03050112-050 (Wambaw Creek)

General Description Watershed 03050112-050 is located in Berkeley and Charleston Counties and consists primarily of Wambaw Creek and its tributaries. The watershed occupies 63,437 acres of the Lower Coastal Plain and Coastal Zone regions of South Carolina. The predominant soil types consist of an association of the Chipley-Yauhannah-Yemassee-Leon series. The erodibility of the soil (K) averages 0.12 and the slope of the terrain averages 1%, with a range of 0-2%. Land use/land cover in the watershed includes: 87.2% forested land, 10.6% forested wetland, 1.9% nonforested wetland, 0.2% scrub/shrub land, and 0.1% barren land. Wambaw Creek accepts drainage from Wambaw Swamp, Mechaw Creek, Mill Branch, and Cane Branch (Keepers Branch). Little Wambaw Swamp connects Wambaw Swamp and Mechaw Creek. Further downstream, Big Morgan Branch (Little Morgan Branch) enters Wambaw Creek and flows into the South Santee River. There are a total of 67.4 stream miles and 3.8 acres of lake waters, and 8.8 acres of estuarine areas in this watershed, all classified FW. An additional natural resource is the Francis Marion National Forest, which extends across the entire watershed. Located within the National Forest are the Wambaw Creek National Wilderness Area, the Wambaw Swamp National Wilderness Area, and the proposed Waterhorn Historic Area.

Surface Water Quality Station # Type Class Description CSTL-112 W/INT FW WAMBAW CREEK AT EXTENTION OF S-10-857

Wambaw Creek (CSTL-112) – Aquatic life uses are fully supported; however, there is a significant increasing trend in turbidity. There is a significant increasing trend in pH. This is a blackwater system, characterized by naturally low dissolved oxygen conditions. Although dissolved oxygen excursions occurred, they were typical of values seen in blackwater systems and were considered natural, not standards violations. A significant decreasing trend in five-day biochemical oxygen demand suggests improving conditions for this parameter. Recreational uses are partially supported due to fecal coliform bacteria excursions.

A fish consumption advisory has been issued by the Department for mercury and includes Wambaw Creek within this watershed (see advisory p.39).

Growth Potential There is a low potential for growth projected for this watershed.

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