2009 State of Our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed Page 2 of 4 the State of Our Streams: 2009 Eno River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

A Report on Water Quality to the Citizens of Durham

The State of Our Streams: 2009

What a year for water quality in the newspaper! The year began with articles about a proliferation of algae in the Eno River State Park in March. The North Carolina Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Department of Parks and Recreation warned park visitors not to allow children to play on Call 560-SWIM to report anything in the shoreline nor allow pets to drink or swim creeks or storm drains that is not water! in the pond formed by an abandoned quarry in the park. The algae eventually died off with no interference from park officials.

Falls Lake was in the newspaper regularly starting in May. Some headlines focused on testing for bacteria at lake beaches while others focused on the politics of Falls Lake nutrient management rules. A shorter series of articles dealing with bacteria at Falls and Jordan lake beaches highlighted the inconsistent testing at these recreation areas. Articles describing Falls Lake included results of the NC Division of Water Quality’s study of Falls Lake from 2005 through 2007, efforts to put strategies and laws into place to meet state standards, and potential costs to local governments in order to meet the state standards. City staff have appeared on DTV8, the Durham government news channel, discussing both Falls Lake Headlines from The News & Observer and the environmental conditions and projects that Durham Herald-Sun will address water quality issues.

like these and those in other public outlets. Over 100 miles downstream of Falls Lake The headlines shown here focus on the and Raleigh, the Neuse River Estuary was readily identifiable impacts of poor water also in the news during the late summer of quality, such as unsafe swimming and fish 2009. The environmental damage was kills. Less extreme impacts of pollutant may clearly more devastating in the Neuse River cause worse fishing or smelly water. Estuary, where the death of millions of fish

(Atlantic menhaden) was attributed to low There is no reason to think that water quality dissolved oxygen . This fish kill continued news items will disappear since the state is for more than a week. considering new water quality regulations.

We can all look forward to additional public The Triangle area is becoming increasingly information both through our local papers aware of water quality issues due to articles and DTV8.

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: 2009

Investigations are set up to earn a profit. Mobile car Illicit discharges are a source of pollution in washes that do not properly control wash urban areas. Illicit discharges are those water can be a significant source of pollution discharges that occur without city, state, or to the city storm sewer and city streams. federal knowledge of the discharge or of the Proper collection and disposal of wash water environmental impacts. Illicit discharges is possible and encouraged (see photo below include a variety of acts generally resulting for an example of proper containment). in illegal dumping. For example, pouring oil Businesses are required to contact into storm drains, disposing of pet wastes in storm drains, discharges from failing septic Stormwater Services (560-SWIM) to systems and leaky sanitary sewers, overflows demonstrate proper containment and from clogged sanitary sewer systems, and disposal when obtaining a business license. direct connections of private sanitary sewer laterals to stormwater pipes instead of Number of Water Quality Investigations sanitary sewer pipes are all illicit discharges. Identifying Pollutant Sources, 2004—2009

One type of discharge now reported separately is commercial mobile car washing. While this has been a minor source for several years, the number of these businesses has proliferated. These businesses set up and wash cars in shopping center parking lots, on vacant lots, or other businesses where pavement is generally unused. Mobile car washing businesses are not the same as charity car washes by the band boosters, the cub scouts, or the football team. These are businesses that Anything that is poured, thrown, or flows Sources and Types of Pollution Found into a storm drain goes into our creeks in 2009 and streams. Stormwater does not re- ceive treatment !

The number of water quality 115 investigations that identified pollution sources, 2008-2009 Mobile car washing with containment

