State of Our Streams 2006 Report Prepared by the City of Durham Stormwater Services Division

A Report on Water Quality to the Citizens of Durham

The State of Our Streams: 2006

Water quality, from the stream to the tap, affects us all. We depend on clean surface water (streams and lakes) for many uses such as drinking, recreating, and supporting aquatic life.

Water flows from creeks, streams and rivers in Durham to local water supply reservoirs, including Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir. City and State parks are located along several waterways, and each year the Festival on the Eno grows larger. Surface water resources are important to the City of Durham, past, present and future. Northeast Creek Recognizing that surface waters are a finite resource that require constant protection, How is water quality? the Clean Water Act was passed in 1970. Additional programs have since been Water quality in the City of Durham ranges adopted at the federal level that require from Good to Poor depending upon where cities, and some counties, to develop you are in the city and depending upon how comprehensive stormwater management you judge water quality. One way to judge programs to protect and restore water water quality is by using the North Carolina quality in all surface waters. Stormwater Water Quality Standards. These standards runoff from urban and suburban areas of are independent of the land use and are cities has been identified as a primary cause intended to provide a baseline water quality of the degradation of streams, lakes, level. Another way is using your own eyes reservoirs and estuaries across the country. and nose. If you see trash in the stream The City of Durham conducts water quality (e.g., shopping carts, bicycles, old engines) monitoring in its streams under a federal or smell a foul odor, water quality is permit program as required by the Clean probably not good. Water Act. This monitoring information has been summarized in the State of Our In this third year of producing the State of Streams report for the last two years. our Streams report, it appears that water quality is generally the same. Water quality on a large scale does not appear to be The number of water quality better; however, it is also not worse. This is 213 investigations initiated in an accomplishment given the drought that 2006. impacted our area during 2005.

Water Quality Monitoring Program The water quality index can also be used to Federal permitting regulations require the identify target areas for clean-up and to City of Durham to monitor water quality in communicate stream conditions to citizens. local streams. Stormwater Services staff collect water samples on a regular basis The City has limited staff and resources to from streams throughout the city. Analyses improve water quality. Therefore, it is of these samples includes biochemical essential that citizens become involved and oxygen demand, nutrients, sediment and provide additional eyes, ears, and noses to metals. Fecal coliform bacteria is also help find and eliminate sources of pollution. analyzed regularly. Analysis of these parameters allows city and state staff to The index provides a water quality grade evaluate potential risks to people, drinking that ranges from 0 to 100 relative to other water supplies and aquatic resources (e.g., streams in Durham County. All urban fish, waterfowl). streams generally fail to meet at least one federal or state water quality standard, so Stormwater Services staff also collect all urban streams fail in some manner. aquatic life to determine impacts to water However, the water quality index allows quality. It would be prohibitively expensive citizens and Stormwater Services to identify to monitor for all of the toxic chemicals that those areas with the most serious pollution could be present. Aquatic insects, or issues and to track significant changes. benthic macroinvertebrates, are collected annually as a surrogate to extensive 2006 Water Quality Index Results chemical monitoring. Insects help staff to The water quality index results for 2006 are learn which streams no longer support summarized in Figure 1. Red indicates the abundant life, assuming the watershed was poorest water quality. At the other end of minimally disturbed. Streams may be rated the color range, dark green shows better Poor, Fair, Good or Excellent with an quality water. Between the extremes is a Excellent rating indicating the best insect range of conditions: yellow-green indicates community and water quality. some pollution, while light orange through dark orange indicate increasing pollution. In 2006, the City of Durham conducted a combination of chemical and bacterial Colored areas in the map correspond to the monitoring at 36 locations and aquatic life area that contributed to the index result. monitoring at 17 locations in and around the These areas are called watersheds and City of Durham. indicate the land area contributing pollution to the stream. In general, stormwater runoff Water Quality Index draining from highly urbanized watersheds To provide an overall picture of the health (e.g., downtown and older areas surrounding of our streams, Stormwater Services downtown) degrades water more than less combines all of the chemical measurements developed areas. The water quality index of water quality into a water quality index. helps pinpoint which areas contribute The water quality index is like a numerical relatively more pollutants to our waterways. grade for our streams. Looking at this grade from year to year can indicate overall The water quality index summarizes progress in cleaning up area streams. chemical data collected at 25 locations in and around the City of Durham.

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 2 The State of Our Streams: 2006

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 3 The State of Our Streams: 2006

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 4 The State of Our Streams: 2006

Fecal coliform bacteria is a measure of pathogens in surface water. Elevated levels may pose a health risk for people wading in streams or pets and wildlife that drink from streams. The state evaluates fecal coliform bacteria as an average and based on the frequency of high levels. Mapped areas in red exceed both state evaluation levels by a large amount. The red area is in the South Ellerbe and Goose Creek watersheds covering an older part of Durham west to the Duke University East Campus.

What’s going on with Jordan Lake? neighborhoods and commercial areas to meet nutrient loading goals for Jordan The City of Durham and other municipalities Lake. The City must conduct feasibility have been working with the State to studies from which to propose a plan for determine what actions were needed to these additional controls. protect Jordan Lake for many years. For 3. Ensure protection of existing vegetated example, before the Jordan Lake dam was areas 50 feet wide adjacent to built several municipalities upgraded intermittent and perennial streams and wastewater treatment. Since the dam was ponds. built, the City of Durham upgraded the wastewater treatment plant a second time These requirements will not be in effect for to remove more pollutants. However, the several years, but have the potential to State still considers Jordan Lake impaired require developers to include additional and federal programs are now framing the stormwater treatment in any proposed management of Jordan Lake. designs and restrictions on development of currently vegetated streamside areas. For a In 2005, the State began working on draft complete copy of the draft rules, go to language for rules to promote additional http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/nps/ pollutant removal in the Jordan Lake JordanNutrientStrategy.htm watershed. The City of Durham participated in meetings and provided comments to the What is the City of Durham doing State on the draft language. At the end of about water quality? 2006, the State formally initiated a process to move the draft language to regulations. The Stormwater Services group approaches These new rules would require the following protection in three ways: prevention, of the City of Durham: restoration and public education. 1. Develop and implement programs Prevention activities include City design requiring additional stormwater controls requirements, reviewing design of on new land development projects to stormwater control and treatment devices meet nutrient loading goals for Jordan for compliance with City design Lake. requirements, and ultimately approving 2. Incrementally implement additional construction designs. stormwater controls on existing

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 5 The State of Our Streams: 2006

Stormwater Services staff also inspect the Sources and Types of Pollution Found construction and maintenance of these in 2006 control and treatment devices to ensure they are functioning and providing the Cooking grease Household issues, 4 necessary environmental benefit. and f ood oil, 5 Sanit ary sewer line breaks, 9 One new Stormwater Services Division Other sources and Discarded paint , 10 initiative is the production of watershed connect ions, 50 Erosion and management plans for restoration and sediment ation, 14 protection. The first of these plans will be developed for the Ellerbe Creek watershed. Public presentations will be made as part of Petroleum spill or leak, 25 this plan development. Sanitary sewer Sewer lateral overf low (public), overflow (privat e), 29 Investigations 14 Illicit discharges are another source of pollution in urban areas. Illicit discharges are those non-stormwater discharges that have not been authorized by a permit. Stormwater Services works with other parts Illicit discharges typically occur at specific of the City government to identify and fix locations. Illicit discharges include illegal illicit discharges to City surface waters. Of dumping, such as pet owners disposing of those sources of pollution identified in 2006, pet wastes in the stormwater system. Illicit the City is directly responsible for cleaning discharges also include discharges from up public sanitary sewer overflows. failing septic systems and leaky sanitary sewers, overflows from clogged sanitary In those cases where the source of pollution sewer systems, and direct connections of occurs on private property, Stormwater private sanitary sewer laterals to Services staff issue a “Notice of Violation” stormwater pipes instead of sanitary sewer to the responsible party. Stormwater pipes. Services staff are available to work cooperatively with business owners and Investigations by Stormwater Services staff residents to develop rapid and effective indicated that the number one source of means of stopping the release of pollution pollution in 2006 was sanitary sewer and ensuring that the discharge does not overflows. When grouped together, the occur in the future. Civil penalties are majority of releases to surface waters were typically levied for repeat offenders or in caused by sewage from either public or cases of willful negligence. private facilities. Overflows are usually caused by roots, grease, or other items that The City looks for illicit discharges to clog sanitary sewers. eliminate them. One of the goals of monitoring is to identify target areas where Anything that is poured or thrown into a such discharges are most likely to be found. storm drain goes into our creeks and Finding and eliminating illegal discharges streams. Stormwater does not receive can improve water quality much faster than treatment before being discharged to anything else the City can do. streams!

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 6 The State of Our Streams: 2006

City Stormwater Ordinance The City adopted a Stormwater Management area. Spill clean-up kits are required for and Pollution Control Ordinance in late 2006 properties on which 10 or more gallons of to improve water quality in local streams. petroleum or automotive products are The ordinance specifies actions to prevent stored. pollution from entering streams as a result Storage of Salvaged Vehicles of stormwater discharges. These rules were Outdoor storage of 10 or more junked, necessary because pollution from private salvaged, or unlicensed vehicles requires a and public drainage systems is significant Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan by and harms our streams and lakes. Poor February 2008 for all facilities. quality of water in our streams and lakes threatens public health, safety and welfare. The number of water quality The new ordinance strengthens the City’s 41 investigations initiated by rules on activities that cause pollution thus citizens of Durham in 2006. improving the quality of life for Durham citizens. What can you do to improve water quality? Several major provisions of the ordinance: One way citizens help in that effort is Illicit Discharges and Spills through calling the water pollution hotline The ordinance prohibits the indirect or di- (560- SWIM). Since the hotline began in rect discharge, emission, disposal, pouring 1996, citizens have helped to find many or pumping of any liquid, solid, gas or other pollution sources. Citizen calls resulted in 41 substance into the storm drain. water quality investigations in 2005-2006. Illicit Connections Other things you can do include: The ordinance outlaws pipes or ditches that 1. Never dump anything down storm drains can carry non-stormwater to storm drains or or in streams. Stormwater does not go directly to streams. to a wastewater treatment facility, but directly into our rivers and reservoirs. Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! 2. Drive less. Walk, bicycle, take the bus or share a ride. Combine errands when you Call 560-SWIM to report dumping drive. or draining when it’s not raining! 3. Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off. Mulch grass clippings when mowing. Drainage 4. Reduce the amount of paved surfaces The drainage system on one’s property must around your home (e.g., patios and be kept free of anything that would block it, driveways). Consider using permeable including trash and debris. Property owners paving or patterns of cement and brick must ensure that leaves, grass, branches, that allow water to filter into the waste and dirt do not enter storm drains. ground. Automotive Activities 5. Install rain barrels and rain gardens to Motor oil, antifreeze, other automotive flu- collect water runoff from your house ids and other petroleum products that are roof. These will keep stormwater out of stored outdoors must be stored in a covered streams. Moreover, you can use this water on your garden for free!!

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 7 The State of Our Streams: 2006

Explanation of watershed attachments Clarity (Turbidity): Sediment washed into streams can cause the water to appear In order to provide additional information, a cloudy or muddy. One measure of sediment 1-page attachment was created for the in streams is turbidity, or light scattering. primary watersheds in the City of Durham. Turbidity is directly measured in surface These 1-page attachments provide a waters and has a North Carolina water description of the watershed, any grassroots quality standard of 50 Nepholmetric programs to protect the watershed, a Turbidity Units (NTU). Ratings are as summary of water quality and a summary of follows: problems found during 2006. Good: Meets state standard Poor: Does not meet standard The Water Quality maps provide colored Within a watershed, if there are stations areas corresponding to the water quality rated Good and Poor, the watershed will index of the nearest downstream monitoring receive a rating of Fair for clarity. station. The darker green indicates good water quality while dark orange and red Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus): indicates bad water quality. Additional Although not separately summarized in the water quality information is summarized 2006 State of Our Streams report, the using non-technical terms, as follows: amount of phosphorus and nitrogen flowing through City streams is directly related to Aquatic life (Insects or benthic macro- the management of Jordan and Falls Lakes. invertebrates): This parameter is a direct When too much phosphorus and nitrogen measure of the variety of insects found in reaches slow moving waters, such as lakes, City streams. The insects live on roots, reservoirs and ponds, excessive algae can under rocks and under leaves. The greater result. the variety of insects, the better the rating. The more worms and leeches, the lower the rating. This rating is often a better indicator of overall water quality than the Click below to go directly to your index. watershed.

Recreation (Fecal coliform bacteria): Recreational impacts are tied to indicators Neuse River Basin for bacteria and viruses. Elevated levels Eno River may pose a health risk for people wading in Ellerbe Creek streams or pets that drink from streams. Panther Creek Fecal coliform bacteria is directly measured Little Lick Creek and has two North Carolina water quality Lick Creek standards, an average of 200 colony forming Stirrup Iron Creek units (cfu) per milliliter (mL) and number of exceedances of 400 cfu/mL. Ratings are as Cape Fear River Basin follows: New Hope Creek Good: Meets both state standards Third Fork Creek Fair: Meets mean standard Crooked Creek Poor: Does not meet either standard Northeast Creek

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 8 The State of Our Streams: 2006 Eno River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

