The State of Our Streams: 2008

A Report on Water Quality to the Citizens of Durham

The 2008 calendar year brought new types of monitoring to the City of Durham. Leveraging agreements with other agencies, the City has been able to add streamflow and Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! rainfall data collection within the City. In Call 560-SWIM to report anything in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, creeks or storm drains that is not water! six stream stage monitors and rain gauges were installed across the City. A subset of these includes stream flow. These to report results, this is a significant monitoring stations allow City staff to improvement to our understanding of evaluate the effects of stream flow on water Durham streams and may provide another quality and provide citizens with improved way to track improvements resulting from information regarding the potential for flood stormwater management. damage. In cooperation with NC State University, a fully functional weather station The 2008 calendar year also completes the was installed as part of the statewide ECONet fifth year of monthly water quality climate network. This station offers real- monitoring. Having five years of information time measurements of rainfall, air allows City staff to evaluate if water quality temperature, wind, and pressure. There is has been improving or worsening over the no longer a need to rely on information from last five years. Although the environment the Raleigh-Durham Airport, which is over 10 responds slowly to small changes, City staff miles away and often out of sync with what were able to note both improving and is happening in the City. The rainfall and worsening of various water quality stream stage monitoring began in July 2008, parameters over the last five years. These in time to catch the rainfall from Tropical are indicated in the watershed pages. Storm Hanna in September 2008. Rainfall totals ranged from 4.31 inches at City Hall to 6.32 inches at Cole Mill Road near the Eno State Park.

Other recently implemented monitoring includes evaluations of changes to stream structure, such as streambank erosion. Streambank erosion can alter natural stream banks until a stream has “walls” on either side. The stream then appears to be cut into the landscape. Although it is still too early

Anything that is poured or thrown into a storm drain goes into our creeks and streams. Stormwater does not receive treatment ! Stormwater Services staff member evaluating Crooked Creek (Cape Fear River Basin)

City of Durham Stormwater Services—(919) 560-4326 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater Design/Plan Review—Drainage/Flooding Concerns—Floodplain Information Stormwater Public Education—Surface Water Quality The State of Our Streams: 2008

Investigations Looking back at the last four reporting In addition to pollution associated with periods, the number of investigations finding storm water runoff, illicit discharges are pollution has remained relatively stable another source of pollution in urban areas. since 2005-2006. For the last three Illicit discharges are those discharges that reporting periods, between 130 and 160 occur without city, state or federal investigations have found pollution sources. knowledge of environmental impacts. Illicit Citizens and City staff have become more discharges include a variety of acts generally aware of potential water quality problems resulting in illegal dumping. For example, pouring oil into storm drains, disposing of and inappropriate reporting occurs less now pet wastes in the storm drains, discharges than in previous years. Also, the adoption from failing septic systems and leaky of the Stormwater Management and sanitary sewers, overflows from clogged Pollution Control Ordinance in 2006 has sanitary sewer systems, and direct provided citizens and staff with the connections of private sanitary sewer laterals assurance that once problems are found, to stormwater pipes instead of sanitary there are mechanisms to get problems sewer pipes are all illicit discharges. fixed.

The number one source of pollution between Number of Water Quality Investigations October 2007 and September 2008 was Identifying Pollutant Sources, 2004—2008 sanitary sewer overflows from publicly owned works. A total of 54 investigations 200 identified sanitary sewer overflows as a source of water pollution. Fifteen 150 investigations identified private sewer lateral 160 146 leaks and overflows as sources of water 100 130 pollution. Twelve investigations identified 97 erosion and sedimentation as potential 50 sources of instream sediment and turbidity. 0 Sources and Types of Pollution Found 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 in 2008

The number of water quality 146 investigations that identified pollution sources, 2007-2008 Horton Rd Sewer Spill (Eno River Watershed)

