Chapter 4 Habitats
not the same as the NCWRC’s designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, which are waters that support trout and are open to public fishing. 4.5.15.3 Aquatic Species Appendix 3 provides lists of aquatic SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix 3-18 identifies aquatic SGCN associated with the aquatic communities found in this river basin. In addition to crayfish, freshwater fish and mussels, and aquatic snails found in the basin, there are also species that have both aquatic and terrestrial stages to their life history. The following list of SGCN is also associated with the aquatic communities in the Roanoke River Basin.
Federal Status
State Status
Common Name
Scientific Name
DRAGONFLIES Edmund's Snaketail Mountain River Cruiser
Ophiogomphus edmundo
At-Risk At-Risk
-- --
Macromia margarita
Septima's Clubtail
Gomphurus septima
At-Risk
--
Skillet Clubtail
Gomphurus ventricosus
--
--
Splendid Clubtail
Gomphurus lineatifrons
--
--
4.5.15.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species Water Quality. There are 29 permitted Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) for swine in the basin, with 44 waste lagoons associated with these facilities (NCDENR 2024(a)) . Nonpoint wastewater discharges from CAFOs contain high levels of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus), as well as fecal coliform bacteria and chemical compounds associated with livestock operations (e.g., antibiotics, hormone products) (NCDWR 2015b) . Animal-waste lagoons that use spray fields to discharge wastewater near aquatic environments are a source of contamination because runoff, percolation of wastewater into groundwater, and volatilization of ammonia release bacteria can significantly degrade water quality and endanger human and animal health (Mallin 2003; Mallin and Cahoon 2003) . Pollution. Upstream waters located in Virginia are a source of contamination. For example, the waters of Kerr Reservoir in Virginia are considered by the VA Department of Environmental Quality to be impaired for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low DO (CBF 2005) . Other sources come from point sources that include industrial and municipal wastewater, selenium ash pond discharge, and urban stormwater discharges that contribute toxic compounds and elements such as ammonia, chlorine, mercury, and various organic compounds. Waters in Welch Creek and Batchelor Bay in the eastern part of the basin are rated impaired for dioxin contamination.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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