 10 Conductance Specific 61 61 30 34 44 36 37 16 18 µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm µmhos/cm
stream sites. High fecal coliform bacteria levels, levels, bacteria coliform fecal High sites. stream small all of community benthos impacted Least Notes Additional water quality problems. problems. quality water potential additional are zinc manganese, aluminum, bacteria, coliform fecal toxicity, Nutrients, periphyton. abundant with water Turbid vegetation. riparian limited with evident were erosion bank severe of areas and incised was Channel noted. were problems quality water or habitat serious no and stream the of sides both on intact and wide were zones Riparian vegetation. banks grass with zones riparian moderate had reach lower vegetation; riparian no had reach Upper concern. of also are levels nutrients Elevated conditions. habitat local than conditions watershed broad of reflective more probably is community macroinvertebrate The channel. incised and water turbid Slightly habitat. sparse with pasture horse a within is reach Upper channel incised grasses; and shrubs trees, of mix diverse a was vegetation bank banks; both on present were erosion of Areas canopy reduced a and stream, the of side left the on zone riparian narrow a vegetation, bank Sparse interest. of parameters are phosphorus and pH low http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/eep/rbrps/ . http:// 7
2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203)
0 0 60 50 40 60 100 100 (% > 400) Proportion 520 518 140 550 631 122 1043 1540 Mean Geometric 230 190 1200 2400 2200 1400 2400 2200 Max Value Additional parameters of interest aluminum, phosphorus, turbidity, fecal coliform bacteria no water quality concerns nutrients, turbidity, aluminum & zinc fecal coliform bacteria fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients 88 96 180 460 170 220 390 800 Min Value 3 5 2 0 2 3 0 5
>400 Results Biological Sample Not Rated Not Rated Excellent Good Not Rated Good Excellent
5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 samples FB44 FB40 FB49 FB58 FB57 Site ID # FB39 FB70 Total number Total 1-44-9-3 1-44-4 1-44-5 1-44a AU # 1-45 1-(16.5)c
(at Mission Rd)
Sudderth Branch (Tusquitee Creek HUC) Mission Branch (Tusquitee Creek HUC) George Creek (Hiwasee Lake HUC) Martins Creek (Hiwasee Lake HUC) Slow Creek McComb Branch Lamb Branch Peachtree Creek Waterbody Peachtree Creek Fate Puet Cove Cr. Lamb Branch UT Hiwassee Graham Branch Waterbody Fall Branch control and improved aquatic habitat, and enhancement of existing wetland areas.The project is now in long-term stewardship. TheTrout Cove Branch project restored the stream and riparian area of almost 4,000 linear feet of the creek. Procedures included reestablishing channel sinuosity, installation of rock vanes and root wads for erosion Another project is on an unnamed tributary to Martins Creek near its headwaters.This project is on a stream that has been highly impacted by cattle. It will restore the stream and riparian area of more than a mile of stream, installing fencing and other livestock BMPs. Martins Creek itself and tributaries that flow to it that have been impacted by livestock grazing. In addition, almost seven acres of riparian wetland will be restored in the Martins Creek floodplain. The Martins Creek project is on a large tract of largely wooded property that drains to Martins Creek that was identified as the top priority for preservation in EEP’s project atlas. This project will protect almost four miles of highly functioning stream and riparian area and restore another mile of degraded stream along be constructed in 2012 and one project that has already been constructed onTrout Cove Branch, a tributary to Brasstown Creek. EEP projects in the Brasstown Creek Watershed EEP has two restoration and/or preservation projects in the Peachtree-Martins Creek watershed which will Martins Creek watersheds near Murphy between May 24, 2007 to June 19, 2007 to support the development of a Local Watershed Plan by (LWP) the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program.The sampling during this period was conducted during baseflow conditions. Streams sampled and results are listed below. Bacteria Data The NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) conducted fecal coliform bacteria sampling in the Peachtree- 8
2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203) actions. recommended of list a includes column last The impact. the of source(s) exact determine to needed is study additional cases, many In input. public and staff other and violations, other or permit evidence, historical data, monitoring observations, in-field on based list table this of columns fifth and fourth The actions. restoration potential and protection additional needing as identified waterbodies Tablelists 1-1 N controls, S&E soil and erosion control, M= monitoring M= control, erosion and soil S&E mgnt controls, nutrient NMC= BMPs, Agriculture Ag= BMPs, forestry F= plan, protection species SSP= BMPs, ordinance, local Needed Actions Status Source etc.) degradation, habitat toxicity, nutrients, DO, low/high use.(e.g., designated their for standards Stressor Class. # AU Slow Creek Creek Slow Creek Pinelog Creek Peachtree Branch McComb Creek Brasstown Little Branch Lamb Creek Crawford S T ota t a r b eam le = Assessment Unit # or stream segment/reach stream or # Unit = Assessment = Classification (e.g., C, S, B, WS-I, WS-II, WS-III, WS-IV, WS-V, WS-III, Tr,HQW,ORW, WS-II, SW, UWL) WS-I, B, S, C, (e.g., Classification = = Impaired, Impacted, Supporting, Improving Supporting, Impacted, Impaired, = b 1-1: 1-1: = development, agriculture, WWTP, NPS, agriculture, development, = = chemical parameters or physical conditions that at certain levels prevent waterbodies from meeting the the meeting from waterbodies prevent levels certain at that conditions physical or parameters chemical =
le N ame
N W ota = R= restoration, P= protection, SC= stormwater controls, SS= stressor study, E= education, LO= LO= education, E= study, stressor SS= controls, stormwater SC= protection, P= restoration, R= = ate 1-44a 1-43-(2) 1-42-11 b 1-44-9 1-42-6 1-44-5 1-42-1 le A U#
r W s ater WS-IV WS-IV WS-IV WS-IV C b odies lass C C C . bacteria, metals bacteria, sedimentation, sedimentation, sedimentation sedimentation sedimentation fecal coliform coliform fecal coliform fecal coliform fecal toxicity, fecal fecal toxicity, degradation, degradation, degradation, degradation, nutrients, nutrients, nutrients, S bacteria bacteria bacteria coliform coliform potential habitat habitat habitat habitat t r esso r
stressors and sources that may be impacting a stream stream a impacting be may that sources and stressors contamination, agriculture, agriculture, contamination, agriculture, failing septic septic failing agriculture, agriculture, failing septic septic failing agriculture, residential development residential stormwater, agriculture, agriculture, stormwater, historical groundwater groundwater historical historical groundwater groundwater historical failing septic systems systems septic failing agriculture, forestry, forestry, agriculture, contamination agriculture agriculture systems systems S o urc e Supporting Not Rated Not Not Rated Not Impacted Impaired Impaired Impaired S tat u s R, M, BMPs M, R, R, M, NMC, NMC, M, R, R, BMPs, F BMPs, R, R,M, BMPs R,M, BMPs,R A N SC, R SC, BMPs BMPs c eeded tions
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2012 Hiwassee River Basin Plan: Brasstown Creek Watershed (HUC 0602000203)