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008

The City has limited staff and resources to The water quality index can also be used to improve water quality. Therefore, it is identify target areas for clean-ups and to essential that citizens become involved and identify the potential for new pollution provide additional eyes, ears, and noses to sources that need to be investigated. help find and eliminate sources of pollution. The index provides a water quality grade that ranges from 0 to 100 relative to other Water Quality Monitoring Program streams in Durham County. All urban Federal permitting regulations require the streams generally fail to meet at least one City of Durham to monitor water quality in federal or state water quality standard, so all local streams. Stormwater Services staff urban streams fail in some manner. collect water samples from streams However, the water quality index allows throughout the city on a regular basis. citizens and Stormwater Services to identify Analyses of these samples includes those areas with the most serious pollution biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, issues. sediment and metals. Fecal coliform bacteria is also analyzed regularly. These measurements allow City and State staff to evaluate potential risks to people, drinking water supplies and aquatic resources (e.g., 2008 Water Quality Index Results fish, waterfowl). The water quality index results for 2008 are summarized in Figure 1. Red indicates the Stormwater Services staff also collect aquatic poorest water quality. At the other end of the life to learn about water quality. Aquatic color range, dark green shows better quality organisms, or benthic macroinvertebrates, water. Between the extremes is a range of are collected annually to learn which streams conditions: yellow-green indicates some no longer support the insects that should be pollution, while light orange through dark present if the watershed was minimally orange indicates increasing pollution. disturbed. Streams may be rated Poor, Fair, Good-Fair, Good or Excellent. An Excellent Colored areas in the map correspond to the rating indicates the best insect community area that contributed to the index result. and water quality. These areas are called watersheds and indicate the land area contributing water and In 2008, the Stormwater Services staff pollution to the stream. In general, conducted a combination of chemical and stormwater runoff from highly urbanized microbiological monitoring at 45 locations. watersheds (e.g., downtown and older areas Aquatic life monitoring is conducted at 14 surrounding downtown) degrades water locations in and around the City of Durham. quality more than sparsely developed or rural areas.

Water Quality Index Similarly, results for fecal coliform bacteria To provide an overall picture of the health of are summarized in Figure 2. A similar color our streams, Stormwater Services combines gradation is provided to distinguish more many of the chemical measurements of polluted areas from less polluted areas. water quality into a water quality index. The water quality index is like a numerical grade for our streams. Looking at this grade from The water quality index summarizes year to year can indicate overall progress in chemical data collected at 29 locations in cleaning up area streams. and around the City of Durham.

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 3 The State of Our Streams: 2008

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 4 The State of Our Streams: 2008

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 5 The State of Our Streams: 2008

Explanation of watershed attachments Fecal coliform bacteria are directly measured and have two North Carolina water quality In order to provide additional information to standards, a geometric mean of 200 colony citizens, attachments were created for the forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters (mL) primary watersheds in the City of Durham. and the number of exceedances of 400 These attachments provide a description of cfu/100mL. Ratings are as follows: the watershed, a historical look back on Good: Meets both state standards water quality for the last five years, and a Fair: Meets geometric mean standard description of water quality during 2008. Poor: Does not meet either standard

Water quality information is summarized Stormwater Services staff receives more using non-technical terms, as follows: citizen questions regarding harmful bacteria than any other water quality parameter Aquatic life (Insects or benthic macro- monitored. As such, the State of Our invertebrates): This parameter is a direct Streams report provides the Bacteria/ measure of the variety of organisms found in Recreation indicator as a service to citizens City streams. These organisms live on roots, of Durham. Stormwater Services is not under rocks and under leaves. The greater responsible for issuing public health the variety of insects, the better the rating. advisories regarding the recreational use of This parameter is also a measure of the area streams and rivers. The Durham pollution sensitivity of the organisms. When County Health Department should be organisms that are sensitive to pollution are contacted at 919-560-7800 with any public present and the pollution tolerant organisms health concerns regarding recreational use are not abundant, the overall rating of area streams and rivers. increases. The aquatic life rating is often a better indicator of overall water quality than the water quality index.

