Chapter 4 Habitats
Federal Status
State Status
Common Name
Scientific Name
--
Lestes forcipatus
Sweetflag Spreadwing REPTILES Carolina Saltmarsh Snake
--
SC SC
Nerodia sipedon williamengelsi
--
Malaclemys terrapin
Diamondback Terrapin
--
Liodytes rigida
Glossy Crayfish Snake
--
--
Farancia erytrogramma
Rainbow Snake
--
--
4.5.12.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species Pollution. 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) . Emerging compounds of concern include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4- dioxane that have been found in public drinking water supply reservoirs in the Neuse River Basin (NCDEQ 2021) . PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals used in the production of a wide variety of manufactured goods including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain- resistant fabrics, cosmetics, food packaging materials, and fire-retardant foams. These compounds are composed of fluorinated carbon chains that readily transport in the environment and are highly resistant to degradation. The synthetic industrial organic compound 1,4-dioxane is used as an industrial solvent and is formed as a byproduct of some industrial processes. It persistent in the environment and is difficult to remove through standard water and wastewater treatment processes. The USEPA has characterized the compound as likely to be carcinogenic to humans (NCDEQ 2021) . 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. 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
4 - 464
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator