Monitoring to determine Enterococci and fecal coliform concentrations during baseflow and storm events in Lake Mattamuskeet (Mattamuskeet NWR) and the Pamlico Sound (Swanquarter NWR)

This project will monitor the concentrations of Enterococci and fecal coliform during different seasons and varying flow conditions at Mattamuskeet NWR (Refuge) to estimate the potential impact that outflow has on waters in Swanquarter NWR, including shellfishing areas in the Pamlico Sound. The Refuge, in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Hyde County, is in the process of developing a rehabilitation plan for Lake Mattamuskeet (https://www.nccoast.org/lake-mattamuskeet-watershed-restoration/). Two of the proposed goals of the restoration plan are to restore water quality and reduce flooding. Increasing flow from the lake to the Pamlico Sound has been identified as one of the solutions that will address both of these goals. Increasing the flow to the sound has the potential to increase the bacteria concentrations reaching Pamlico Sound, which is home to Swanquarter NWR and serves as an important shellfishing area. Shellfishing areas are closed when bacteria concentrations are above regulatory limits (NCDMF, 2018). This monitoring will determine the levels of bacteria in Mattamuskeet NWR, which can later be used to determine how increased flow may affect Swanquarter NWR and closure of shellfishing areas in the Pamlico Sound.

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