Clarity : Sediment washed into streams can cause the water to appear cloudy or muddy. One measure of sediment in streams is turbidity, or light scattering. Turbidity is directly measured in streams and rivers and has a North Carolina water quality standard of 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Ratings are as follows: Good: Meets state standard Poor: Does not meet standard

Bacteria/Recreation: For the purposes of this report, recreational impacts are tied to indicators for bacteria and viruses. Fecal coliform bacteria, which are an indicator of Quick Links viruses and waterborne pathogens, are Ellerbe Creek Watershed measured regularly by Stormwater Services. Eno River Watershed Elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria may New Hope Creek Watershed indicate a health risk for people wading in Northeast Creek Watershed streams or pets that drink from streams. Third Fork Creek Watershed

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 6 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Ellerbe Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Ellerbe Creek Watershed Water Quality Index: 8383

This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2008 Report prepared by the City of Durham Stormwater Services Division. The entire report is available at: http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/ works/stormwater_water_quality.cfm.

The Ellerbe Creek watershed includes the downtown area north of Highway 147. City Hall is located in this watershed, as well as neighborhoods such as Trinity Park and Old Five Points. Commercial areas include those Ellerbe Creek Hillandale Golf Course near Northgate Mall and Ninth Street. Partnerships with other agencies and non- Looking at the last five years, the water profit groups (e.g., Ellerbe Creek Watershed quality index at Murray Avenue has Assocation) have resulted in significant improved. This may be due to stream restoration projects along Ellerbe corresponding overall improvement to Creek, some of which are ongoing. turbidity at this location. Further downstream at Glenn Road, the clarity/ Water from Ellerbe Creek goes to Falls turbidity levels have also improved. The Lake, the Neuse River, and the biological community remained stable at Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before Murray Avenue, fluctuating between a Fair reaching the Atlantic Ocean. and Poor rating over the last five years.

In 2008, fecal coliform bacteria levels Investigations continued to be worse than state standards throughout this watershed, with the Stormwater Services staff conducted 48 exception of the area of Ellerbe Creek investigations of sources of pollution in the between Stadium Drive and Midland Terrace. Ellerbe Creek watershed during 2007-2008. Clarity continues to be relatively good. The The sources of pollution identified include only station showing problems with clarity sanitary sewer overflows (public), private (turibidity) was Goose Creek at Holloway sewer overflows , erosion and sedimentation Street. Construction activities immediately problems, and spilled and discharged upstream of the monitoring station and petroleum products. removal of riparian vegetation at the monitoring site likely contributed to reduced clarity. Number of pollution sources found: 48 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 15 Three monitoring stations in this watershed Number of erosion & sedimentation have been in operation for the last five years. violations: 6

Waterbody 2008 Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic WQ Clarity Recreation Life Index Ellerbe Creek at Glenn Rd 81 (EL1.9EC) Ellerbe Creek at Midland Terrace 87 (EL5.6EC)

Ellerbe Creek at Murray Ave 90 (EL7.9EC)

Ellerbe Creek at Bellevue Ave N/A N/A (EL10.7EC)

Goose Creek at Camden Ave N/A (EL5.5GC)

Continued on the next page

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed page 2 of 4 Ellerbe Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Waterbody 2008 Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic WQ Clarity Recreation Life Index Goose Creek at Holloway St 77 N/A (EL8.1GC)

South Ellerbe Creek at Glendale Ave 80 N/A (EL7.1SEC)

South Ellerbe Creek Tributary at Knox N/A N/A St (EL7.6SECT)

South Ellerbe Creek at Club Blvd N/A N/A (EL8.5SEC)

South Ellerbe Creek Tributary at Foster N/A N/A & Hunt (EL8.6SECUT)

Good Fair Poor

What can I do to protect water quality? (Tip #4) Pick up pet waste and dispose What can I do to protect water of it with the trash. quality? (Tip #12) Do not leave grass clippings or yard waste along curbs or ditches. Compost or use yard waste carts.

Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Call 560-SWIM to report dumping or draining when it’s not raining!

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed page 3 of 4 This page intentionally blank to maintain pagination

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed page 4 of 4 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Eno River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Eno River Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 9191

The Eno River watershed extends from the Town of Hillsborough through Orange County before reaching the City of Durham. Much of the northern portion of the City of Durham is located in the Eno River Watershed. The area includes typical Eno River at Cole Mill Road suburban development as well as some commercial and industrial land uses. A while still rated Good in 2008, worsened at significant portion of the land adjacent to all three Eno River stations over the last five the Eno River is protected in State or City years. This is likely due to watershed parks, including the Penny’s Bend Nature erosion as a result of land-disturbing Preserve and West Point on the Eno Park. activities and the bridge construction at Roxboro Road. The biological community at In 2008, Stormwater Services expanded Roxboro Road also worsened over the last regular monitoring in the Eno River five years, from a Good rating to a borderline watershed by adding several stations on Good-Fair rating. The biological community tributary streams to regular monitoring. As is stable at Snow Hill Road. shown on the next page, many of these tributary streams had degraded water quality Investigations when compared to the main stem of the Eno River. In particular, fecal coliform bacteria Stormwater Services investigations of (the indicator for recreation) was rated poor potential sources of water pollution in the in three of the four tributaries monitored. Eno River watershed during 2007-2008 found problems in 16 instances. The Water from the Eno River goes to Falls sources of pollution identified during these Lake, the Neuse River, and the investigations were sanitary sewer overflows, Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before private sewer overflows/leaks, sewer line breaks, and septic systems. reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

For the last five years the water quality index Number of pollution sources found: 16 at two Eno River stations (Cole Mill Road and Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 5 Roxboro Road) improved. Turbidity/clarity, Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation Eno River at Snow Hill Rd 91 (EN4.9ER) Eno River at Roxboro Rd 94 (EN8.9ER) Eno River at Cole Mill Rd 94 N/A (EN13.3ER) Un-named Tributary at Hebron Rd N/A N/A (EN7.7ERT1) Crooked Run Creek at Latta Rd N/A N/A (EN9.6CRC) Wildcat Creek at Horton Rd 85 N/A (EN10.3WC) Seven Mile Creek at November Dr N/A N/A (EN12.2ERT3)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Eno River Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Lick Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 8181 This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2008 Report prepared by the City of Durham Stormwater Services Division. The entire report is available at http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/ works/stormwater_water_quality.cfm

The Lick Creek watershed lies on the far eastern boundary of the city limits. The watershed includes areas north of US Highway 70 to Falls Lake. A large portion of this watershed is outside of the City of Durham within Durham County, although Lick Creek much of the area is within the City’s urban growth boundary. New developments are Stormwater Services was unable to determine underway in the Lick Creek watershed. improving or worsening changes to water quality in the Lick Creek watershed over the Stormwater Services maintained monitoring last five years. The water quality in this of two locations in the Lick Creek watershed: watershed fluctuates substantially, making Rocky Branch Creek at Kemp Road and Lick long-term analysis difficult. The biological Creek at Southview Road. Between 2007 and community at Southview Road has remained 2008, turbidity levels improved in Rocky relatively stable over the last five years with Branch Creek and degraded in the mainstem a Fair rating. of Lick Creek. Fecal coliform bacteria levels (indicator for recreation) also degraded in Lick Creek. Investigations