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009

The City has limited staff and resources to improve water quality. Therefore, it is The index provides a water quality grade essential that citizens become involved and that ranges from 0 to 100 relative to other provide additional eyes, ears, and noses to streams in Durham County. All urban help find and eliminate sources of pollution. streams generally fail to meet at least one Call 560-SWIM to report water pollution. federal or state water quality standard, so all urban streams fail in some manner. However, the water quality index allows Water Quality Monitoring Program citizens and Stormwater Services to identify Federal permitting regulations require the those areas with the most serious pollution City of Durham to monitor water quality in issues. local streams. Stormwater Services staff collect water samples from streams throughout the city on a regular basis. Analyses of these samples includes biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, 2009 Water Quality Index Results sediment and metals. Fecal coliform bacteria The water quality index results for 2009 are is also analyzed regularly. These summarized in Figure 1. Red indicates the measurements allow City and State staff to poorest water quality. At the other end of the evaluate potential risks to people, drinking color range, dark green shows better quality water supplies and aquatic resources (e.g., water. Between the extremes is a range of fish, waterfowl). conditions: yellow-green indicates some pollution, while light orange through dark Stormwater Services staff also collect aquatic orange or red indicates increasing pollution. life to learn about water quality. Aquatic organisms, or benthic macroinvertebrates, Colored areas in the map correspond to the are collected annually to learn which streams area that contributed to the index result. no longer support the insects that would be These areas are called watersheds and present if the watershed was minimally indicate the land area contributing water and disturbed. In 2009, the Stormwater Services pollution to the stream. In general, staff conducted a combination of chemical stormwater runoff from highly urbanized and microbiological monitoring at 50 watersheds (e.g., downtown and older areas locations. surrounding downtown) degrades water quality more than sparsely developed or rural areas. Industrial areas also degrade Water Quality Index water quality and this may be happening off To provide an overall picture of the health of Miami Boulevard. our streams, Stormwater Services combines many of the chemical measurements of Similarly, results for fecal coliform bacteria water quality into a water quality index. The are summarized in Figure 2. A similar color water quality index is a grade for our scheme is provided to distinguish more streams. Looking at this grade from year to polluted areas from less polluted areas. year can indicate overall progress in cleaning up area streams.

The water quality index can also be used to identify target areas to clean ups and to The water quality index summarizes identify the potential for new pollution chemical data collected at 50 locations sources that need to be investigated. in and around the City of Durham.

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 3 The State of Our Streams: 2009

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 4 The State of Our Streams: 2009

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 5 The State of Our Streams: 2009

Explanation of Watershed Attachments standards, a geometric mean of 200 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters (mL) In order to provide additional information to and the number of exceedances of 400 citizens, attachments were created for the cfu/100mL. Ratings are as follows: primary watersheds in the City of Durham. Good: Meets both state standards These attachments provide a description of Fair: Meets geometric mean standard the watershed, a historical look back on Poor: Does not meet either standard water quality for the last five years, and a description of water quality during 2009. Aquatic life (Insects or benthic macroinvertebrates): This parameter is a direct Water quality information is summarized measure of the variety of organisms found in using non-technical terms, as follows: City streams. These organisms live on roots, under rocks and under leaves. The greater Water Quality Index (WQI): The WQI is the variety of insects, the better the rating. provided for each water quality monitoring This parameter is also a measure of the site at which a sufficient number of different pollution sensitivity of the organisms. When parameters and pollutants is measured. The organisms that are sensitive to pollution are WQI can be thought as a public school test present and the pollution tolerant organisms grade; numbers close to 100 are an “A” and are not abundant, the overall rating numbers less than 60 are an “F”. The WQI increases. The aquatic life rating is often a does not apply state water quality standards better indicator of overall water quality than to monitoring data as other indicators the water quality index. described below, but is used by Stormwater Staff to identify problem areas. Stormwater Services staff receives more Clarity : Sediment washed into citizen questions regarding harmful bacteria streams can cause the water to appear than any other water quality parameter cloudy or muddy. One measure of sediment monitored. As such, the State of Our in streams is turbidity, or light scattering. Streams report provides the Bacteria/ Turbidity is directly measured in streams and Recreation indicator as a service to citizens rivers and has a North Carolina water quality of Durham. Stormwater Services is not standard of 50 Nephelometric Turbidity responsible for issuing public health Units (NTU). Ratings are as follows: advisories regarding the recreational use of Good: Meets state standard area streams and rivers. The Durham Poor: Does not meet standard County Health Department should be contacted at 919-560-7800 with any public Bacteria/Recreation: For the purposes of this health concerns regarding recreational use report, recreational impacts are tied to of area streams and rivers. indicators for bacteria and viruses. Fecal coliform bacteria, an indicator of viruses and waterborne pathogens, are measured regularly by Stormwater Services. Quick Links Elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria may Ellerbe Creek Watershed indicate a health risk for people wading in Eno River Watershed streams or pets that drink from streams. New Hope Creek Watershed Northeast Creek Watershed Fecal coliform bacteria are directly measured Third Fork Creek Watershed and have two North Carolina water quality

