4.5.12 Neuse River Basin
4.5.12.1 River Basin Description
The Neuse River Basin is an Atlantic Slope drainage with headwaters originating in the northcentral Piedmont ecoregion in Person and Orange counties. The uppermost 22 miles of the
river’s main stem is impounded behind Falls of the Neuse Reservoir dam just northeast of the
city of Raleigh. Downstream of the dam, the river continues its course for approximately 185
miles southeast past the cities of Raleigh, Smithfield, Goldsboro, and Kinston (NCDWQ 2009; 2012d;
2015e). It flows southeast until it reaches tidal waters near Streets Ferry, upstream of New Bern.
At New Bern, the river broadens dramatically and turns into a 40-mile long brackish tidal
estuary that eventually flows into the Pamlico Sound.
The Neuse River Basin is the third largest basin in North Carolina, covering 6,062 square miles,
and is one of only four major river basins whose boundaries are located entirely within the
state (NCDWR 2015d,h). Major drainages in the basin include the Eno River, Flat River, and Little
River, Trent River, Neuse River, Crabtree Creek, Swift Creek, and Contentnea Creek.
There are two distinct portions of the Neuse River Basin: the upper one-third in the Piedmont
and the lower two-thirds in the Coastal Plain. Streams in the Piedmont portion typically are low
gradient, with sluggish pools separated by riffles and occasional small rapids. Soils are highly
erodible in the Piedmont and are underlain by fractured rock formations that have a limited
water storage capacity. This portion of the basin tends to have low summer flows and limited
ability to assimilate oxygen-consuming wastes, which contributes to hypoxia.
The Coastal Plain portion features slow-moving blackwater streams, low-lying swamps, and
productive estuarine waters. There are numerous miles of unmapped small intermittent and
ephemeral streams and numerous freshwater wetland communities. Wetlands in the Piedmont
can be small or seasonal systems while extensive acreages of freshwater wetlands may be
found in the lower Coastal Plain portion of the basin (NCDWR 2015a). The larger waterbodies in
the basin are meandering, often lined with swamps and bottomland hardwoods, and often
have naturally low DO and pH. Soils are deep sands that have a high groundwater storage
capacity. Natural lakes include the remnants of bay lakes in the lower Coastal Plain (NCDWQ
2012a).
There are several areas of rapidly expanding urban land use; however, much of the land use in
the basin is agriculture or forest, with the only major area of protected forest associated with
the Croatan National Forest in the lower reaches of the basin (NCDWQ 2012a). Based on 2011
National Land Cover Dataset information, land use in the basin was estimated to be 29.4%
forested, 4.4% grassland, 26.2% agricultural, 19.3% wetland, and 12.4% urban or developed
(MRLC 2011; Jin et al. 2013).
DRAFT, 4-86
The Neuse River Basin encompasses all or portions of 18 counties and 77 municipalities. Large
cities located in this basin include Cary, Durham, Goldsboro, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh,
Smithfield, and Wilson. Figure 4.5.12.1 depicts the geographic location of the basin.
Figure 4.5.12.1 Location of the Neuse River Basin.
4.5.12.2 Aquatic Resources
Segments of the Neuse River, Eno River, Little River, and South River have supplemental
classifications as High Quality Waters (HQW) or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) because
they either have excellent water quality or they are a significant resource to humans and/or
wildlife (NCDWQ 2010). The requirements to be classified as ORWs are more stringent than those
for HQWs and in some circumstances, the unique characteristics of the water and resource
require that a specialized management strategy be developed (NCDWR 2015d). Coastal estuarine
waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, Core and Pamlico Sounds, and their bays carry either an
HWQ or ORW classification (NCDWR 2015a). Core Sound has approximately 18,202 saltwater acres
classified as ORW.
DRAFT, 4-87
The Neuse River Estuary is made up of the Pamlico Sound, upper Core Sound, West Bay, and
their embayments and tributaries. These waters are all classified as nutrient-sensitive waters
(NSW). This classification is intended for waters that need additional nutrient management due
to greater vulnerability to excessive aquatic vegetation growth (NCDWQ 2015d). The Neuse River
Estuary has approximately 50,852 saltwater acres that are classified as HQW; the Pamlico
Sound has over 84,692 saltwater acres classified as HQW; and the West Bay covers more than
16,359 of brackish waters that are classified as HQW.
Table 4.5.12.1 provides information on water quality classifications and use support ratings in
the basin.
Table 4.5.12.1 Water quality classifications and use ratings in the Neuse River Basin.
