Surface Water - Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Cahaba River (0315-0202)
suspended solids were periodically elevated. Fecal coliform concentrations were≥1,000
colonies/100 mL during May of 2002 and April of 2003. A WWTP is upstream of the site
and a sewage smell in the sediments was observed. Similar results were obtained during
ADEM’sAmbient Monitoring Program from June of 2000 through August of 2002
(Appendix R).
Intensive water quality sampling conducted during ADEM’s Ambient Monitoring
Program on the Cahaba River at C3 indicated elevated nutrient concentrations and
periodically elevated total suspended solid concentrations (Appendix R).
At GSACR-4, Cahaba River is a riffle-run stream located in the Southern Sandstone
Ridges (Appendix E). The reach was dominated by cobble and bedrock runs. Riffle
habitat was less available, and characterized by cobble, gravel, and sand. Pools were sandcovered
bedrock. The fish community was assessed as fair at this location. (O’Neil 2002,
Appendix G).
Sub-watershed status: Biological conditions were impaired at Piney Murry Creek, Savage
Creek, and the Cahaba River (Appendix G). Habitat quality at Savage Creek and the
Cahaba River were affected by sedimentation. SWCD estimates also indicated mining and
pasture runoff to be potential sources of impairment within the sub-watershed. Elevated
conductivities at Piney Murry and Savage Creek may be caused by mining within the subwatershed.
Biological conditions at Cahaba River locations were impacted by
sedimentation and nutrient enrichment. SWCD landuse estimates indicate the impairment
to be from urban sources.
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