City of Durham Stormwater Services page 6 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Ellerbe Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Ellerbe Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 7474

This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2009 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 near Northgate Mall and Ninth Street. Goose Creek after rainfall from tropical event (Ida) Partnerships with other agencies and non- per watershed acre respectively. The profit groups (e.g., Ellerbe Creek Watershed phosphorus load at Club Boulevard is the Association) have resulted in significant highest in the city and may be from a stream restoration projects along Ellerbe number of sources including those identified Creek, some of which are under below. Phosphorus load is also generated construction. by stream bank erosion. The nitrogen and phosphorus yields at Glenn Road are 18 and Water from Ellerbe Creek flows to Falls 0.60 pounds per watershed acre Lake, the Neuse River, and the respectively. The Glenn Road stream Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before crossing is below the North Durham Water reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Reclamation Facility.

Water quality in the Ellerbe Creek watershed Pollution sources degraded in 2009. Bacteria, oxygen, copper and turbidity (clarity) measures were all Stormwater Services staff conducted 44 worse. South Ellerbe Creek continued to investigations of sources of pollution in the have some of the highest levels of bacteria in Ellerbe Creek watershed during 2008-2009. the City. Copper, which has not historically The sources of pollution identified include been an issue in the Ellerbe Creek public and private sanitary sewer overflows, watershed, was elevated at locations in South illicit mobile car washing discharges, private Ellerbe Creek and Ellerbe Creek above sewer overflows, erosion and sedimentation Camden Avenue. This may be due to a problems, yard wastes, and spilled/dumped proliferation of automobile-related pollution petroleum products or grease. sources in the watershed, particularly near shopping areas. Number of pollution sources found: 44 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 11 Ellerbe Creek nitrogen and phosphorus loads Number of illicit mobile car washing at Club Boulevard are 3.2 and 0.45 pounds discharges: 10

Waterbody 2009 Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life WQ Clarity Recreation Index

Ellerbe Creek at Glenn Rd (EL1.9EC) 73 Poor Poor Poor Ellerbe Creek at Midland Terr (EL5.6EC) 78 Poor Poor Poor Ellerbe Creek at Murray Ave (EL7.9EC) 79 Poor Poor Fair Ellerbe Creek at Stadium Dr (EL8.2EC) N/A Good N/A Poor Ellerbe Creek at Bellevue Ave (EL10.7EC) 76 Good Poor Poor Goose Creek at Camden Ave (EL5.5GC) N/A Poor Poor Poor Goose Creek at Holloway St (EL8.1GC) 68 Poor Poor N/A

South Ellerbe Creek at Glendale Ave (EL7.1SEC) 69 Poor Poor N/A

South Ellerbe Creek (EL7.6SECT) N/A Good Poor N/A

South Ellerbe Creek (EL8.5SEC) N/A Good Poor N/A

South Ellerbe Creek (EL8.6SECUT) N/A Good Poor N/A

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Ellerbe Creek Watershed page 2 of 4 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Eno River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Eno River Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 8787

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 Algae (Aphanizomenon flos aqua) at the Eno River State Park suburban development as well as some commercial and industrial land uses. A because the majority of the watershed is significant portion of the land adjacent to located in rural/sub-urban Orange County. the Eno River is protected in parks, including Delivered nitrogen and phosphorus loads at the Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve and West Roxboro Road tend to be more reflective of Point on the Eno Park. the size of the Eno River than specific non- Water from the Eno River flows to Falls point source pollution sources in the Lake, the Neuse River, and the watershed. For comparison purposes, the Eno River delivered nitrogen and phosphorus Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before loads at Roxboro Road of 2.30 and 0.06 reaching the Atlantic Ocean. pounds per acre respectively, in 2009.

