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Effects of channel modifications on the hydrology of Chicod Creek basin, North Carolina, 1975-87

Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4031
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri904031

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Abstract

Drainage modifications in this Coastal Plain basin from 1978 to 1981 consisted of channel excavation and clearing of blockages. A study was begun in 1975 to define hydrologic conditions of the basin before, during, and after modifications and to determine what changes were attributed to modifications. Surface-water conditions were altered during and following modifications. Minimum flow at Juniper Branch was increased from less than 0.1 cu ft/sec to 0.4 cu ft/second;streamflow variability was reduced from an index of 0.87 to 0.49. In-channel velocity at Chicod Creek was increased from a mean of 0.4 ft/sec to 1.5 ft/sec. Substantial groundwater level declines were observed in wells 180 and 250 ft from Juniper Branch during the modifications phase;these were 0.4 and 0.2 ft, respectively. However, most surface-water and groundwater conditions returned nearly to premodification levels by 1987. Water-quality characteristics monitored during the investigation included physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics. Physical characteristics monitored were suspended sediment, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Of these physical characteristics, only sediment concentrations increased substantially during channel modifications. Chemical characteristics studied were major dissolved constituents, nutrients, trace metals, and pesticides. Substantial changes ranged from a decline in total iron concentrations of 77% to an increase in total nitrite concentrations of 130%. Changes in many chemical characteristics persisted following channel modifications. Bacterial counts did not change substantially.

Suggested Citation

Mason, R., Simmons, C., Watkins, S., 1990, Effects of channel modifications on the hydrology of Chicod Creek basin, North Carolina, 1975-87: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4031, vii, 83 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri904031.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Effects of channel modifications on the hydrology of Chicod Creek basin, North Carolina, 1975-87
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 90-4031
DOI 10.3133/wri904031
Year Published 1990
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey ; Books and Open-File Reports Section [distributor],
Contributing office(s) South Atlantic Water Science Center
Description vii, 83 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Country United States
State North Carolina
Other Geospatial Chicod Creek basin
Additional publication details