This sheet is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2006 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 Eno River watershed extends from the Town of Hillsborough through Orange County before reaching the City of Durham. A significant part of North Durham is within the Eno River Watershed. The area includes typical suburban development as well as many parks, preserved lands and other greenspace. Parks and preserved lands include Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, West Eno River at West Point on the Eno City Park Point on the Eno Park, Valley Springs Park and the Eno River State Park. Watershed. More information on the Eno River Association can be found at : Flooding has been intermittent near the http://www.enoriver.org/ intersection of North Roxboro Street and the An Adopt-a-Stream group, the Friends of Eno River. The City of Durham has West Point, regularly monitor Black Meadow completed buyouts of the most severely Branch, a tributary stream to the Eno River. affected residential properties with funding assistance from the Federal Emergency Along the Eno River in the City of Durham, Management Agency (FEMA). The City is three different locations are monitored developing a warning system to notify local regularly. Tributary monitoring is planned in residents and businesses when conditions the future. Overall, water quality in the are suitable for or likely to result in Eno River is good. Insects at Cole Mill Road Water from the Eno River goes to Falls received a Good rating in 2006. The Lake, the Neuse River, and the indicator for recreation, fecal coliform Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before bacteria, was better than the state water reaching the Atlantic Ocean. quality standards at all three stations. 2006 Water Quality Summary localized flooding. Eno River flow rates were typical during 2006. The Eno River As- Water Quality Index: 86 sociation is the most significant group dedi- cated to the preservation of the Eno River 55 65 75 85 95 and the Eno River watershed. This organiza- Poor Good tion has assisted with the protection of over Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity 5,000 acres of land in the Eno River Fair Good Good

Eno River at No. Roxboro St. WQ Index: 86 Fecal coliform: Good Clarity: Good Insects: Good-Fair

Eno River at Cole Mill Rd. WQ Index: 86 Fecal coliform: Good Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Eno River at Old Oxford Hwy. WQ Index: 86 Fecal coliform: Good Clarity: Good Insects: Fair

Water clarity, as measured by turbidity, was Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! better than the state water quality stan- Call 560-SWIM to report dumping dards at all stations monitored. Indicators for recreation, clarity and nutrients are re- or draining when it’s not raining! flected in the water quality index for the Eno River, while the status of the insect Stormwater Services staff conducted 9 in- community is not. vestigations in the Eno River watershed during 2006. The sources of pollution identified The State of North Carolina conducts an in- during these investigations include private dependent assessment of the Eno River. sewer lines, sanitary sewer overflows and The most recent state assessment can be breaks, petroleum discharges, discarded found at the following internet address: paint and cooking oil and grease. All of http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/basinwide/ these sources of pollution entered the Eno Neuse/neuse_basin.htm. River system prior to cleanup.

For more information, visit our website at Number of water quality investigations: 9 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 2 Stormwater Services at 560-4326. Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 1

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Eno River Watershed The State of Our Streams: 2006 Ellerbe Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

The Ellerbe Creek watershed drains the downtown area of the City of Durham to the north and east of Highway 147 and includes some of the most developed areas in the city. In some areas, it may be difficult to locate Ellerbe Creek and streams flowing to Ellerbe Creek since the streams may have been moved underground in pipes. There are numerous parks and other preserved The City of Durham monitors ten different lands in the watershed, including Rock stream locations regularly. These Quarry Park, Northgate Park, Duke Park, stations are located on Ellerbe Creek, South Indian Trail Park, Bennett Place State Ellerbe Creek and Goose Creek as shown on Historical Site, Duke Homestead Historical the map on the following page. Site, East End Park, Long Meadow Park, and Sherwood Park. Interstate 85 also runs Water quality in the Ellerbe Creek through much of this watershed. Two large watershed varies with very good quality at streams flowing to Ellerbe Creek are Goose Murray Avenue to poor at Holloway Street. Creek and South Ellerbe Creek. Ellerbe Insect communities at three different Creek drains much of older Durham, locations were rated Fair or Poor, indicating including the area around the School of the streams are not supporting many types Science and Mathematics. of aquatic life. The indicator for recreation, fecal coliform bacteria, was worse than the Water from Ellerbe Creek goes to Falls state water quality standards at all stations Lake, the Neuse River, and the monitored. The areas with the highest level Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before of fecal coliform bacteria were South reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Ellerbe Creek and Goose Creek.