Compared to 2008, bacteria and turbidity Pollution sources levels increased substantially throughout the Eno River watershed, including where the Stormwater Services investigations of Eno River enters Durham County from potential sources of water pollution in the Orange County. Turbid water entered the Eno River watershed during 2008-2009 Eno River from Orange County and generally found problems in 12 instances. The did not improve. Elevated bacteria levels sources of pollution identified during these started in Orange County and continued to investigations were sanitary sewer overflows, get worse as the river flowed through private sewer overflows/leaks, petroleum Durham County and the City of Durham. discharges, and yard wastes. Warren Creek (Wildcat Creek) experienced sewage releases that contributed to degraded water quality in that creek. Number of pollution sources found: 12 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 3 Eno River nutrient loads are difficult to Number of private sewer discharges: 1 compare to other city streams, primarily

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation Eno River at Snow Hill Rd 86 Poor Fair Good-Fair (EN4.9ER) Eno River at Roxboro Rd 89 Poor Fair Good (EN8.9ER) Eno River at Cole Mill Rd 88 Poor Fair N/A (EN13.3ER) Crooked Run Creek at Latta Rd 83 Poor Poor N/A (EN9.6CRC) Warren/Wildcat Creek at Horton Rd N/A Poor Poor N/A (EN10.3WC)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Eno River Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Lick Creek Watershed 2009 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 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 much of the area is within the City’s urban Lick Creek upstream of Southview Road during dry growth boundary. The Lick Creek watershed conditions is adjacent to the densely developing Brier Creek area in Wake County.

Water from Lick Creek flows to Falls Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before Pollution sources reaching the Atlantic Ocean. During the October 2008—September 2009 The Rocky Branch Creek water quality index time period, Stormwater Services conducted rose from 77 in 2008 to 81 in 2009. 1 pollution investigation. The problem Improved levels of dissolved oxygen and identified was a sanitary sewer overflow. nutrients contributed to this rise in the water quality index. Water quality in Lick Creek fell For more information, visit our website at from 85 in 2008 to 82 in 2009. Turbidity http://www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or and copper levels were slightly worse in call Stormwater Services at 560-4326. 2009 than 2008, and may have contributed to the decline in the water quality index. Copper has not been elevated in the Lick Creek watershed in the past. However, several City watershed experienced elevated levels of copper during the 2009 calendar year. The adjacent Little Lick Creek Number of pollution sources found: 1 watershed also experienced elevated levels Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 of copper in 2009. This may indicate a new Number of paint discharges: 1 regional source of copper.

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Rocky Branch Creek at Kemp Rd 81 Poor Poor N/A (LC2.0RBC)

Lick Creek at Southview Rd 82 Poor Poor Fair (LC1.1LC)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Lick Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Little Lick Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Little Lick Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 7979 This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2009 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 stream after rainfall from Stormwater Services added two new tropical event (Ida) monitoring stations to the Little Lick Creek watershed in 2009. One new station on Continuous monitoring of water stage is Chunky Pipe Creek indicated that this creek ongoing in Little Lick Creek along with the is intermittent and stops flowing mid- collection of stream discharge data near summer through fall. The other new station Mineral Springs Road. Additional analysis is located at Stallings Road on an un-named will be completed to determine the nutrient tributary of Little Lick Creek. loads at Mineral Spring Road and to compare these loads to other loads throughout the Water from Little Lick Creek flows to City. Falls Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Overall, water quality degraded slightly from Pollution sources 2008 based on the Water Quality Index. Stormwater Services staff conducted 12 Bacteria levels continued to be poor at all investigations in the Little Lick Creek stations in 2009 while oxygen levels watershed during 2008-2009. The sources improved substantially. Turbidity levels of pollution identified include sanitary sewer degraded between 2008 and 2009; overflows (public), private sewer discharges, Stormwater Services staff observed turbidity and other various sources of pollution to downstream of areas of construction activity. either the storm sewer system or surface A new parameter of concern for this waters. watershed was copper, which has historically not been higher than the EPA recommended criteria. The source of copper in this Number of pollution sources found: 12 watershed is unknown. Given other elevated Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 8 levels of copper in the area, there may be a Number of private sewer discharges: 2 new regional source of copper.

Waterbody 2009 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

Chunky Pipe Creek at Fletchers Chapel Rd N/A Poor Poor N/A (LL1.6CPC)

Tributary to Little Lick Creek at Stallings Rd N/A Poor Poor N/A (LL2.3LLUT)

Tributary to Little Lick Creek at Lynn Rd 79 Poor Poor Poor (LL4.6LLT2)

Little Lick Creek at Mineral Springs Rd 78 Poor Poor Poor (LL3.4LLC)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Little Lick Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Little River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Little River Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: N/AN/A

This section is an attachment to the State of our Streams 2009 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

