A Citizen's Guide to Wastewater Management in Carteret County
This guide was prepared to provide the citizens of Carteret County, N.C. with information on the issues associated with wastewater management. It describes how different types of wastewater systems work and the advantages and problems each type might have. It also describes how wastewater is treated and disposed of in Carteret County now and how the county is addressing its need to plan for future wastewater management. Opportunities for citizen involvement are presented at the end of the report.

A Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan and Model Development for Currituck Sound Drainage Basin

Phase I of this project presents a computer-accessible bibliography on Currituck Sound and Back Bay, identifies perceived management issues in the area, and analyzes an array of responsive and prospective management alternatives. Questionnaires, surveys and interviews were conducted with local residents, local officials and researchers. The areas of greatest concern were declining water quality, loss of wildlife habitat and lack of coordinated management efforts. The three categories of alternatives considered and analyzed were alternatives which would require (1) no new institutions; (2) the formation of new nonstatutory institutions; and (3) the formation of new statutory institutions. No specific recommendations were made for the future management of the Currituck Sound drainage basin. During Phase II, a model was developed to determine when transport is achieved from Lynnhaven Bay to Currituck Sound (23 miles). Phase II is contained in a separate report.

Baseline Water Quality Monitoring

94 stations spread throughout the rivers, streams, and sounds of the Albemarle-Pamilco region make up the Division of Environmental Management's baseline water quality monitoring component of the APES water quality monitoring network. Data on ambient temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, coliform, and phytoplankton density are measured. Data from 1989-1991 are included in Report 92-01 and data from 1991-1992 are included in Report 93-12. In the Tar-Pamlico River basin, the lower Pamlico River and tributaries to the Tar River has the most frequent occurrences of hypoxia. The productive phytoplankton in the Neuse River caused high chlorophyll a concentrations, high pH values, and supersaturated dissolved oxygen concentrations. Some algal blooms were recorded in the Albemarle region. A synoptic survey was conducted on June 25, 1989. In a five-hour period 128 stations were sampled for 33 water quality parameters. The timing of the sampling coincided with a satellite fly-over so that the data collected could be correlated with ground-truthing data collected by the satellite. The survey indicated that contravention in water quality standards (primarily chlorophyll a) were most closely correlated with areas of concentrated human activity. These areas, the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers and western Albemarle Sound, are all designated Nutrient Sensitive Waters. The study also demonstrated that the monitoring stations are in the most impacted portions of the Albemarle-Pamilco system.

Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Plan

This plan was developed from the existing ambient monitoring efforts in North Carolina to provide data on the information gaps that exist in the monitoring efforts and provides a way to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the management strategies implemented. The program, which began in October 1988, is the result of the expertise of Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and DENR. The program includes investigations of water quality and sediment and biological resources, spatial and temporal analyses, and consideration of episodic events. The program is a compilation of a citizens' monitoring program, continuous monitoring for selected parameters, expansion of the existing ambient monitoring network, emergency response capabilities, surveys of fish tissues, sediment oxygen demand, and sediment characteristics, and a one time synoptic basin-wide water quality study.


Bibliography of Hydrologic and Water-Quality Investigations Conducted In or Near the Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds Region,
North Carolina
A bibliography containing 1,100 citations is presented. Citations primarily refer to investigations of the effects of land use and land use change on water quality, artificial drainage, hydrology and hydrodynamics in the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound region of North Carolina. The bibliography is indexed according to the research topic and geographic location of the investigation.

Effects of Water Management and Land Use Practices on Hydrology and Water Quality in the Albemarle-Pamlico Region
This project studies the hydrology of a large, poorly drained watershed in the A/P region. A hydrologic model (DRAINMOD) of the agricultural areas, generally the areas of greatest runoff and greatest nutrient effluxes, was adapted for this study. Average annual effluxes of nutrients and total outflows of water and nutrients were calculated using the volumes predicted by DRAINMOD and other previous research. The medium-scale watershed model FLDNSTRM was used to determine peak outflows from a small control site. Effects of different management schemes were estimated. Drainage from the watershed could be reduced by 28 percent, total Kjeldahl nitrogen effluxes could be reduced by 23 percent to 29percent, and NO3-N efflux could be reduced by 7 percent to 15 percent when drainage from the watershed is used in combination with unimproved surface drainage, it would decrease phosphorus efflux by 27 percent to 31 percent. Water control and environmental management practices can be used to reduce the cumulative impacts of agricultural development in the Albemarle-Pamlico study area.