2006 Water Quality Summary The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association Water Quality Index: 78 and Friends of South Ellerbe Creek both work to protect and restore the creek and watershed. Web addresses for these 55 65 75 85 95 organizations are as follows: Poor Good http://www.ellerbecreek.org/ and Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity http://www.owdna.org/fosec.htm. Poor Poor Fair

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 Ellerbe Cr at Stadium Dr Ellerbe Cr at Glenn Rd Ellerbe Cr at Bellevue Ave WQ Index: Not available Ellerbe Cr at Murray Ave WQ Index: 76 WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Fair WQ Index: 87 Fecal coliform: Poor Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Fecal coliform: Fair Clarity: Good Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available Clarity: Good Insects: Fair Insects: Not available Insects: Fair

Goose Cr at Camden Ave WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available South Ellerbe Cr at Glendale Ave WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Ellerbe Cr at Midland Terr Insects: Not available WQ Index: 85 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available South Ellerbe Cr Tributary WQ Index: Not available Goose Cr at Holloway St. Fecal coliform: Poor South Ellerbe Cr at Glendale Ave WQ Index: 69 Clarity: Good WQ Index: 75 Fecal coliform: Poor Insects: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Poor Insects: Not available These creeks drain the older portion of Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Durham, including downtown and areas east and west of downtown. Water clarity, as Call 560-SWIM to report dumping measured by turbidity, was better than the or draining when it’s not raining! state water quality standards at all stations monitored. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels the status of the insect community is not. were elevated at the Glenn Road and Holloway Street monitoring locations. Stormwater Services staff conducted 82 However, the North Durham Water investigations in the Ellerbe Creek Reclamation Facility sends treated watershed during 2006. The sources of wastewater to Ellerbe Creek above the pollution identified during these Glenn Road site and is likely contributing to investigations include erosion, private sewer elevated nutrients. Indicators for lines, sanitary sewer overflows and breaks, recreation, clarity and nutrients are yard waste, petroleum discharges, wash reflected in the water quality index, while water discharge, discarded paint and cooking oil and grease. For more Number of water quality investigations: 82 information, visit our website at Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 18 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 11 Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed The State of Our Streams: 2006 New Hope Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

This sheet is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2006 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 New Hope Creek watershed includes a portion of the Duke University West Campus, Duke Forest, and areas south including the busy 15-501 highway extending between the cities of Durham and Chapel Hill. The area includes development typical of that appearing near major highways with several shopping centers. Parks and preserved lands New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Road include Duke Forest (Durham Division), Jordan Lake Game Lands to the south, and Water quality in the New Hope Creek Cornwallis Road City Park. watershed varies. Insect communities at three different locations was rated Fair, Water from New Hope Creek goes to indicating the stream were not supporting Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River many types of aquatic life. The indicator before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. for recreation, fecal coliform bacteria, was worse than the state water quality standards The New Hope Audubon Society promotes at all stations monitored in the City of the conservation and enjoyment of birds, Durham. An upstream reference site in Orange County had fecal coliform levels other wildlife, and natural ecosystems. The better than the state water quality New Hope Audubon Society is also active in water quality issues. Their web site: standards. Nutrient concentrations were at http://www.newhopeaudubon.org/ average levels at all stations monitored. Two Adopt-a-Stream groups in this Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! watershed perform regular clean-ups and monitoring of stream health. They are Call 560-SWIM to report dumping Forest View Elementary and the Duke School or draining when it’s not raining! (4th grade). 2006 Water Quality Summary The New Hope Creek watershed is a large area, including several square miles of Water Quality Index: 83 Orange County. Within the City of Durham, four different locations on New Hope Creek 55 65 75 85 95 are monitored regularly by Stormwater Poor Good Services, as shown on the map on the Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity following page. Fair Poor Fair

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 New Hope Creek Sandy Creek Tributary at Academy Rd WQ Index: Not available Watershed Map Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Mud Creek at Pickett Rd. WQ Index: 83 Fecal coliform: Fair—Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available

Sandy Creek Tributary at Academy Rd WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Sandy Creek at Garrett Rd. WQ Index: 80 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Fair

New Hope Creek at Chapel Hill Rd. WQ Index: 81 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available Turbidity, an indicator of excessive watershed during 2006. The sources of sediment in streams, exceeded the state pollution identified during these standards at all New Hope Creek stations in investigations include erosion and the City of Durham. The reference site sedimentation, private sewer lines, laundry passed state water quality standards. wash water discharge, and discarded paint. This watershed had the highest number of Stormwater Services staff conducted 24 investigations associated with erosion and investigations in the New Hope Creek sedimentation (eight [8] investigations).

