Table 3:   Summary of Ranking for Lake Glenville Stream Sites (Higher score is better)

 

site #	site name	sediment	metals	nutrients	overall
	VWIN - WNC Regional Average	71	81	77	76
	average for Lake Glenville stream sites	70	93	87	83
2	N-1  Norton Creek at N. Norton Rd bridge	75	100	83	86
3	M-1  Mill Creek downstream from N. Norton bridge	25	100	75	67
	P-1  Pine Creek at Pine Creek 4Rd bridge	50	100	83	78
5	G-1  Glenville Creek at Tator Knob Rd	100	100	100	100
6	C-1  Cedar Creek at Bee Tree Rd bridge	50	50	83	61
7	N-2  Norton Creek above Grassy Camp	88	100	92	93
	percent sites below regional average	43%	14%	14%	29%

As can be seen from the Table 3, the streams analyzed in the Glenville area are generally in better condition than most streams analyzed in the mountain region by the VWIN program.  With a few exceptions, most streams show low conductivity levels (chemical salts) and low levels of heavy metals and nutrients.  

The most frequent water quality problem observed in the area, as with Western North Carolina streams in general, is stream sedimentation.  For most sites, any other problems observed are also likely to be related to stream sedimentation as many pollutants are carried into streams attached to sediment. For these streams, reducing sedimentation from runoff will

also likely reduce inputs of other pollutants.  It is possible that there may be point-source inputs of nutrients, but there is insufficient data to determine statistically significant relationships between stream flow and nutrient concentrations.

Even with only twelve sets of analyses, however, it is clear that rains have an effect on stream sediment concentrations and water clarity.  Sites most affected are Mill Creek, Pine Creek, and Cedar Creek.  As Mill Creek and Pine Creek are in the same area, similar land disturbing activities may be the source of the problem for both streams. Potential sources to be investigated are unpaved roads, construction sites, bank erosion, and agriculture, particularly where there are livestock adjacent to streams.

Cedar Creek also exhibits unusually high zinc concentrations at almost all times.  In fact, only two sites in the region, both very urban streams in Asheville, show median zinc concentrations greater than at Cedar Creek.  Considering the lack of urbanization in the Glenville area, urban runoff is probably not the source at Cedar Creek.  Considering the high sedimentation levels during rains, this creek may be receiving runoff from an area or areas where the rock contains high levels of zinc and the land has recently been disturbed.  The sandy stream bed at the collection site suggests that a great deal of sediment has collected in this stream from current or past land disturbing activities in the area.  Bank erosion may also be a significant factor.  The sand and silt in the stream bed may contain high levels of zinc. This stream may also have areas where the banks are heavily eroding and carrying new material into the stream. There are other potential sources of zinc to a stream and all avenues should be explored.  The low pH levels observed in the entire Glenville area including Cedar Creek also cause the heavy metals to become more soluble, thus increasing their concentrations in the water column.

The Glenville area shows the lowest median pH and alkalinity levels of any area analyzed in the VWIN program.  There are several probable causes.  The average elevation of the stream sites monitored is higher than most other areas monitored, and higher elevation streams are generally more acidic.  The Glenville area also receives greater rainfall than much of the rest of the VWIN monitoring region in the mountains.  The soil and rock composition of the area may also be more acidic.  Although low alkalinity levels have no direct effect on water quality, they are an indication of the potential for pH extremes. Alkalinity levels at Norton Creek have fallen below the minimum level that is considered to be sufficient buffering capacity, and Hurricane Creek and Glenville Creek have been very close to that point.  These streams could be highly vulnerable to acid deposition.  The drought of the last few years may have prevented extreme pH swings from occurring, but a return to normal rainfall levels could cause problems if measures are not taken to further reduce sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants which are the main cause of acid deposition.

Water quality in the Glenville area is still generally excellent.  Streams such as Hurricane Creek, Glenville Creek, and Norton Creek still exhibit good to excellent water quality even during rains when many streams in Western North Carolina region become particularly vulnerable to pollution. However, this is the time, before extensive development occurs, to ensure that water quality remains excellent in the future.  The establishment in Jackson County of an erosion control ordinance was a major step in this direction.   Locating current sources of pollution in the region is the next step.  This first year of monitoring has provided some basic information on water quality of the streams entering Lake Glenville. Hopefully, it will be used to help identify pollutant sources and correct problems. 

One year of data can only provide a baseline of information.  It is not sufficient information to determine trends. Therefore The Friends of Lake Glenville have entered into an agreement with UNCA to continue monitoring our input stream sites. Comparative year to year data will become available as monthly tests are performed and results analyzed.

 

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