Evaluation of Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds Sediment Toxicity
Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory (GBERL) conducted a ten-day acute toxicity test using two benthic organisms and chemical analysis of each sediment sample for a standard array of priority pollutant metals and organic compounds on 10 samples of sediments taken form estuarine tributaries to Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. Of the sediments selected for study, six were taken from areas believed to have the highest concentrations of heavy metals, four were taken from areas believed to be relatively pristine. GBERL conducted bioassays and chemical analyses and an initial toxicity screening on the 10 selected samples. The results indicated that four of the sites Kennedy Creek, the east prong of Slocum Creek, Oriental Harbor and Hancock Creek were toxic to one of the three test organisms. It is interesting to note that Hancock Creek was originally selected as one of the relatively "pristine" sites.

Flow and Transport Modeling for the London Bridge Creek-West Neck Creek System
This study investigates the potential for significant transport, using salinity as a conservative tracer, between Lynnhaven Bay and the North Landing River. The geographic scope is defined as the North Landing River area, extending from Lynnhaven Bay through London Bridge Creek and West Neck Creek to the mouth of the North Landing River. The objective of the project was to develop, calibrate and verify a computer model that can be used to determine when transport is achieved along the 23 miles from Lynnhaven Bay to Currituck Sound. Results suggest that normal tide conditions do not cause significant transport through the system, while more extreme events might do. Model results are presented in three different geometries.

Flow Patterns in the Lower Roanoke and Albemarle
This project is designed to determine the flow rates in the lower Roanoke River between Williamston and Albemarle Sound; the flow patterns in the Roanoke River tributaries; and the flow rates and flow patterns, water quality, and circulation regime in Albemarle Sound. The project uses continuous monitor field data and one-dimensional flow modeling of water level, inflows, bathymetry, wind speed and direction, water velocity, and water quality (temperature and salinity). The existing network of continuous water quality monitors was maintained and the temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen water quality parameters were evaluated for spatial and temporal trends. Two reports were generated: one reports the period from January 1990 through April 1991, and the second reports the period from October 1989 through September 1991.

Flows and Flow Patterns in the Pamlico and Neuse River Estuaries
The study covers years 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, and 1992-93. The study was designed to (1) collect and interpret long-term, continuous records of the hydrodynamics of the two estuaries, and (2) calibrate and validate a numerical model of hydrodynamics and transport in each estuary. Long-term data, collected at 12 sites, included tidal elevation, water quality, and wind data. Continuous data will be used to determine the boundary conditions for the model, to calibrate the model, and to investigate seasonal and spatial boundaries, for example. Short-term data will be collected for further calibration of the model. Continuous Monitoring: 44 stations make up the USGS continuous monitoring component of the APES monitoring network. Data on temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH is recorded every 15 minutes. Annual summaries will be compiled evaluating spatial and temporal trends in water quality conditions. Daily maxima, minima and means are presented.

Heavy Metal Pollutants in Organic-Rich Muds of the Neuse River Estuary
Two hundred and three core sites within the Neuse River Estuary were sampled. Four hundred and thirteen sub-samples were processed and analyzed for grain size, sediment composition, and the concentrations of several major elements, 15 "critical" trace elements (CTEs), and seven "other" trace elements. Seventeen polluted "areas of concern" were identified on the basis of having two or more CTEs that exceeded the trimmed mean values for those elements. Polluted areas were all associated with known point source discharges. The highest concentrations were found near New Bern and Bridgeton, and in Slocum Creek. Six non-polluted areas were identified as being fairly pristine.

Heavy Metals in Organic-Rich Muds of the Pamlico River Estuary
One hundred fifty three stations near known point source dischargers within the Pamlico River were cored and the sediment samples analyzed for the vertical and lateral distribution and concentration of metals. Ten "areas of concern" were delineated as having concentrations of one or more of the 15 "critical" trace elements sampled in concentrations of two or more times the trimmed mean. Enrichment was found to be site specific; some areas were relatively pristine (Chocowinity Bay), yet other areas showed significant enrichment. In general, in areas of enrichment, concentrations of metals were greater in surface samples (two times greater on average), than in deeper samples, suggesting recent anthropogenic contamination of the sediments (Kennedy Creek, Middle Pamlico River, Washington Waterfront, South Creek, Battalina Creek, Inner Pungo River, Broad Creek, Lower Pantego Creek, Wichards Beach, and Pungo Creek). The report also compares the sample results with those presented in the National Status and Trends Program report put out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Heavy Pollutants in Organic-Rich Muds of the Albemarle Sound
This study, like the two preceding studies performed by Riggs, determined the concentrations and distributions of heavy metals and phosphorous pollutants associated with organic-rich muds in the Albemarle estuarine system. Samples were processed and analyzed for grain size, sediment composition, and the concentrations of several major elements (15 "critical" trace elements, and seven "other" trace elements). Sampling concentrated on areas around known point-source dischargers, and "hot spots" were identified. The temporal impacts of agriculture, urbanization, and industry were determined as were the relationships between sediment/water column interactions and the resulting chronic effects of heavy metals on the estuarine system.

