4.5 River Basins
T ABLE 4.50 Water quality classifcation and rating information for the Catawba River Basin
Freshwater Miles
Percent (Total Waters)
Freshwater Acres
Percent (Total Waters)
Classifcations
Total Basin Waters*
7,941
—
57,063
— <1 <1
HQW ORW
327 256
4 3
21
5
Freshwater Miles
Percent (Total Waters)
Freshwater Acres
Percent (Total Waters)
Use Ratings
Total Named Waters
3,114
-
54,363 11,999 39,830
— 22 73 — <1
Supporting Impaired Not Rated
848 364
27 12 <1 60
19
—
No Data
1,883
2,535
* Total Basin Waters estimated from National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), April 2015 (EPA 2014b).
4.5.6.3 Aquatic Species Table 4.51 identifes SGCN found in the Catawba River Basin. Tere are 15 SGCN in the basin: two crayfsh species, eight freshwater or anadromous fsh species, and fve freshwa- ter mussel species. Appendix G provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix H identifes SGCN associ- ated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. 4.5.6.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species Impoundment is a major factor in the loss and degradation of habitat for priority aquatic species in the Catawba basin. All but the upper headwater reaches of the Catawba River (upstream from Lake James) are either impounded or regulated by hydropower projects (Duke Energy). Coldwater releases degrade the Lake James tailwater for many native species and it is presently managed as a stocked trout fshery. Migration of anadromous and potamodromous fshes are severely limited, if not altogether prevented by dams. Te few remaining free-fowing, cool- or warmwater high-quality habitats in larger tribu- tary streams are isolated and fragmented by the impoundment efects on the mainstem Catawba River. Te total efect of this habitat fragmentation on priority species populations in not entirely clear; however, some impacts are evident. Habitats may be recovering in some streams where species were extirpated by past habitat loss. Potential recolonization of these recovering habitats may be impossible due to barriers created by dams, impound- ments, and/or intervening habitat made unsuitable by other factors.
525
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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