Percent
Classifications
Total Basin
Waters
Classified Waters
Freshwater
Miles
(Basin
Waters)
12,703
Percent
Freshwater
Acres
(Basin
Waters)
43,232
Percent
Coastal
Acres
(Basin
Waters)
371,531
Percent
Coastal
Miles
(Basin
Waters)
818
5,774
46
17,251
40
263,997
71
818
100
HQW
279
2
989
2
270,415
72
602
74
ORW
23
<1
944
2
65,513
18
216
26
Percent
Use Ratings
Freshwater
Miles
Total Monitored
3,414
(Monitored
Waters)
Percent
Freshwater
Acres
(Monitored
Waters)
17,446
Percent
Coastal
Acres
(Monitored
Waters)
371,532
Percent
Coastal
Miles
(Monitored
Waters)
19
Supporting
589
17
1,269
7
44,344
12
0
0
Impaired
327
10
383
2
138,747
37
0
0
Not Rated
413
12
15,175
87
359
<1
0
0
2,084
61
619
4
188,082
51
19
100
No Data
There are ORW Special Management Strategy Areas (SMSAs) in the basin for Deep Creek
(23,660 acres) and Core Sound with Pamlico and Back Sound Areas (126,940 acres) (NCDWR 2015c).
These areas require site-specific provisions to protect resource values (no new discharges or
expansion of existing discharges) (NCAC).
DRAFT, 4-88
4.5.12.3 Aquatic Species
There are 26 priority species in the basin identified as SGCN: one is an aquatic snail, one is a
crayfish, 13 are freshwater fishes, and 11 are freshwater mussels. Appendix G provides a list of
SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns.
Appendix H identifies SGCN associated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. Table
4.5.12.2 identifies the SGCN found in the Neuse River Basin.
Table 4.5.12.2 SGCN priority species in the Neuse River Basin.
Federal/State
Taxa Group
Scientific Name
Common Name
Listing Status*
AQ SNAIL
Somatogyrus virginicus
Panhandle Pebblesnail
CRAYFISH
Procambarus medialis
Pamlico Crayfish
Acipenser oxyrinchus
Atlantic Sturgeon
Ambloplites cavifrons
Roanoke Bass
Ameiurus brunneus
Snail Bullhead
Ameiurus platycephalus
Flat Bullhead
Enneacanthus chaetodon
Blackbanded Sunfish
Enneacanthus obesus
Banded Sunfish
Etheostoma collis
Carolina Darter
Lampetra aepyptera
Least Brook Lamprey
Moxostoma pappillosum
V-lip Redhorse
Notropis bifrenatus
Bridle Shiner
Notropis chalybaeus
Ironcolor Shiner
Notropis volucellus
Mimic Shiner
Noturus furiosus
Carolina Madtom
- /T
Alasmidonta heterodon
Dwarf Wedgemussel
E/E
Alasmidonta undulata
Triangle Floater
- /T
FISH
E/E
- /T
MUSSEL
DRAFT, 4-89
Federal/State
Taxa Group
Scientific Name
Common Name
Listing Status*
Elliptio lanceolata
Yellow Lance
- /E
Elliptio marsupiobesa
Cape Fear Spike
Elliptio steinstansana
Tar River Spinymussel
E/E
Fusconaia masoni
Atlantic Pigtoe
- /E
Lampsilis cariosa
Yellow Lampmussel
- /E
Lampsilis sp. 2
Chameleon Lampmussel
Lasmigona subviridis
Green Floater
- /E
Villosa constricta
Notched Rainbow
- /SC
Villosa modioliformis
Eastern Rainbow
*See Section 4.5.3.
4.5.12.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species
It is important to note that all waters in the state are rated as impaired based on a statewide
fish consumption advisory for mercury contamination. In the Wake County portion of the basin,
Brier Creek, Little Brier Creek, Crabtree Creek, Lake Crabtree, Rocky Branch, Walnut Creek, and
the Neuse River (from Crabtree Creek to Auburn-Knightdale Road) all carry a health advisory
against eating any fish from these waters because of contamination by polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) (NCDPH 2014).
In 2007, the Neuse River was listed as one of the most endangered rivers in the United States
because of eutrophication caused by high waste loads attributed to development and
agriculture (American Rivers 2007; Ferrell et al. 2014). Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and
forestry has degraded aquatic habitats within the basin. For example, animal waste byproducts
cause increased levels of nitrates and phosphates, which can lead to excess growth of algae and
aquatic plants and to decreased DO levels (especially during summer months) that result in fish
kills.
The upper 22 miles of the Neuse River proper are impounded by the Falls of the Neuse
Reservoir dam which was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide drinking water,
flood control, and recreation opportunities. Other major reservoirs in the Neuse River Basin
DRAFT, 4-90
include Milburnie Dam, Little River Reservoir, Lake Michie, Lake Orange, Corporation Lake, Lake
Ben Johnson (run-of- river dam) (goes with the flow), Lake Butner, Lake Rogers, Lake Wheeler,
Lake Benson, and Buckhorn Reservoir. A proposal to remove the Milburnie Dam is being
evaluated and, if approved, would open 15 miles of the Neuse River and tributaries for
migration and spawning of American Shad, Striped Bass, and other anadromous fish as well as
restore free-flowing stream habitat for many priority aquatic species (American Rivers 2012).
The Falls of the Neuse Reservoir (Falls Lake) and Lake Johnson are rated as impaired based on
