Little
River Subwatershed Information
Municipalities:
Newbury, Newburyport.
Estimated Population: 9225
General Description: This
subwatershed contains the Newburyport Industrial Park, commercial
retail properties, an inactive, unlined landfill in Newburyport, an
active landfill in Newbury, agricultural land, as well as protected
open space under state and private ownership. It is located in the
northernmost part of the Parker River watershed and is a major
influence on the water quality to the most downstream segment of the
Parker River. The Little River subwatershed is the second largest
subwatershed in the Parker River Watershed, after the Mill River
subwatershed. Undeveloped land use has remained the same in the last
decade (estimated to be 4600 acres in 1991 and 4625 acres in 1999).
Residential land use is up from 996 acres in 1991 to 1592 acres in 1999.
Land Area: 6866 acres (10.7
square miles)
Land Use as of 1999: Undeveloped
– 4625 acres (67% of the subwatershed, Forest is 31%)
Residential – 1592.5
acres (23% of the subwatershed)
Commercial/Industrial –
649 acres (9% of the subwatershed)
Named Tributaries: none
Lakes and Ponds: Quills Pond
Rapid Watershed Assessment: The
proportion of impervious cover in this subwatershed is estimated to be
10.5% based upon 1999 land use information. There has been little
change in impervious area in this subwatershed when compared to the
1991 land use information. This amount of impervious area indicates
that the subwatershed is likely to be affected by urbanization. These
affects include greater stormwater runoff and flooding, alteration of
stream habitat, impacts
to stream water quality, and a declining stream biodiversity. Aquatic
life is also affected. Although the indications are that this
subwatershed is affected by urbanization there is an opportunity to
improve conditions. Shellfish (recreational oyster fishery) is the
primary sensitive resource in the tidal portion of the subwatershed.
Water Quality Information:
Water quality in this subwatershed is degraded. The water quality
standards are not met in this subwatershed due to various sources of
pollution. This subwatershed has a highly sensitive designated use
(shellfishing). Information from a number of sources indicate that this
subwatershed exceeds the fecal coliform bacteria standard. Stormwater
and non-point source pollution from the Newburyport Industrial Park and
some agricultural land use appear to be the primary cause of this
exceedance.
A recently completed study by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
indicates that non-point source pollution is a major contributor of
pollution in this subwatershed. In addition, sub basins in the upper
portions of this subwatershed have high percentages of impervious area,
which contribute to poor water quality. Consistent with this
information are the findings of the Division of Marine Fisheries
Shellfish Program. Their assessment of water quality reveal that the
highest levels of fecal coliform in the Little River are found between
Hale Street and Hanover Street.
Shellfishing standards are exceeded during dry and wet weather
conditions on a regular basis. While there is little shellfish in the
Little River (except for a recreational oyster fishery), the quality of
water in the Little River has a direct affect on the water quality of
the Parker River. A dye study conducted by the Division of Marine
Fisheries and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration revealed that the
Little River affects an area of the Parker River one mile downstream of
the mouth of the Little River.
According to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Minibay Study nearly 50%
of the fecal coliform bacteria found in the Parker River portion of
Plum Island Sound comes from the Little River subwatershed. However,
the Little River contributes less than 10% when compared to all
potential loadings to Plum Island Sound (Parker River, Little River,
Rowley-Egypt Rivers, Ipswich River estuary, Ipswich River, Miles River
and Kimball Brook).
A 1994 survey conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Watershed Management included 17 sampling stations, which
were sampled during dry, low flow conditions. High phosphorous
concentrations and fecal coliform (700-800 colonies per 100 ml) were
found at some monitoring stations. Some tributaries to the Little River
also showed elevated phosphorous.
Recommendations: As indicated
by the existing water quality monitoring data, the Little River does
not achieve its designated uses. The causes are attributed to non-point
source pollution and stormwater runoff. It is recommended that the City
of Newburyport inspect the sanitary sewer system in the Industrial Park
for breaks and leaks and other potential sources of pollution.
Efforts should also be directed to septic system maintenance,
especially in the Town of Newbury. Better housekeeping practices to
minimize the attraction of flocks of birds and other wildlife will help
to reduce sources of pollution. It is also recommended that government
agencies continue to assist agricultural operations with the
implementation of best management practices to control non-point source
pollution. Causes of flooding in the Newburyport Industrial Park need
to be investigated and corrected.
(Data obtained from the Executive
Office of Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts Watershed Initiative,
2002 Watershed Assessment Report)
Last
update: February 3, 2009