Water from Lick Creek goes to Falls Stormwater Services staff conducted no Lake, the Neuse River, and the investigations in the Lick Creek watershed in Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before the October 2007—September 2008 time period. reaching the Atlantic Ocean. For more information, visit our website at In 2008, the NC Division of Water Quality http://www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or began working with a local farming call Stormwater Services at 560-4326. operation located on Rocky Branch Creek. This cooperation may have resulted in recent Number of pollution sources found: 0 water quality improvements noted in Rocky Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 Branch Creek. Stormwater Services will continue to monitor Rock Branch Creek to Number of erosion & sedimentation track further improvements. violations: 0

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Rocky Branch Creek at Kemp Rd 77 N/A (LC2.0RBC)

Lick Creek at Southview Rd 85 (LC1.1LC)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Lick Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Little Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Little Lick Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 8282 This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2008 Report prepared by the City of Durham Stormwater Services Division. The entire report is available at http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/ works/stormwater_water_quality.cfm

The Little Lick Creek watershed includes areas east of the contiguous city limits in an area between US Highway 70 and Falls Lake. North Carolina Highway 98 and US Highway 70 are prominent features of this watershed. Little Lick Creek Tributary

The City began funding a continuous stream stage and rainfall monitoring system in Road, the aquatic community appears to 2008, including a station in the Little Lick fluctuate between Fair and Poor with no Creek watershed. Stormwater Services sustained change. maintained water quality monitoring of two locations in the Little Lick Creek watershed: Although Stormwater Services attempted to Lick Creek at Mineral Springs Road and a determine changes to water quality in the tributary stream at Lynn Road. Little Lick Creek watershed, staff were unable to determine improving or worsening Water from Little Lick Creek goes to Falls conditions over the last five years. Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Investigations Fecal coliform bacteria levels continue to be Stormwater Services staff conducted 8 a problem in the Little Lick Creek watershed. investigations in the Little Lick Creek Water clarity has improved since 2007, as watershed during 2007-2008. The sources have dissolved oxygen levels. Water quality of pollution identified include sanitary sewer indices for both sites are higher than those overflows (public), private sewer overflows reported in 2007. and breaks, erosion and sedimentation

problems, and an illicit connection. Monitoring of the aquatic community using benthic macroinvertebrates occurs regularly at both monitoring sites. The aquatic Number of pollution sources found: 8 community appears to have worsened from Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 3 Fair to Poor at Mineral Springs Road. At Lynn Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 1

Waterbody 2008 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

Tributary to Little Lick Creek at Lynn Rd (LL4.6LLT2) 85 Little Lick Creek at Mineral Springs Rd (LL3.4LLC) 78

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Little Lick Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Panther Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Panther Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 8787

This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2008 Report prepared by the City of Durham Stormwater Services Division. The entire report is available at http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/ works/stormwater_water_quality.cfm

The Panther Creek watershed is located in the northeastern part of Durham, south of Geer Street. The Panther Creek watershed remains relatively less developed, although this is rapidly changing as new commercial Panther Creek (beneath roadway) and residential construction projects have begun south of Interstate-85.

Water from Panther Creek goes to Falls Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Stormwater Services continued to monitor Panther Creek at Burton Road in 2008. Fecal coliform bacteria levels degraded between 2007 and 2008. However, water clarity BASINS logo: http://www.epa.gov/ continued to be good. No other water quality problems were noted in 2008. Investigations

Although Stormwater Services attempted to Stormwater Services did not conduct any determine changes to water quality in the pollution source investigations in the Panther Panther Creek watershed, staff were unable Creek watershed during the October 2007 to to determine improving or worsening September 2008 period. conditions over the last five years. Panther Creek ceases to flow periodically, but particularly during any dry periods. Thus, Number of pollution sources found: 0 water quality monitoring is more irregular in Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 this watershed than other watersheds, making long-term analysis difficult. Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody Five-year 2008 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life WQ Index Index Recreation trend

Panther Creek N/A 87 (Burton Rd, PN2.4PN)

Bold text for trends indicates statistical significance. Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Panther Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 7070