Small portions of the City of Durham lie within the Little River watershed. This includes the Treyburn area and other northern communities. Two stations were monitored in the Little River Watershed, both Cabin Branch Creek of which lie outside of the City Limits. The reference station at Johnson Mill Road continued to be monitored, while a new The reference site is not used to provide an station on Cabin Branch Creek was added. overall water quality index, so an “N/A” appears above. Water from the Little River, flows to Falls Lake, the Neuse River, and the Albe- Turbidity and fecal coliform bacteria were also elevated at the station on Cabin Branch marle-Pamlico Sound before reaching the Creek. The station of Cabin Branch Creek is Atlantic Ocean. downstream of a wetland area that may process nutrients and remove other Cabin Branch Creek is a tributary stream of pollutants from the surface water. the Little River, that enters the river below Stormwater Services may move the Cabin the dam that creates the Little River Branch Creek station further upstream to Reservoir. This creek drains smaller portions avoid this influence in the future. of the City of Durham and larger portions of developed area in Durham County. The Cabin Branch Creek watershed is largely residential with some rural areas. A majority Pollution sources of the watershed is not served by the City for drinking or waste water. Stormwater Services did not conduct any pollution source investigations in the Little The water quality index for the reference site River watershed during the October 2008 to fell from 90 to 84 from 2008 to 2009. Both September 2009 period. turbidity and fecal coliform bacteria levels were elevated during 2009 and contributed Number of pollution sources found: 0 to this decline. Several samples were Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 collected following storm events, which may Number of erosion & sedimentation have also affected the water quality index. violations: 0

Waterbody 2009 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

Cabin Branch Creek at Snow Hill Rd (LR2.7CBC) N/A Poor Fair N/A Little River at Johnson Mill Rd (LR9.6LR)** 84 Poor Poor Good

** Reference site

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Panther Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Panther Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Panther Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 8484

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 Panther Creek after rainfall from tropical event (Ida) this is rapidly changing as new commercial and residential construction projects have begun south of Interstate-85.

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

Water quality degraded slightly in Panther Creek since 2008, as indicted by the Water Quality Index. Due to the intermittent nature of flow, water quality in Panther Creek Panther Creek downstream of Burton Road (typical flow) is strongly affected by rainfall and a stable water table. Pollution sources While bacteria levels have remained fairly consistent in Panther Creek, oxygen levels Stormwater Services did not conduct any have improved substantially in the last two pollution source investigations in the Panther years. This is probably due to increased Creek watershed during the October 2008 to stream flow following the 2007 drought. September 2009 period. However, the increased stream flow can also account for the degraded turbidity levels in Number of pollution sources found: 0 Panther Creek in 2009. Monitoring has not Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 been conducted to evaluate nutrient loads. Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody 2009 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

Panther Creek at Burton Rd 84 Poor Fair Fair (PN2.4PN)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Panther Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 6969

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 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. Stirrup Iron Creek downstream of Chin Page Rd. Water quality in Stirrup Iron Creek is relatively stable as indicated by the overall Water Quality Index. Low dissolved oxygen continues to be a problem in Stirrup Iron Creek. However, natural process to increase oxygen in the water are lacking since the watershed and streambed are relatively flat with no opportunity to exchange oxygen with the air. Copper levels continue Pollution sources Water from Stirrup Iron Creek flows to Lake Crabtree, Crabtree Creek, the Neuse River, and the Albemarle- Stormwater Services identified one pollution Pamlico Sound before reaching the source, a petroleum discharge, during Atlantic Ocean. investigations in the Stirrup Iron Creek watershed during the October 2008 to September 2009 period.

For more information on City stormwater to be a concern. The most likely source of activities, visit our website at http:// copper to area streams is not regulated by www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call the Clean Water Act and is, therefore, Stormwater Services at 560-4326. difficult to control. Stormwater Services will continue to work with state agencies to Number of pollution sources found: 1 control copper releases to the environment. Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 0 Number of petroleum discharges: 1

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Stirrup Iron Creek at Chin Page Rd 69 Poor Fair N/A (SI1.6SIC)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Stirrup Iron Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Crooked Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Crooked Creek Watershed 2009 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. Crooked Creek is also known as Southwest Creek. Similar to Crooked Creek at Scott King Road after rainfall from Panther Creek, Crooked Creek is one of the tropical event (Ida) smaller watersheds in the City of Durham. Help Stop Stormwater Pollution! Call 560-SWIM to report dumping or draining when it’s not raining!