turbidity, failure to meet water quality standards for nutrient enrichment, and PCB
contamination in fish tissue samples. Eutrophic conditions have been present in Falls Lake since
it was impounded in the early 1980s (NCOEE 2007, 2009, n.d.; NCDWR 2015b) and high levels of
chlorophyll a, low DO, turbidity, and contamination are persistent problems. Other examples of
impaired impoundments include Big Lake and Reedy Creek Lake in Umstead State Park (Wake
County). Umstead State Park is managed for recreation and the land is primarily forested, but
Hydrilla is a problem, especially during summer when light and temperature conditions
enhance growth and potentially spread this invasive plant to other waterbodies in the basin
(NCDWQ 2006).
Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen from cars and factories can lead to decreased water
quality. Large quantities of nutrients, especially nitrogen, from nonpoint sources are considered
the greatest threat to water quality of the Neuse River Estuary. There are over 400 point source
waste discharge permits for the basin from municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial
facilities, small package treatment plants, and large urban and industrial stormwater. Municipal
point source waste pollution also contributes nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants to
waters in the basin.
United States Census Bureau (USCB) data shows that five of the fastest-growing cities in the
United States are located in the Neuse River Basin. Based on population growth between 2010
and 2014, and in comparison with growth rates in other states, North Carolina was ranked as
the fifth fastest growing state in the nation (USCB 2014). Population in the basin is expected to
increase by as much as 44% by 2020 and USCB projects that the population in the Neuse River
Basin will increase by more than 867,000 people. Projected growth patterns for the Neuse River
Basin predict the population will be over two million people by 2020 (USCB 2014; NCDWR 2015a).
According to an NCDENR dam inventory (NCDEMLR 2014), there are at least 654
impoundments in the basin, most of which are mill or farm ponds. Impoundments in the basin
have affected aquatic species by physically altering habitat, reducing flows and DO, and causing
erosion. Modification of flow regimes by upstream impoundments affects various life history
characteristics of downstream migratory fishes and other aquatic fauna by limiting dispersal
and recolonization. Additionally, water withdrawals for irrigation reduce the amount of habitat
available for aquatic species (NCDWQ 2009).
Urban centers in the Piedmont rely on surface water withdrawn from reservoirs or directly
from the Neuse River (about two-thirds of the total demand on the basin), while rural areas and
DRAFT, 4-91
communities in the Coastal Plain rely more on ground water (NCDWR 2015c). As is the case in the
Cape Fear River Basin, current drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment capacities
may not be sufficient to meet demands caused by population growth, and new infrastructure
will be needed to meet these demands. Development and the related need for additional
infrastructure will result in increased stresses on already impaired aquatic resources.
The loss of natural areas and increase in impervious surfaces that result from rapid population
growth cause increased sediment runoff from construction. More homes mean an increase in
lawn fertilizer runoff. Heavy metal runoff contributes to elevated mercury levels in fish tissue.
These point and nonpoint runoff sources accumulate in the Pamlico Sound, where researchers
at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington found one-third of the sediments
contaminated with chemicals and toxic metals (Powell 1999).
There are 539 permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the Neuse River
Basin with 900 waste lagoons associated with the facilities. Waste from these sites is a source
of high levels of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) (NCDWR 2015b). Animal-waste lagoons
and sprayfields that discharge nutrients and bacteria contamination near or into aquatic
environments through runoff, percolation into groundwater, and volatilization of ammonia and
the release of bacterial contamination can significantly degrade water quality and endanger
health (Mallin 2003; Mallin and Cahoon 2003).
4.5.12.5 Recommendations
Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3.
Priorities identified in the Neuse River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.12.2 and are included in
Appendix J.
DRAFT, 4-92
Figure 4.5.12.2 Location of priority watersheds in the Neuse River Basin.
Basin Specific Recommendations
Surveys. General surveys are needed to complete primary distributional status for SGCN and
other priority species (see Table 4.5.12.1).