The Stirrup Iron Creek watershed lies east of Miami Boulevard in Research Triangle Park, and continues north to US Highway 70. A portion of the watershed lies within Durham County and is part of Research Triangle Park. Stirrup Iron Creek at Chin Page Rd. Stormwater Services maintained monitoring of one location in the Stirrup Iron Creek watershed at Chin Page Road. Water clarity (measured by turbidity) worsened between What can I do to protect water 2007 and 2008, moving from Good to Poor. quality? (Tip #1) Further, fecal coliform bacteria also Keep trees and shrubs growing worsened from Good to Fair. The WQ Index along stream banks as buffer did not change significantly (71 in 2007 to zones to filter soil and pollution 70 in 2008). from entering waterways. Water from Stirrup Iron Creek flows to Lake Crabtree, Crabtree Creek, the Neuse River and the Albemarle- Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Investigations Stormwater Services did not conduct any pollution source investigations in the Stirrup Iron Creek watershed during the October Although Stormwater Services attempted to 2007 to September 2008 period. determine changes to water quality in the Stirrup Iron Creek watershed, staff were unable to determine improving or worsening conditions over the last five years. The water Number of pollution sources found: 0 quality in this watershed fluctuates Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 substantially making five-year analysis Number of erosion & sedimentation difficult. violations: 0

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Stirrup Iron Creek at Chin Page Rd 70 N/A (SI1.6SIC)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Crooked Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Crooked Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: NANA

The Crooked Creek watershed is in the southern portion of the City, somewhat bounded by Fayetteville Street to the west and north, and Barbee Road and Herndon Road to the east and south. Similar to Panther Creek, Crooked Creek is one of the Crooked Creek at Scott King Road smaller watersheds in the City of Durham. Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Water from Crooked Creek flows to New Hope Creek, Jordan Lake and the Cape Call 560-SWIM to report dumping Fear River before reaching the Atlantic or draining when it’s not raining! Ocean.

This is the first year Crooked Creek received Pollution sources regular water chemistry monitoring by Stormwater Services. A reduced set of water Stormwater Services staff conducted 2 chemistry parameters was analyzed for investigations of pollution sources in the Crooked Creek, so a WQ Index could not be Crooked Creek watershed during 2007-2008. calculated. The sources of pollution identified during these investigations were sanitary sewer overflows and cooking grease/oil.

For more information on City stormwater activities, visit our website at http:// www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Stormwater Services at 560-4326. Monitoring indicated fecal coliform bacteria levels met state standards in 2008 while water clarity did not meet standards. There is ongoing construction in this watershed as Number of pollution sources found: 2 the Southpoint area continues to develop. Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 1 Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody 2008 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

Crooked Creek at Scott King Rd N/A N/A (CC2.5CC)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Crooked Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 New Hope Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

New Hope Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 8585

The New Hope Creek watershed lies in the south-western portion of Durham County and lies adjacent to Orange County. This watershed includes a portion of the Duke University campus and commercial areas Unnamed tributary to Sandy Creek such as South Square. Most of the New Hope Creek watershed lies within Orange Over the last five years the fecal coliform County and includes the Town of Chapel Hill. bacteria levels have improved in Sandy Creek at Garrett Road. In the same period, a slight In 2008, Stormwater Services expanded improvement is evident in the biological monitoring in the Sandy Creek watershed in community in Sandy Creek at Garrett Road. response to problems noted in 2006 and Since 2004, the biological community at 2007. Additional monitoring stations were Turkey Farm and Chapel Hill roads has added at Cornwallis Road and Erwin Road. remained relatively stable. All other stations were maintained. A total of nine stations were monitored in 2008, including an upstream station in Orange County at Turkey Farm Road. Pollution sources Water from New Hope Creek goes to Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River Stormwater Services staff conducted 30 before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. investigations of potential pollution sources in the New Hope Creek watershed during Generally, water clarity improved at Chapel 2007-2008. The sources of pollution Hill Road and Garrett Road between 2007 identified during these investigations include and 2008. Clarity continued to be Good at sanitary sewer overflows (public), private other stations as well, with the exception of sewer lateral overflows, and sewer line Mud Creek. Fecal coliform bacteria remained breaks. Poor at most stations in Durham County, although monitoring at Turkey Farm Road Number of pollution sources found: 30 and Erwin Road indicate bacteria levels Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 11 entering the county meet water quality Number of erosion & sedimentation standards. violations: 1