Number of water quality investigations: 24 For more information, visit our website at Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 7 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 0 Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: New Hope Creek Watershed The State of Our Streams: 2006 Panther Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

The Panther Creek watershed is one of the smaller watersheds underlying the City of Durham. Although the City limits stretch to include a portion of the Panther Creek watershed off Geer Street, development has not included significant commercial or industrial areas to date. Neighborhood areas in the Panther Creek watershed include Stillwood, Carpenter Point, and Panther Creek at Burton Road Panther Creek. The most recent state assessment of the The City of Durham monitors water quality Neuse River Basin can be found at the at one location in Panther Creek. That one following internet address: http:// station indicates that water quality is not h2o.enr.state.nc.us/basinwide/Neuse/ good. The indicator for recreation, fecal neuse_basin.htm. coliform bacteria, was worse than both of the state standards for bacteria in surface Stormwater Services staff conducted 1 waters. Water clarity, as measured by investigation in the Panther Creek turbidity, was also worse than the state watershed during 2006. The source of pollution identified during this investigation Water from Panther Creek goes to Falls was a sanitary sewer overflow. Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. water quality standard. Indicators for 2006 Water Quality Summary recreation and clarity are reflected in the water quality index for Panther Creek. Insect communities are not evaluated in Water Quality Index: 78 Panther Creek because of dry conditions.

55 65 75 85 95 The State of North Carolina conducts Poor Good independent assessments of water quality. Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Not Available Poor Poor

Panther Creek at Burton Rd WQ Index: 78 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available

For more information, visit our website at www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

Number of water quality investigations: 1 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 1

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Panther Creek The State of Our Streams: 2006 Little Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

The Little Lick Creek watershed includes annexed areas east of the contiguous city limits in an area between US Highway 70 and Falls lake. This area includes a few schools and the Oak Grove Shopping Center and Elementary School. Land preservation is primarily in the form of parks, and Little Lick Creek at Mineral Springs Road includes Twin Lakes Park, Birchwood Park, 3. Work with local experts, including staff and C.R. Wood Park. NC Highway 98 and US from Stormwater Services, and commu- Highway 70 are prominent features of this nity members to implement the water- watershed. The Girl Scouts of America shed plan, and Troops 966 and 711 have adopted Little Lick 4. Prioritize NCEEP funds for implementing Creek at Birchwood Park and regularly projects. perform stream clean-ups. The local watershed plan was completed in

2006 and is available on the web at the fol- The Upper Neuse River Basin Association, in lowing address: coordination with the NC Ecosystem http://www.unrba.org/littlelick/ Enhancement Program (NCEEP), initiated a local watershed planning process for Little The City of Durham monitors water quality Lick Creek in 2004 and completed in 2006. at at two locations in the Little Lick Creek The goals of the project were as follows: watershed. These locations are near Lynn 1. Help identify the possible sources of Road and Mineral Springs Road. These sta- degradation tions indicates that water quality is not 2. Create a plan for restoring health to the stream 2006 Water Quality Summary Water from Little Lick Creek goes to Falls Water Quality Index: 75 Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before 55 65 75 85 95 reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Poor Good Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Poor Poor Fair

Little Lick Cr Tributary at Lynn Rd WQ Index: 78 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Little Lick Cr at Mineral Springs Rd WQ Index: 72 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Poor

good. The indicator for recreation, fecal Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! coliform bacteria, was worse than both of the state standards for bacteria in surface Call 560-SWIM to report dumping waters at both locations. Water clarity, as or draining when it’s not raining! measured by turbidity, was worse than the state standard at one location, but meets Stormwater Services staff conducted 8 the state standard at the other location. investigations in the Little Lick Creek water- Indicators for recreation, nutrients and shed during 2006. The sources of pollution turbidity are reflected in the water quality identified during these investigations were index, while the status of the insect petroleum leaks and spills, sanitary sewer community is not. overflows, and discarded cooking oil and grease.

For more information, visit our website at Number of water quality investigations: 8 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 2 Stormwater Services at 560-4326. Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 2

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Little Lick Creek The State of Our Streams: 2006 Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

The Lick Creek watershed lies on the far eastern boundary of the city limits. New developments are underway in the Lick Creek watershed, such as Brightleaf on the Park. The Lick Creek watershed includes areas north of US Highway 70 to Falls Lake. The watershed is somewhat bounded by Sherron Road on the west and Coley Road on Lick Creek at Boyce Mill Rd (Courtesy of UNRBA) the east. Public greenspace is limited to the Butner-Falls of the Neuse Game land The City of Durham monitors water quality associated with Falls Lake. A large portion at two locations in the Lick Creek of this watershed is outside of the City of watershed. These locations are near Durham in Durham County but within the Southview and Kemp Roads. These stations City’s urban growth boundary. indicate that water quality is not good in Lick Creek. The Rocky Branch Creek station The Upper Neuse River Basin Association had the worst water quality index for 2006, (UNRBA) convened a group of stakeholders indicating that poor water chemistry exists and started the development of a local at this location. Indicators for recreation, watershed plan late in 2006. A community nutrients and turbidity are reflected in the information meeting was held in November water quality index. Water from Lick Creek goes to Falls The indicator for recreation, fecal coliform Lake, the Neuse River, and the bacteria, was worse than both of the state Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before standards for bacteria in surface waters. reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Similarly, water clarity, as measured by

2006 with additional meetings planned. Lick Creek was included on the 2006 State of 2006 Water Quality Summary North Carolina List of Impaired Waters. The Water Quality Index: 72 degradation of the insect community is the basis for the State impaired designation.

