PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Approximately 3,000 linear feet of the upper portion of Bailey Creek were relocated in Beaufort County, NC due to advance of an open-pit phosphate mine. CZR Incorporated assisted with project design and coordination, and was responsible for biological monitoring at the site. CZR sampled pre-disturbance conditions and compared post-disturbance monitoring data for five years.
Fish were monitored from two 600-foot stretches of channel using a backpack electroshocker, seines, and dip nets in conformance with DWQ protocols. Collected fish were identified, counted, and measured.
Macroinvertebrates were monitored from two stations by sweep sampling with D-nets. Specimens were sorted and identified to the lowest reasonable taxa and categorized by abundance. Several indices were used to evaluate taxa richness and abundance. Selected physical parameters (i.e., substrate composition, water depth, canopy cover, aufwuchs, bank erosion, water quality data) were noted at the time of sampling. Data were analyzed and compiled in annual reports and compared to baseline conditions.