What can I do to protect water quality? (Tip #2) Properly dispose of paints, cleaners, and solvents at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center What can I do to protect water (1900 E. Club Blvd., 560-4381). quality? (Tip #8) Take vehicles to a commercial car wash where the wash water is treated and/or recycled.

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: New Hope Creek Watershed page 2 of 4 New Hope Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Index Clarity Recreation Aquatic Life New Hope Creek at Chapel Hill Rd 82 N/A (NH0.0NHC)

New Hope Creek at Erwin Rd N/A N/A (NH3.0NHC)

New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Rd 88 (NH8.8NHC) *

Mud Creek at Pickett Rd 86 N/A (NH2.3MC)

Sandy Creek at Garrett Rd 84 N/A (NH1.0SC)

Sandy Creek or Cornwallis Rd 84 N/A (NH3.3SC)

Sandy Creek at Erwin Rd N/A N/A (NH4.3SC)

Sandy Creek Trib D Tributary at Duke N/A N/A University Rd (NH4.8SCTDT)

Sandy Creek Tributary D at Anderson St N/A N/A (NH5.0SCTD)

* Reference site Good Fair Poor

Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Call 560-SWIM to report dumping or draining when it’s not raining!

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: New Hope Creek Watershed page 3 of 4 This page intentionally blank to maintain pagination

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: New Hope Creek Watershed page 3 of 4 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Northeast Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Northeast Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 7878

The Northeast Creek watershed is located in the south-eastern portion of the City. The watershed includes a large portion of Research Triangle Park, and may also include a significant amount of the proposed regional rail network within Durham County. Northeast Creek at Highway 54 The lower watershed contains large areas of protected lands, including the game lands Although Stormwater Services attempted to associated with Jordan Lake. determine changes to water quality in the Northeast Creek watershed, staff were In 2008, Stormwater Services expanded unable to determine improving or worsening monitoring in the Northeast Creek watershed conditions over the last five years. The water to add an additional station on the North quality in this watershed fluctuates Prong of Northeast Creek at Meridian substantially making five-year analysis Parkway. This station is intended to difficult. The biological community at Sedwick Road has remained stable over the last five years, with a Poor rating. Water from Northeast Creek goes to Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Pollution sources

Stormwater Services staff conducted 8 describe pollution originating from the City, investigations of potential pollution in the versus combined City-County pollution that Northeast Creek watershed during 2007- is monitored at downstream stations. As 2008. The sources of pollution identified shown on the next page, water quality at the during these investigations include sanitary three Northeast Creek watershed monitoring sewer overflows (public), petroleum products stations varied in 2008, with the worst and yard wastes. turbidity and fecal coliform levels occurring at the new Meridian Parkway station. Number of pollution sources found: 8 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 4 Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Index Clarity Recreation Aquatic Life Northeast Creek at Sedwick Rd 75 N/A (NE0.0NE) Northeast Creek at Highway 54 N/A N/A (NE1.2NE) North Prong at Meridian Pkwy 81 N/A (NE2.2NP)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Northeast Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Third Fork Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Third Fork Creek Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 7777