The project website is located at the 55 65 75 85 95 following address: Poor Good www.unrba.org/lick/index.shtml Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Fair Poor Fair

Lick Creek at Southview Rd WQ Index: 78 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Fair

Rocky Branch Creek at Kemp Rd WQ Index: 65 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available turbidity, was worse than the state standard at both locations. Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Call 560-SWIM to report dumping Stormwater Services staff were not or draining when it’s not raining! contacted for investigations in the Lick Creek Watershed during 2006. For more information, visit our website at www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

Number of water quality investigations: 0

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Lick Creek The State of Our Streams: 2006 Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

The Stirrup Iron Creek watershed lies north of Interstate 40, south of US Highway 70, and east of Miami Boulevard to the Durham County-Wake County line. Within the watershed, there includes areas of the City of Durham, Durham County, and individual business parks. The business parks include Triangle Business Center, Technology Park, Pinnacle One Industrial Park and Page Road Stirrup Iron Creek at Chin Page Road Business Park. Although there is no public greenspace, there is a significant amount of undeveloped land in the watershed. for Stirrup Iron Creek is elevated levels of copper measured in surface waters. Levels The City of Durham monitors water quality of copper in Stirrup Iron Creek are higher at one location in Stirrup Iron Creek, near than any other location within the City of Chin Page Road. That station indicates that Durham and may be due to the industrial water quality is not good. The indicator for activities in the area. recreation, fecal coliform bacteria, was worse than both of the state standards for Stormwater Services staff conducted 2 investigations in the Stirrup Iron Creek Water from Stirrup Iron Creek flows to watershed during 2006. The source of the Lake Crabtree, Crabtree Creek, pollution identified during one of these the Neuse River and the Albemarle- investigations was discarded paint. Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. bacteria in surface waters. Water clarity, as measured by turbidity, met the state water 2006 Water Quality Summary quality standard at this location. Water Quality Index: 71

Other indicators for recreation (e.g., nutrients, trace metals, and clarity) are 55 65 75 85 95 reflected in the water quality index of 71. A Poor Good primary cause of the low water quality index Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Not Available Poor Good

Stirrup Iron Creek at Chin Page Rd WQ Index: 71 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available

For more information, visit our website at Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Stormwater Services at 560-4326. Call 560-SWIM to report dumping or draining when it’s not raining!

Number of water quality investigations: 2 Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 0 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Stirrup Iron Creek The State of Our Streams: 2006 Northeast Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

The Northeast Creek watershed is located in the southern portion of the City. This watershed includes a large portion of Research Triangle Park (RTP); in fact most of the eastern portion of the watershed lies within RTP. A significant portion of the lower watershed includes the Jordan Game Land. Major roads in the watershed include the Durham Freeway, South Alston Avenue Northeast Creek at Highway 54 and Highway 55. Interstate 40 and Highway 54 also intersect this watershed. The indicator for recreation, fecal coliform bacteria, was worse than the state water The Northeast Creek Streamwatch quality standards at both stations organization works to monitor and protect monitored, although bacteria levels were water quality in Northeast Creek and the higher at Highway 54. Water clarity, as watershed. The web address for the group measured by turbidity, was also worse than is as follows: www.northeastcreek.org. the state water quality standard at both stations. The water quality index at Sedwick Road of 78 accounts for bacteria Water from Northeast Creek goes to and clarity, but also nutrients and metals in Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River surface waters. The green coloring of the before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. watershed indicates that in 2006, Northeast Creek was a less polluted watershed when compared to others in the City of Durham. The City of Durham monitors two locations in Northeast Creek regularly. These stations are located at Highway 54 and at Sedwick Road. Both of these stations capture a 2006 Water Quality Summary significant portion of RTP. Water quality in Water Quality Index: 78 Northeast Creek is generally fair to poor. Insect communities at Sedwick Road were rated Poor indicating the stream is not 55 65 75 85 95 supporting many types of aquatic life. Poor Good Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Poor Poor Poor

Northeast Creek at Highway 54 WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available

Northeast Creek at Sedwick Rd WQ Index: 78 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Poor