Bacteria deterioration may be due to a num- Water from Crooked Creek flows to ber of sources, including sewage and animal Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River waste. before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Pollution sources A new station was added in the Crooked Stormwater Services staff conducted 1 Creek watershed for 2009. This station is pollution investigation in the Crooked Creek located further upstream at Massey Chapel watershed during 2008-2009. The source of Road. This station was selected because of pollution identified was a sanitary sewer historic investigations in the upper portion overflow. of the watershed. For more information on City stormwater Fecal coliform bacteria were elevated above activities, visit our website at http:// state standards at Massey Chapel Road. www.durhamnc.gov/stormwater or call Downstream at Scott King Road, fecal Stormwater Services at 560-4326. coliform bacteria and turbidity became worse. This indicates that activities in the Southpoint area and moving downstream are Number of pollution sources found: 1 introducing sediment to Crooked Creek. Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 1 Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 0

Waterbody 2009 WQ Clarity Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Recreation

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

Crooked Creek at Massey Chapel Rd N/A Poor Poor N/A (CC4.2CC)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Crooked Creek Watershed page 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 New Hope Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

New Hope Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 8787

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 New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Road reference site such as South Square. Most of the New Hope Creek watershed lies within Orange County and includes the Town of Chapel Hill.

Water quality in the New Hope Creek watershed improved slightly in 2009, as indicated by an increase of the water quality index from 85 to 87. This is despite deterioration of fecal coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Many more stations experienced low dissolved oxygen Pollution sources than in 2008, although stream flows were generally higher. Stormwater Services staff conducted 12 investigations of potential pollution sources Water from New Hope Creek flows to in the New Hope Creek watershed during Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River 2008-2009. The sources of pollution identified during these investigations include before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. sanitary sewer overflows (public), erosion & sedimentation violations, petroleum spills/ discharges, and sewer line breaks.

Water quality was best in New Hope Creek at Erwin Road, where a water quality index of 92 was noted. Other water quality indices were in the range of 83 to 89. Bacteria levels Number of pollution sources found: 12 were highest in the Sandy Creek sub- Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 3 watershed. Number of erosion & sedimentation violations: 2

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Index Clarity Recreation Life

New Hope Creek at Chapel Hill Rd (NH0.0NHC) 86 Good Good N/A New Hope Creek at Erwin Rd (NH3.0NHC) 92 Good Good N/A New Hope Creek at Turkey Farm Rd (NH8.8NHC) 86 Poor Fair Good-Fair Mud Creek at Pickett Rd (NH2.3MC) 83 Poor Poor Poor Sandy Creek at Garrett Rd (NH1.0SC) 89 Poor Good Poor Sandy Creek or Cornwallis Rd (NH3.3SC) 87 Good Poor N/A Sandy Creek Trib A at Ivy Creek Blvd N/A Poor Poor N/A (NH1.7SCTA)

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

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

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: New Hope Creek Watershed page 2 of 4 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Northeast Creek Watershed (Cape Fear River Basin)

Northeast Creek Watershed 2009 Water Quality Index: 7272

The Northeast Creek watershed is located in the south-eastern portion of the City. The watershed includes a large portion of Research Triangle Park industrial areas and may also include a significant amount of the proposed regional rail network within New Hope Creek at Erwin Road Durham County. The lower watershed watersheds and monitor stream sediment for contains large areas of protected lands, various metals and organic chemicals. including the game lands associated with

Jordan Lake. Continuous monitoring of water level is

ongoing in Northeast Creek along with the Water quality in the Northeast Creek collection of stream discharge data. watershed degraded in 2009. Bacteria levels Additional analysis will be completed to were generally worse at all locations, determine the nutrient loads at Meridian including a new monitoring location at Parkway. Odyssey Drive. The watershed continues to have problems with low dissolved oxygen,

Water from Northeast Creek flows to Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River Pollution sources before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Stormwater Services staff conducted 13 investigations of potential pollution in the Northeast Creek watershed during 2008- Storwmater Services also completed a Water 2009. The sources of pollution identified Quality Recovery Program for Northeast during these investigations include sanitary Creek. The program describes various tasks sewer overflows (public), private sewer that will be undertaken to characterize, lateral discharges, petroleum products and track, mitigate, and restore water quality in yard wastes. Northeast Creek. As a first step, Stormwater Services will complete storm event monitoring in selected Number of pollution sources found: 13 Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 4 Number of private sewer discharges: 2