Identification of Ground-Water Recharge Areas Within the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study Area
The primary result of the study is the delineation of significant recharge areas for aquifers that discharge into the Albemarle-Pamlico study area. Recharge maps are provided in digital format, along with a summary of the quality of the input data and a commentary on the use-limitations of the recharge maps. The proposed research is particularly beneficial in conjunction with other projects in the Albemarle-Pamlico study that focus on evaluating external inputs to the estuarine system and impacts of land-use practices on hydrology and water quality. Resource managers are now able to use the results of the proposed study in land-use planning activities.

Merchants Mill Pond
The project was a continuation of the previous project, this project expanded the efforts of installing BMPs such as solid-set waste management systems, exclusion of livestock from streams, filter strips, environmentally safe application of animal wastes, and stock rotation systems. The second phase of the project addresses nutrient management, waste management, sediment control, and erosion control through the support of cost-sharing incentives to construct Best Management Pratices or BMPs. BMP construction and operation regulations, set forth in NCAC Title 15, Chapter 6, Section 6e and Chapter 143, Article 21 of North Carolina General Statues, were adhered to.

Merchants Millpond/Upper Bennett's Creek Watershed, Chowan River Basin, North Carolina: A Continuation of BMP Early Implementation for Nutrient Sensitive Waters
First year funds were targeted at soils testing and animal waste analyses in order to achieve appropriate nutrient management. The second year funds will be used to expand the efforts of installing BMPs such as solid-set waste management systems, exclusion of livestock from streams, filter strips, environmentally safe application of animal wastes, and stock rotation systems. The second phase of the project will address nutrient management, waste management, sediment control, and erosion control through the support of cost-sharing incentives to construct BMPs. BMP construction and operation regulations, set forth in NCAC Title 15, Chapter 6, Section 6E and Chapter 143, Article 21 of North Carolina General Statutes, will be adhered to.

Off-Site Effects of Water Control Structures (BMPs)
Flashboard risers and tidegates were the two primary types of water control structures on the artificially drained lands of the Albemarle-Pamlico region. This study investigates the effects of these structures on surface water quality in canals that drain cropland and quantifies the effects on the salinity of nursery areas. Flow, water level, and water quality measurements have been taken in three canals in Beaufort and Hyde counties. Initial data indicates that off-site effects may be significant. Two reports were generated: one reports the period from May 1988 through September 1990, and the second reports the period from October 1990 through May 1992.

Point and Nonpoint Phosphorus and Nitrogen Budgets and Flux Estimates for Major Tributaries to the Albemarle-Pamlico Study Area
This study was designed to estimate the magnitude of nutrient sources to surface waters in the Albemarle-Pamlico region. All major tributary basins were included in the study. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance monitoring digital data was obtained and exploratory data analysis was conducted. Political boundaries, hydrography, the location of point source discharges, the location of ambient monitoring stations, and land use/land cover data were obtained from N.C. Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCCGIA). Export coefficients used in previous nutrient budget development were updated based on the results of the literature review. Loading sensitivity analyses were conducted and nutrient budgets were calculated for each land use. Screening criteria were developed to estimate the fluxes based on a variety of water quality data. Runoff, primarily agricultural was determined to be the largest potential loading source category of nutrients. Atmospheric nitrogen was also determined to be quite a large contributor.

Potential for Long-Term Persistence of the Red Tide Dinoflagellate (Ptychodiscus brevis) in North Carolina Coastal Waters
In October 1987, the toxic red tide dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis, which normally resides along the Florida coast, was introduced into North Carolina waters via the intrusion of a Gulf Stream eddy. The transported population resulted in the closure of shellfish beds in North Carolina due to the presence of brevetoxin in the shellfish. A major field effort was undertaken in February 1988 to determine the extent of the organism distribution. Benthic samples and water column samples were collected and incubated in the lab for one month to determine the presence of cysts. Benthic samples yielded no motile population, suggesting that Ptychodiscus may not have formed a resting stage in North Carolina waters. Without further study, however, the possibility of a resting stage having been formed cannot be ruled out. Lack of recurrence of blooms of Ptychodiscus in North Carolina in late 1988 gives credence to the view that the original 1987 inoculum did not encyst.

