Myrtle Beach’s Big Move Towards Cleaner Waters

Myrtle Beach’s Big Move Towards Cleaner Waters

Hey there, Myrtle Beach! Exciting changes are brewing along our beautiful coastline. Just a few weeks ago, crews kicked off a significant project that’s all about keeping our waters clean and improving storm drainage in our vibrant city. Yep, that’s right! It’s a hefty $40 million ocean outfall project that’s already making waves (pun intended) in the community.

What’s Happening?

So, here’s the scoop: the project primarily involves the construction of a huge, 84-inch diameter pipe that will stretch a whopping 1,500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. This new ocean outfall will help with stormwater management by filtering sediment and improving the quality of water that eventually makes its way to the sea. City officials are excited about this, explaining how the new outfall system will even help catch trash before it reaches our pristine beaches.

“Ocean outfalls and stormwater pipes are important because they filter sediment, improve water quality, and help catch trash before runoff water reaches the ocean,” said a spokesperson from the city. Currently, there are 11 outdated stormwater pipes along the beach, but this new system will replace them and make a world of difference.

What About Access?

As with any big construction project, there are some temporary hurdles to navigate. Specifically, the 24th Avenue North beach access point will be closed until early 2026 to make way for this ambitious undertaking. A construction laydown yard has been set up between Withers Drive and North Ocean Boulevard, allowing crews to work efficiently while keeping safety a priority.

Crews have been working from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and in the coming weeks, they’ll be making significant moves, including using a crane to excavate the ocean floor and install the hefty concrete pipe.

Why It Matters

Alright, let’s get a little more technical. When it rains, water can run off sidewalks and roads—what we call “stormwater”—and make its way to our local drainage systems. A good amount of this rainfall can end up unfiltered in the Atlantic Ocean or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway if we don’t manage it properly. That’s where this project comes into play! The new ocean outfall will make it so that rainwater is sent offshore instead of directly to our shores, keeping our beaches safe and clean for everyone.

Meredith Denari, the Director of Public Information for Myrtle Beach, shared how this is not just a new initiative. The city has been recognized for its innovative clean water infrastructure by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 2018. In fact, Myrtle Beach has poured over $75 million into stormwater management projects since the late ’90s. And with the support of nearly $37 million in state aid for this ocean outfall project, it looks like we’re well on our way to improving our island paradise.

What’s Going on Nearby?

It’s not just Myrtle Beach getting in on the action; our neighbors over at North Myrtle Beach are also wrapping up their own ocean outfall project. They began working on similar initiatives around the July Fourth holiday weekend, which includes routine inspections and cleaning of their drain systems. This step is crucial to ensure they’re functioning properly and are not damaging our beloved beaches.

By moving drainage pipes further out into the ocean, they’re helping maintain the quality of water where people swim and enjoy the beach, effectively reducing near-shore bacteria levels and helping to prevent erosion. It’s a win-win for locals and visitors alike!

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next? The completion of the Myrtle Beach Ocean Outfall Project is slated for April 2025. As we navigate these changes, it’s important to remember how these efforts are geared towards making our beaches safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone who loves spending time under the sun. Keep an eye out for updates, Myrtle Beach! Good things are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to enjoy those sparkling waters once everything is complete!