Myrtle Beach Begins Major Ocean Outfall Construction to Protect Coastal Waters

Myrtle Beach Sees Construction Action with New Ocean Outfall Project

This past Friday marked the start of a new phase in the 24th Avenue North ocean outfall construction project right here in beautiful Myrtle Beach! If you’ve been hitting the beach recently, you might have noticed some pretty loud banging noises coming from the site. That’s because they’re entering a phase known as pile driving. It’s not your typical beach day with the clanking and thumping, but it’s all for a great cause!

What’s Pile Driving All About?

So what exactly is pile driving? Well, it involves hammering large pipes—over 40 feet long—deep into the ground. This process serves as a foundation for a pier-like structure that will allow cranes and other heavy equipment to extend safely out over the beach. They’re gearing up to install two massive 84-inch pipes that will help filter stormwater and release it 1,500 feet offshore.

That might sound like a lot of technical jargon, but here’s why it matters: right now, the stormwater drains in downtown Myrtle Beach are dumping excess water directly onto the beach. This water can carry with it oils, gasses, and even chemicals from nearby lawns. Not too friendly for our lovely beach, right? This new system aims to keep our precious coastline clean and safe for everyone!

Cleaning Up the Beach

According to Chris Miller, who manages infrastructure projects for the city, this outfall will help get rid of that unwanted runoff. “This will take all that off the beachfront and keep our public safe,” he explained. By filtering the stormwater before it enters the ocean, the outfall will ensure that only clean water makes its way into the ocean, where it will be diluted and spread out.

What to Expect During Construction

Now, let’s talk about the noise! The pile driving process can be quite loud—think of a constant banging noise that some beachgoers have described as “shaking” or even “vibrating” their buildings. Clara Parker, who was enjoying a stroll with her husband on the beach, commented on the intensity, saying, “It was really loud. It was shaking.”

For the next four to five months, the crew will be working in the mornings, so expect that noise to be a somewhat regular part of your sunrise beach experience. Sadly, beach access will also be closed at 24th Avenue North during this timeframe. But hang in there! This construction is all part of a much bigger plan to enhance our coastline for many years to come.

A Lasting Investment

While all this may feel inconvenient right now, it’s important to remember that these efforts are paving the way for 50-100 years of enjoyment for our community. Miller reminded us to be patient, emphasizing, “Once this stormwater pipe goes in it will be here for 100 years or more.”

Looking Ahead

The complete project is expected to wrap up by early 2026, so there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Just imagine relaxing on a cleaner beach, knowing that the water is being managed more responsibly—sounds like a win-win, right? So, whether you’re a regular beachgoer or just love the summer vibes, these updates are sure to bring a wave of good news for everyone! Let’s hang tight together while this essential work gets done!