Reduction of Estuarine Nutrient Loading: Nitrogen and Phosphorous Removal in Coastal Swamps
This study was designed to determine the efficiency with which Coastal Plain riparian wetlands strip out nitrogen and phosphorous from municipal wastewater effluent. Seven sites were studied extensively and two sites were studied intensively. Samples were taken from above the outfalls, from the outfalls themselves, and from stations at increasing distances downstream of the outfalls. The concentration of nutrients decreased downstream more rapidly than was expected based on dilution alone. Median net removal efficiencies for ammonium, total nitrogen, phosphate, and total phosphate were generally quite high and sometimes reached 100 percent. Such potential indicates a need to preserve these systems in their natural state.

Riparian Buffers for Water Quality Enhancement in the Albemarle-Pamlico Area
This report discusses the function and effectiveness of riparian corridors and buffers as nonpoint source loading controls. In particular, forest ecosystems are studied for use as potential nonpoint source management tools. Also discussed are the management of riparian buffers, the width of buffers, how buffers are currently being used within the APES region, how other states are using riparian buffers, and the major policy issues associated with the use of riparian buffers in the APES region.

Roanoke River Water Flow Committee Report for 1991-1993
A committee of representatives from state and federal agencies and state universities was formed in 1988 to gather information on natural resources of the lower Roanoke River watershed in North Carolina and to recommend a water flow regime that would be mutually beneficial to the resources and their users. The committee suggested that a flow regime be tested and evaluated over a four year period from 1989-1992, and that a report be issued each year during the study period. At the request of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extended the trial period to include 1993. The purpose of this report is to document hydrological events and reservoir operations for 1991-1993 in context with field research efforts and observations in the lower Roanoke River Basin on a number of watershed resources including fisheries, wildlife, agriculture, and timber.

Scoping Study of Water-Column and Bottom Sediments
This paper provides a synthesis of what is known about sedimentation in the Albemarle-Pamlico system, based on old and new, published and unpublished data. Older efforts concentrated on grain size and mineralogy studies. The sedimentary structure of the system is relatively simple. The surficial cover ranges from medium sands in the inlets and on the shoals of the Outer Banks, to fine silts and organic-rich clays in the central basin and embayed river mouths and channels. The transition zones, usually related to bathymetry, are usually distinct. Much of the terrigenous sediment is trapped in the lower courses of the rivers by processes of estuarine circulation. Areas of preferential settling of organic-rich muds may also define areas of greatest concentration of associated "particle-reactive tracers" and pollutants. There seems to be a relatively rapid vertical flux of large aggregates, possibly accounting for the unusual fluid-mud deposits. The Outer Banks act to trap much of the sediment that manages to "escape" the estuarine system. The net advection of Albemarle-Pamlico sediments is most influenced by long-term advective processes such as sea level rise and barrier island migration. Based upon current trends, the Albemarle-Pamlico system is not expected to reach a sediment-filled state.

Sediment Quality Survey of Northern Currituck Sound & North Landing
Periodic maintenance channel dredging of the inter-coastal waterway, which results in periodic dumping, has a high potential for re-suspension by wind and wave action. This project generated a database and sedimentological understanding to determine results of the dumping of dredge spoil in shallow, open estuarine environments.

Stream Gaging for the Stormwater Detention Basin
in Greenville, NC
Gauges have been placed to measure the inflows and effluent flows of a stormwater detention basin in Greenville, N.C. The resulting data will be critical in the determination of basin function and efficiency.

The Potential for Eutrophication and Nuisance Algal Blooms in the Lower Neuse River Estuary
Three stations in the mesotrophic Lower Neuse River Estuary were studied over a three year period to determine the potential for nuisance algal blooms and the associated episodes of bottom-water hypoxia and anoxia. Algal biomass varied seasonally (high in the summer, low in the winter), but also responded to changes in the river flows. In general, the estuary was found to be nitrogen limited, especially in the summer, but additions of nitrogen and phosphorous were more effective in stimulating algal growth than additions of nitrogen alone. Algal blooms were observed, but not blooms of nuisance taxa (though the nuisance taxa were often present). Zooplankton maintained low species richness throughout the study, exhibiting blooms only in the late spring. Management recommendations aimed at minimizing the likelihood of nuisance algal blooms include the reduction of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, atmospheric nitrogen (acid rain), dissolved inorganic phosphorous, and suspended sediments.

The Role of a New Toxic Dinoflagellate in Estuarine Finfish and Shellfish Kills in the Neuse and Pamlico Estuaries
A new highly toxic dinoflagellate with multiple life forms has recently been discovered in the Albemarle-Pamlico region. This study provides information on the proportion of kills, among a range of target species, that can be directly linked to this new toxic dinoflagellate. Optimal growth conditions and the effects of eutrophication are also determined. The potential for bio-control is also explored.

Toxicant Inventory for the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study
Through direct contact with agency officials, computer retrievals, and on line literature searches, all available sources of toxicant data for the Albemarle-Pamlico region were identified, listed, and reviewed. Ambient data were screened by computer against state and federal criteria (primarily North Carolina water quality regulations) to identify potential toxicant problem areas. Maps of potential areas were developed and a summary report was prepared. Potential toxicant loadings were found to be highest in the Albemarle Sound drainage area, with the majority of dischargers in the Roanoke River basin. Ambient exceedences of water quality standards were found mostly in headwater reaches of tributary streams. Only six estuarine stations were found to be in violation of state or EPA water quality standards. A total of 22 sediment sites in the Albemarle, 16 sites in the Neuse, and 13 sites in the Pamlico were identified as having the potential to be toxic to some test organisms. Fish tissue data was analyzed. Seventy-five exceedences of health requirements for carnivorous creatures and numerous exceedences of the requirements for human consumption were found.

Water Quality as a Function of Discharge from the Roanoke River Reservoir During Hydropower Generation
The effect of springtime water releases from Roanoke River reservoirs on downstream water quality was examined by whole water grab samples from Pollock's Ferry (22 miles below the dam), Scotland Neck, and four stations in the river delta. Samples were collected one day each week from April 14 to June 8 1988. Generally, water quality was good at Pollock's Ferry and in three of the four delta stations, with thorough mixing evident during the moderate flows. Downstream increases in dissolved and particulate parameters were likely due to swamp drainage and waste discharge (such as that from municipalities and pulp mills). Dissolved oxygen dropped downstream. Water temperature and pH were positively correlated with river flow at Pollock's Ferry; conductivity and nitrate/nitrite were negatively correlated. Many other water quality parameters were, for certain periods, positively correlated with a rapid rise in river stage. The report concludes that the water quality observed at Pollock's Ferry was largely influenced by water releases from Roanoke Rapids reservoir. Water quality in the Roanoke delta was modified by drainage from bordering swamp, municipal and industrial discharge.

Water-Quality Trends and Basin Activities and Characteristics for the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System,
North Carolina and Virginia
The report summarizes land-use/land-cover data, geographic descriptions, flow characteristics, and water quality data. Non-parametric trend analyses were performed on the water quality data using the Seasonal Kendall test. Correlation analyses were performed on many water quality parameters including DO, pH, suspended solids, salinity, ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorous, soluble nutrients, and chlorophyll a, as well as on more than 50 basin characteristics and activities. Several general, system-wide correlations were determined; (1) dissolved oxygen generally increased; (2) pH generally increased; (3) suspended solids, in general, decreased; and (4) chlorophyll a increased. Trends in concentrations of nutrients were site-specific.

Workshop: Hydrodynamics and Water Quality Monitoring
This document is a compilation of papers presented at a workshop held on September 3-4, 1987, for modelers and managers. Models were presented regarding the Chowan, Tar-Pamlico, and Neuse rivers; the Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds; Chesapeake Bay; Green Bay; Long Island Sound; and Narragansett Bay. Some of the major conclusions reached were the necessity for (1) specific management objectives for model development; (2) dispersion models, wind-driven models, and basin-wide models; (3) standardized data and analyses; and (4) linking physical parameters to living resources. Specific recommendations for APES were to (1) focus on kinetic system-wide approaches; (2) link chemical and biological processes; (3) look at eutrophication; (4) coordinate monitors, modelers, and managers and involve other interests such as agriculture and industry; and (5) collect data specifically needed for modeling.

Workshop: Water Quality and Nonpoint-Source Pollution
Four one-day leadership development workshops were conducted across the Albemarle-Pamlico region to increase local understanding of and support for APES, and to present viable options and strategies for action. Local leaders, resource managers and others were encouraged to attend. More than 300 people participated. Topics of the workshops included nonpoint source pollution, BMPs, planning strategies, educational strategies, economics and fishery resources. A non-technical handbook on practices for solving problems associated with nonpoint-source pollution resulted from the workshops.