Fishes – determine distribution and status of priority species (Banded Sunfish, Black
Banded Sunfish, Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Ironcolor Shiner, Least Brook Lamprey,
Mimic Shiner, and V-lip Redhorse).
Mussels – determine distribution and status of priority species (Atlantic Pigtoe, Eastern
Rainbow, Green Floater, Tar River Spinymussel, and Yellow Lance).
Crayfishes – determine distribution and status of priority species (Carolina Ladle
Crayfish, Croatan Crayfish, and Pamlico Crayfish).
Snails – conduct baseline distribution surveys for all species that occur in the basin.
DRAFT, 4-93
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over
time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies
should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from
conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat
management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified and monitoring
protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other
existing monitoring programs where feasible.

Identify long-term monitoring sites and develop monitoring protocols for priority
species (e.g., Atlantic Pigtoe, Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Dwarf Wedgemussel,
Green Floater, Ironcolor Shiner, and Yellow Lance).
Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use
and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding,
competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps
determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying
possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide
recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative
undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed.





Study habitat use and life history characteristics of priority species (e.g., Carolina Ladle
Crayfish, Green Floater, Least Brook Lamprey, Triangle Floater, and V-lip Redhorse).
Support taxonomic research for priority species (e.g., Cambarus sp. C complex,
Chameleon Lampmussel, Eastern Rainbow, Mimic Shiner, Panhandle Pebblesnail, and
the mussel genus Elliptio).
Support development of captive propagation techniques for priority species (e.g., Bridle
Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Green Floater, Ironcolor Shiner, and Triangle Floater).
Support genetics research that informs augmentation policy for priority species (e.g.,
Atlantic Pigtoe, Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Chameleon Lampmussel, Green Floater,
Ironcolor Shiner, Triangle Floater, and Yellow Lance).
Determine impacts of nonnative species on priority species (e.g., Japanese Mystery
Snail, Red Swamp Crawfish, and Flathead Catfish).
In addition to the SGCN species found in the basin (see Table 4.5.12.2), a list of knowledge-gap
priority species gaps is provided in Table 4.5.12.3.
Table 4.5.12.3 Knowledge-gap priority species in the Neuse River Basin.
Taxa Group
Scientific Name
Common Name
AQ SNAIL
Cipangopaludina japonica
Cambarus davidi
Procambarus plumimanus
Chrosomus oreas
Etheostoma vitreum
Japanese Mystery Snail
Carolina Ladle Crayfish
Croatan Crayfish
Mountain Redbelly Dace
Glassy Darter
CRAYFISH
FISH
Federal/State
Listing Status*
DRAFT, 4-94
Taxa Group
MUSSEL
Scientific Name
Common Name
Fundulus diaphanus
Lepisosteus osseus
Moxostoma cervinum
Nocomis raneyi
Percina nevisense
Percina roanoka
Petromyzon marinus
Corbicula fluminea
Elliptio fisheriana
Elliptio icterina
Elliptio roanokensis
Lampsilis radiata
Pyganodon cataracta
Strophitus undulatus
Taxolasma parvum (parvus)
Uniomerus carolinianus
Utterbackia imbecillis
Banded Killifish
Longnose Gar
Blacktip Jumprock
Bull Chub
Chainback Darter
Roanoke Darter
Sea Lamprey
Asian Clam
Northern Lance
Variable Spike
Roanoke Slabshell
Eastern Lampmussel
Eastern Floater
Creeper
Lilliput
Florida Pondhorn
Paper Pondshell
Federal/State
Listing Status*
- /T
- /T
- /T
*See Section 4.5.3
Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically
with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources.
Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their
habitats, and improving degraded habitats. In addition, education about, and regulation and
prevention of the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital.



Support efforts to restore the native aquatic community through reintroduction or
augmentation.
Support acquisition of land that is adjacent to current conservation holdings or priority
watersheds.
Support other regulatory agencies to minimize impacts on species and habitats.
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships
should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to preserve high-quality resources and protect
important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks
to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or
preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above
all, it promotes ecosystem resilience.

Guide academic research projects to help achieve specific conservation goals and
objectives.
DRAFT, 4-95



Support the development and application of an aquatic nuisance species management
plan with other agencies/groups.
Address secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality (buffer ordinances,
water supply watershed protection, headwaters protection).
Work with and promote existing programs that help farmers reduce
sedimentation/erosion (e.g., installing fences to keep livestock out of streams and
improving tilling practices), as well as reduce pesticide and herbicide use.

Support stormwater management and wastewater treatment plant improvements and
upgrades.

Develop and disseminate print media, including stand-alone documents, press releases,
newspaper and magazine articles, and displays.
Improve and maintain existing web resources (mussel, crayfish, and fish atlases, etc.)
Continue to seek opportunities for direct outreach throughout the basin.


DRAFT, 4-96