The Third Fork Creek watershed drains an older portion of Durham south of the Durham Freeway. The watershed includes headwaters near Forest Hills and NC Central University and continues southeasterly through Hope Valley to Woodcroft. The Rock Creek at Elmira Street watershed is entirely within the City of Durham. quality in this watershed fluctuates widely, making five-year analysis difficult. Stormwater Services maintained monitoring in 2008, adding new stations on Martin Luther King Parkway and Highway 751 in Hope Valley. A total of seven stations were monitored in this watershed during 2008. Pollution sources Water from Third Fork Creek flows to Stormwater Services staff conducted 34 Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River investigations of pollution in the Third Fork before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Creek watershed during 2007-2008. The sources of pollution identified during these All monitoring sites except Third Fork Creek investigations included sanitary sewer at Highway 751 had elevated levels of fecal overflows (public and private), petroleum coliform bacteria. This includes both new products, discarded paint, erosion and stations in the Hope Valley area and at sedimentation, and other sources. Martin Luther King Parkway. Water clarity continued to be relatively good, with The number of investigations with identified improvement noted at University Drive sources increased substantially for this between 2007 and 2008. Overall, the watershed, from 19 in 2007 to 34 in 2008. annual water quality index improved from 69 This was partially due to an increase in in 2007 to 77 in 2008. sanitary sewer overflows from seven to 15.

Stormwater Services was unable to Number of pollution sources: 34 determine improving or worsening changes Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 15 to water quality in the Third Fork Creek watershed over the last five years. The water Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 4

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Index Clarity Recreation Aquatic Life Third Fork Creek at Highway 751 86 (TF0.0TC) Third Fork Creek at Martin Luther King Pkwy 76 N/A (TF3.4TC) Third Fork Creek at Weaver St N/A N/A (TF4.4TC) Third Fork Creek at University Dr 73 N/A (TF5.6TC) Third Fork Creek Tributary C at Hope Valley 74 N/A Rd (TF2.0TCTC) Rock Creek at Elmira St N/A N/A (TF5.1RC) Tributary to Rock Creek at Sima Ave 73 N/A (TF6.5RCUT)

Good Fair Poor

City of Durham 2008 State of our Streams Report: Third Fork Creek Watershed 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2008 Reference Site: Flat River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Stormwater Services maintains three reference monitoring sites that are located well outside the City limits. One of the three references sites is located in the Flat River watershed. Information and data from the reference sites can be compared to sites within the City to determine if conditions are unusually different from a rural stream site, which typically have better water quality. Flat River at State Forest Road Water from the Flat River flows to Lake Michie, Falls Lake, the Neuse River and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Pollution sources The Flat River monitoring site is located Stormwater Services does not conduct upstream of Lake Michie, the primary investigations of pollution sources in the Flat drinking water source for the City of River watershed as the entire watershed is Durham. Not only is the Flat River outside of the City limits. monitoring site a good background site, but this site allows the City to monitor the quality of water entering Lake Michie. At SR1614 (State Forest Road), the Flat River drains approximately 149 square miles of land area in Person, Orange, and Durham counties. Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Flat River at State Forest Rd 92 (FR13.0FR)

Good Fair Poor Flat River Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 9292

Stormwater Services maintains three reference monitoring sites that are located well outside the City limits. One of the three references sites is located in the Little River watershed. Information and data from the reference sites can be compared to sites within the City to determine if conditions are unusually different from a rural stream site, which typically have better water quality. Little River at Johnson Mill Rd Water from the Little River flows to Falls Reservoir. At Johnson Mill Road (SR1461), Lake, the Neuse River and the Albemarle the Little River drains approximately 78.2 -Pamlico Sound before reaching the square miles of land area in Orange and Durham counties. Atlantic Ocean.

The Little River monitoring site is located upstream of Little River Reservoir, a Pollution sources secondary drinking water source for the City Stormwater Services did not conduct of Durham. Not only is the Little River investigations of pollution sources in the monitoring site a good background site, but Little River watershed during 2007-2008. this site allows the City to monitor the quality of water entering the Little River

Waterbody 2008 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Little River at Johnson Mill Rd 90 (LR9.6LR)

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Little River Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 9090