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation Northeast Creek at Sedwick Rd 74 Poor Fair N/A (NE0.0NE) Northeast Creek at Highway 54 N/A Poor Poor N/A (NE1.2NE)

North Prong at Meridian Pkwy 70 Poor Poor N/A (NE2.2NP)

North Prong at Odyssey Dr N/A Poor Poor N/A (NE3.3NP)

City of Durham 2009 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 2009 Water Quality Index: 7373

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 after rainfall from tropical event (Ida) watershed is entirely within the City of Durham. Stormwater Services has initiated a watershed planning effort for the Third Fork Water from Third Fork Creek flows to Creek watershed. To date, assessments of Jordan Lake and the Cape Fear River stream habitat and existing best before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. management practices have been completed. For more information, visit the storm water Water quality in the Third Fork Creek website (address below). watershed degraded in 2009. Bacteria and copper measures were worse, while oxygen To address some of the problems with measures improved. Third Fork Creek bacteria, Storwmater Services funded the continued to have some of the highest levels installation of 20 dog waste pick up stations of bacteria in the city, similar to South in parks throughout the watershed. Ellerbe Creek. Copper has historically been a problem in an industrial area of Third Fork Pollution sources Creek, but in 2009 copper was a problem Stormwater Services staff conducted 19 throughout the watershed. The reason has investigations of pollution in the Third Fork not been identified. Creek watershed during 2008-2009. The sources of pollution identified during these Third Fork Creek nitrogen and phosphorus investigations included sanitary sewer loads at Highway 751 are 3.0 and 0.05 overflows (public and private), illicit mobile pounds per acre respectively. The car washing discharges, paint, and other phosphorus load at Highway 751 is the sources. lowest in the city and is similar to the loading for the entire Eno River watershed (0.06 pounds per acre), a largely Number of pollution sources: 19 undeveloped watershed. Number of sanitary sewer overflows: 8 Number of illicit mobile car washing discharges: 3

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Index Clarity Recreation Life Third Fork Creek at Highway 54 77 Good Poor N/A (TF0.7TC) Third Fork Creek at Woodcroft Parkway N/A N/A N/A Fair (TF1.2TC)

Third Fork Creek at Martin Luther King Pkwy 69 Poor Poor N/A (TF3.4TC)

Third Fork Creek at Weaver St N/A Good Poor N/A (TF4.4TC) Third Fork Creek at University Dr 71 Good Poor N/A (TF5.6TC) Third Fork Creek Tributary C at Hope Valley Rd 71 Poor Poor N/A (TF2.0TCTC) Rock Creek at Elmira St N/A Good Poor N/A (TF5.1RC) Tributary to Rock Creek at Sima Ave 75 Good Poor N/A (TF6.5RCUT)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Third Fork Creek Watershed 2 of 2 The State of Our Streams: 2009 Reference Site: Flat River Watershed (Neuse River Basin)

Flat River Watershed 2008 Water Quality Index: 8686

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 Flat River at State Forest Road after rainfall from tropical within the City to determine if conditions are depression (Ida) unusually different from a rural stream site, which typically have better water quality. Turbidity and bacteria levels in this reference watershed degraded in 2009 compared to 2008, similar to many watershed located Water from the Flat River flows to Lake within the City. It is difficult to attribute the Michie, Falls Lake, the Neuse River and degradation to a particular cause since the the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound before City does not regularly observe this reaching the Atlantic Ocean. watershed.

The Flat River monitoring site is located upstream of Lake Michie, the primary drinking water source for the City of Durham. Not only is the Flat River monitoring site a good background site, but this site allows the City to monitor the Pollution sources quality of water entering Lake Michie. At Stormwater Services does not conduct SR1614 (State Forest Road), the Flat River investigations of pollution sources in the Flat drains approximately 149 square miles of River watershed as the entire watershed is land area in Person, Orange, and Durham outside of the City limits. counties.

Waterbody 2009 WQ Turbidity/ Bacteria/ Aquatic Life Index Clarity Recreation

Flat River at State Forest Rd 86 Poor Poor N/A (FR13.0FR)

City of Durham 2009 State of our Streams Report: Flat River Watershed 2 of 2