Goose Creek Watershed

Goose Creek watershed is located primarily in Union but also in Mecklenburg County between Charlotte and Monroe.   The watershed is about 42 square miles and is a mix of suburban, forested and agricultural areas. 

The upstream section of the stream is supporting, but the downstream portion is not.  Monitoring has indicated fecal coliform violations of the water quality standard meaning it does not support primary recreation (swimming) use of the water.   Benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring has also demonstrated that the stream is not supporting biological integrity in this section.    

The Ecosystem Enhancement Program has been coordinating a stakeholder process in this watershed that began in July 2008.  As stated in the EEP Goose Creek watershed fact sheet   “Goose Creek has been the focus of watershed protection in recent years by both North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission and the US Fish and wildlife Service because of the endangered Carolina heelsplitter.”  Other governments and organizations participating in the Goose Creek stakeholder process include:  representatives from the jurisdictions within the watershed area (Mecklenburg and Union counties, Fairview, Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Mint Hill, and Stallings), Catawba Land Conservancy, USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, County Soil and Water Conservation District representatives, and NC Cooperative Extension Service.   The preliminary characterization of the watershed has been completed, but the detailed assessment and watershed plan development still need to be completed.   In addition, to protect the water quality and habitat necessary for Carolina heelsplitter, DWQ developed a set of management rules that were adopted by the NC Environmental Management Commission and became effective February 2009.  Thus, actions are already underway to help protect and restore Goose Creek watershed.