Investigation of Poor Stream Function in the Fishing Creek Watershed

Abstract

Water quality in Coon, Jordan, and Fishing Creeks of Granville County, NC was assessed using geospatial modeling, toxicity testing, community surveys and interviews, and risk assessment. Field data combined with existing data from the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources provided the bases for the analyses. Our research suggests that water quality is not heavily impacted by local industry and infrastructure. However, conservation priority analysis indicates that downstream Fishing and Coon Creeks are potential conservation areas. In addition, geospatial analysis with PLOAD model shows exceedances of total phosphorus and total nitrogen in certain urban and agricultural areas, which may negatively impact downstream water quality. Preliminary results from acute toxicity tests indicate that stream water at six out of seven sample locations in these streams is of sufficient quality to support medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish hatchlings for 96-hours (p > 0.05). Community surveys revealed great citizen concern, yet limited knowledge and awareness about local streams. Risk assessment of metal concentrations in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent discharging into Fishing Creek indicated a potential risk to aquatic life from copper and zinc. Given limited industry, infrastructure, and environmental data in Granville County, our work lays a foundation for future water quality studies.