Stormwater Services staff conducted six (6) Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! investigations in the portion of the Northeast Creek watershed that lies within Call 560-SWIM to report dumping the City Limits. The sources of pollution or draining when it’s not raining! identified during these investigations include erosion and sedimentation, sanitary For more information, visit our website at sewer overflows, petroleum spills, discarded www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call paint, and other illicit connections. Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

Number of water quality investigations: 6 Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 1 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 1

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Northeast Creek The State of Our Streams: 2006 Crooked Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

The Crooked Creek watershed is in the southern portion of the City and includes a the relatively new development at the Renaissance at Southpoint Shopping Center. The watershed includes land area both north and south of Interstate 40. Preserved greenspace in the watershed is limited to Piney Wood Park. The Crooked Creek Crooked Creek with Durham Citizen /Adopt-a-Stream Homeowners have adopted the stream and perform clean-ups every year.

Crooked Creek has one of the smaller watersheds in the City of Durham and has not historically received a significant amount of attention. Water quality in this watershed was not monitored during 2006, therefore there is no water quality summary provided.

Water from Crooked Creek flows to Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Stormwater Services staff conducted 2 investigations in the Crooked Creek watershed during 2006. The sources of pollution identified during these investigations included sanitary sewer overflows.

For more information on City stormwater activities, visit our website at www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

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 This page left intentionally blank The State of Our Streams: 2006 Third Fork Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

The Third Fork Creek watershed drains the older portion of Durham near the Durham Freeway south and west to Chapel Hill Road. This watershed includes some of the oldest developed areas in the city, as well as several educational institutions. North Carolina Central University and Durham Technical Community College are both located within this watershed. There are Third Fork Creek at Forest Hills Park numerous parks and other preserved lands in The City of Durham monitors five different the watershed, including Forest Hills Park, stream locations in the Third Fork Creek Elmira Avenue Park, Hillside Park, and watershed regularly. This includes two Southern Boundaries Park. In lower Third monitoring stations on the tributary stream, Fork Creek, a significant amount of land Rock Creek. bordering the creek is part of the Federal Jordan Game Land associated with Jordan Similar to Ellerbe Creek, water quality in Lake. the Third Fork Creek watershed suffers from the age and level of development of the Water from Third Fork Creek flows to watershed. Insect communities at one New Hope Creek, Jordan Lake and the downstream location were rated Fair Cape Fear River before reaching the indicating the stream is not supporting many Atlantic Ocean. types of aquatic life. The indicator for recreation, fecal coliform bacteria, was Meadowsweet Gardens has adopted the worse than the state standard at all Meadowsweet Creek branch of Third Fork locations monitored. The monitoring site Creek. This group performs regular clean- near Burton Park had the highest levels of ups and monitors changes to the creek. 2006 Water Quality Summary Third Fork Creek is considered an impaired waterbody by the State of North Carolina. Water Quality Index: 73 The state finalized a plan (called a Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL) that calls for a 53 percent reduction in solids levels 55 65 75 85 95 Poor Good contributing to turbidity in surface waters of Third Fork Creek. Aquatic Life Recreation Clarity Poor Poor Fair

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 Rock Creek Tributary at Sima Ave WQ Index: 71 Third Fork Creek Fecal coliform: Poor Watershed Map Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available

Third Fork Creek at Forest Hills Bvd WQ Index: 76 Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Third Fork Creek at Weaver St WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Good Insects: Not available

Third Fork Creek at Highway 751 Rock Creek at Elmira St WQ Index: Not available WQ Index: 76 Fecal coliform: Poor Fecal coliform: Poor Clarity: Poor Clarity: Poor Insects: Not available Insects: Not available

Third Fork Creek at So Roxboro St WQ Index: Not available Fecal coliform: Not available Clarity: Not available Insects: Poor

bacteria in the watershed. Water clarity, as Stormwater Services staff conducted 25 measured by turbidity, was better than the investigations in the Third Fork Creek state water quality standards at three watershed during 2006. The sources of stations monitored, as shown in the map pollution identified during these callout boxes. Indicators for recreation, investigations were sanitary sewer clarity, trace metals and nutrients are overflows, sewer line breaks, petroleum reflected in the water quality index, while leaks and spills, erosion and sedimentation, the status of the insect community is not. private sewer leaks, yard wastes, discarded Overall, the watershed water quality index paint and other sources. was 73. For more information, visit our website at Number of water quality investigations: 25 www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Number of petroleum leaks and spills: 2 Stormwater Services at 560-4326.

Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 4

City of Durham 2006 State of our Streams Report: Third Fork Creek