Rich Fork Creek Watershed

Rich Fork Creek is listed as impaired by the US EPA for poor biological habitat. The Creek’s listings of impairment for low dissolved oxygen and high fecal coliform bacteria levels were removed in 2008, as the levels no longer violated federal standards. This is great news, but more work must be done to restore Rich Fork Creek to full supporting status.

Rich Fork Creek is a key tributary in the High Rock Lake watershed, which is also biologically impaired.

Economic drivers in Davidson County and in the Piedmont Triad traditionally included textiles, furniture, agriculture, and various other industries. While these industries were vital to creating a strong Triad economy and in the establishment of the current cities of High Point, Lexington, and Thomasville, they caused significant harm to the area’s waters. In the absence of these heavy industries, water quality has improved, but it still needs help.

The Piedmont Triad Council of Governments (PTCOG) received $107,000 in US EPA and NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund monies and has taken two years to identify the sources of pollution currently degrading Rich Fork Creek. The main source of pollution in the watershed is stormwater. Stormwater runoff does not soak into the ground because it falls on a paved surface. Stormwater carries oils, detergents, dog waste, and trash directly into Rich Fork Creek at high speeds and volume, eroding the stream banks and scouring the stream beds. The erosion and trash found throughout the watershed is dramatic and needs immediate attention. This can be accomplished through restoration projects and new approaches to our behavior and development. PTCOG’s Stormwater SMART directly addresses stormwater pollution and aids communities wanting to reduce their stormwater pollution.

PTCOG has published a Rich Fork Creek Watershed Assessment and a Restoration Plan to immediately address the impaired conditions of these streams and lands. There are 33 Projects and 7 Policy Recommendations that will all benefit Rich Fork Creek if implemented. It is now up to the watershed citizens to use this plan to improve their homes and surrounding areas. The plan guides Davidson County, High Point, and Thomasville in future efforts and suggests ways in which we can grow our local economies and communities without further degrading our environment.

PTCOG firmly believes that Rich Fork Creek can and will improve. We are available to educate interested citizens and will work with organizations to secure grant funding for larger projects. Please contact us for any further details. For more information on the watershed planning process, please see our Watershed Planning page.

Piedmont Triad Council of Governments

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Rich Fork Creek Watershed